TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution closing to vehicular traffic a portion of the public right-of-way known as West La Reina Way, between Del Rey Court and Chestnut Avenue, and adopt and accept Categorical Exemption No. CE 42-12. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
In 2011, the City of Long Beach (City) applied for Proposition 84's Urban Greening for the Sustainable Communities Program (Program). The Program is administered by the Strategic Growth Council and provides funds to preserve, enhance, increase or establish green areas such as urban forests, open spaces, and community gardens. In 2012, the City was awarded $170,000 for the construction of the Willmore Courts and Ways Demonstration Project located at La Reina Way and Chestnut Avenue in the Drake Park/Willmore City Historic Landmark District.
The proposed demonstration project involves closure of West La Reina Way, between Del Rey Court and Chestnut Avenue, to vehicular traffic shown on the attached vicinity map. This project will transform an alley within an urban residential block into a model for a sustainable pedestrian way by improving the walkability, incorporating stormwater management features, planting drought tolerant plants, and other sustainable enhancements. Wilmore City Historic Association, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, was established to improve, preserve, and promote the community of Willmore City, has signed a contract agreeing to perform the necessary maintenance of the green pedestrian way, including repairs, maintenance of landscaping, and custodial services for a minimum of 20 years.
The proposed closure will serve a variety of functions. The proposed pedestrian way will provide access to front yards and side entrances, safe play space for children, a meeting place for neighbors, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle circulation in the neighborhood. The area will still remain public and open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The City has been in close communication with the neighboring residents and the Willmore City Historic Association, who are in support of the proposed project.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21101(a)(1), which provides that local authorities may adopt rules and regulations closing any street or alley in its jurisdiction to vehicular traffic when, in the opinion of the legislative body having jurisdiction, the street or alley is no longer needed for vehicular traffic. The City adopted such rules and regulations in 1997 with Resolution No. C-25791, providing that public park and/or recreational use is a valid justification for street closure to vehicular use.
Findings must establish that the subject portion of right-of-way is unnecessary for vehicular use. The Public Works Department (PW) supports this action based on the following evidence, facts, conditions and findings establishing that the street to be closed is not needed for vehicular traffic:
1. West La Reina Way, between Chestnut Avenue and Del Rey Court, is to be closed to vehicular traffic but will remain open for pedestrian and bicycle use;
2. The proposed pedestrian way demonstration project shall not be dedicated or designated as a public park or recreation area for purposes of Long Beach City Charter Section 905 entitled Parks in Perpetuity. Therefore, the recommended action would not subject the proposed park to the 2:1 replacement ratio under Section 905. If it is determined, due to future land development or for any other reason, that the subject alley would better serve the public as a vehicular thoroughfare, vehicular use can be restored and the closed area would not need to be replaced by other park or recreation areas; and
3. The improvements to the proposed pedestrian way will be overseen by PW and maintained by Willmore City Historic Association. Notwithstanding, the non-dedication and non-designation of the subject area as a public park within the meaning of Section 905, the proposed pedestrian way shall continue to be controlled and operated by the City. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Categorical Exemption No. CE 42-12 was issued for this project. This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on February 24, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 23, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on March 10, 2015, to allow the City to proceed with the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH CLOSING TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS WEST LA REINA WAY LOCATED BETWEEN DEL REY COURT AND CHESTNUT AVENUE IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Respectfully Submitted,
ARA MALOYAN, PE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER