SR-9A (22)
PCD:SF:RF:winword,OP&MON
council Meeting, AUgust 2, 1994
A9.~
Santa Monica California
To:
Mayor and City Council
From:
City staff
Subject: Recommendation to Approve the Restriping of Ocean
Park Boulevard and Montana Avenue; Appropriate
Funds for the Restriping; and Approve the Selection of
an Urban Design Consultant for Montana Avenue
:Introduction
This report recommends the City Council take the following
actions: 1) approve a pilot program for the restriping of Ocean
Park Boulevard between Barnard Way and Lincoln Boulevard subject
to the approval of the Coastal commission;
2) approve a pilot
program for the restriping of Montana Avenue between 7th and 20th
streets; 3) appropriate funds for both restriping projects; and
4) approve the selection of Jeff Orbordorfer and Associates to
develop an urban design master plan for Montana Avenue.
Ocean Park Boulevard
Several months ago, staff was approached by Ocean Park community
residents regarding the feasibility of restriping Ocean Park
Boulevard to one lane in each direction from two lanes in each
direction, similar to the striping change on Main Street. The
residents also had a goal of developing a long range master plan
for streetscape improvements for Ocean Park Boulevard to be
implemented when funding is available.
The residents formed a working committee and began a proclb% 0) ~
obtaining community input about the restriping and streets cape
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proposals for Ocean Park Boulevard. Staff met on several
occasions with the working committee to add input and assist in
developing the plan. Dur ing the development of the Ocean Park
Boulevard Plan, the residents conducted neighborhood meetings and
presented the plan at the annual meeting of the Ocean Park
Community Organization. Throughout the process the community has
expressed support. Prior to any implementation, the Committee
and staff decided to request Council approval and implementation
of the short term restriping before finalizing the development of
a long term streetscape plan.
The Plan proposes to change Ocean Park Boulevard from two lanes
of traffic in each direction to one lane in each direction with a
continuous two-way left turn median lane from Neilson Way to
Lincoln Boulevard. On-street parking would be added along
certain segments and the existing bike lane would be improved.
The one lane in each direction may slow traffic without adversely
affecting congestion. The Plan will also promote pedestrian
safety by reducing the number of lanes that pedestrians must
cross and providing a refuge area in the middle of the roadway.
The proposed configuration will be the first phase of
implementing a long term streets cape plan for the street.
Traffic lanes will be reduced and a painted median provided. In
the future, a raised concrete median or island could be
constructed and eventually landscaped, and other traffic
controls, such as chokers, could be constructed at the
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intersections. The committee is looking at other amenities to
the area, including benches, street lighting, special crossing
areas such as textured concrete or pavers, and banners.
The Ocean Park Boulevard restriping plan has been presented and
approved by the Ocean Park Community Organization (Opeo). In
addition, the Tranportation Department has reviewed the plan and
determined there would not be any significant impacts to transit
service.
The estimated cost to implement the Ocean Park Boulevard
restriping plan is $35,000, including design, construction and
contingencies. However, prior to implementation, staff will
submit the striping plan to the coastal commission for approval.
Montana Avenue
Staff has evaluated traffic conditions along the commercial
section of Montana Avenue in response to concerns about speeding,
traffic volumes, pedestrian safety and parking. A preliminary
Plan was developed to modify the traffic pattern along Montana
Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each
direction, similar to Main street.
Some residents and merchants have also been reviewing Montana
Avenue with the goal of developing a master streetscape plan.
The preliminary concepts and ideas are similar to those developed
and adopted for the Main street area. Both residents and
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merchants have expressed the desire to pursue a community process
to develop and implement a Montana Avenue Plan.
The Plan as proposed by staff changes Montana Avenue from two
lanes of traffic in each direction to one lane in each direction
with a continuous two-way left turn median lane. Parking would
remain in its current parallel conf iguration and a bike lane
would be added. The Plan also includes some minor signal
modifications to improve traffic flow along Montana Avenue.
The proposed traffic pattern will promote traffic safety by
providing separate lanes for left turning vehicles and through
traffic at intersections. The one lane in each direction may
slow traffic without adversely affecting congestion. The plan
should also promote pedestrian safety by reducing the number of
lanes that pedestrians must cross and providing a refuge area in
the middle of the roadway so they only need to concentrate on one
direction of traffic at one time. The new median will also
provide an area to prominently post pedestrian warning signs to
alert motorists of the presence of pedestrian activity. The
Transportation Department will evaluate the Plan during the pilot
phase to determine if there will be any impact to transit
service.
The proposed configuration can also be the basis for a
streets cape plan. Traffic lanes will be reduced and a painted
median provided. In the future, a raised concrete median or
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island could be constructed and eventually landscaped, and other
traffic controls, such as chokers, could be constructed at the
intersections. Also, it may be possible to widen sidewalks to
enhance the pedestrian atmosphere as well as to provide for
outdoor dining areas, or provide other pedestrian amenities, such
as special crossing areas constructed with textured concrete or
pavers.
staff presented the proposed traffic pattern change for Montana
Avenue at two merchant's meetings. The Montana Avenue Merchants
have approved the striping change. The plan has also been
presented and approved by the Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood
Coalition.
The area merchants' and neighborhood organizations have requested
the assistance of a design consultant to assist them in
developing an urban design for Montana Avenue. Staff conducted a
selection process and mailed a request for proposal to seven
interested firms. Four proposals were received, with costs
ranging from $22,000 to $59,000.
staff carefully reviewed each of the proposals and decided to
recommend Jeff Orbordorfer and Associates (JOA) for a cost of
$23,500. The proposal submitted by JOA includes a traffic
calming expert, extensive public participation, consultant
attendance at three Planning commission/City Council meetings,
and a final document report. The firm is well qualified with
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excellent references. The cost of $23,500 can be paid from the
FY 94/95 Policy and Planning Analysis Division budget.
The estimated cost to implement the Montana Avenue restriping
plan is $75,000, including design, construction, minor signal
improvements and contingencies.
Neiqhborbood Notification
In advance and during implementation of the two pilot
restripings, staff will post public information signs which will
provide a phone number for residents to provide comments. This
is similar to the process established for the Mid city Plan. In
addition, throughout the design process there will be several
community meetings and public workshops.
CEQA status
The proposed projects are Categorically Exempt per City of Santa
Monica Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA Class 1 (15) ,
which exempts projects involving the installation of traffic
signs, pavement markings, including traffic channelization using
paint and raised pavement markers.
Bud~et/Pinancial Impact
The Council needs to appropriate funds from General Fund reserves
for the Ocean Park Boulevard and Montana Avenue restriping
projects. The Ocean Park Boulevard project is estimated to cost
$35,000, and the Montana Avenue project is estimated to cost
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$75,000. Funds in the amount of $110,000 should be appropriated
to elP account #01-770-415-20095-8905-99342 (Ocean Park and
Montana Restriping).
Funds for the urban design consultant are available in the
professional services account of the Policy and Planning Analysis
Division.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a pilot program for the restriping of Ocean Park
Boulevard between Barnard Way and Lincoln Boulevard;
2. Approve a pilot program for the restriping of Montana Avenue
between 7th and 20th streets;
3. Appropriate $110,000 from General Fund reserves to ClP
account #01-770-415-20095-8905-99342 (Ocean Park and
Montana Restriping); and
4. Approve the selection of Jeff Orbordorfer and Associates to
develop an urban design master plan for Montana Avenue.
Prepared by:
Planning and Community Development Department
Suzanne Frick, Director
Ron Fuchiwaki, City Parking and Traffic
Engineer
Paul Casey, Acting Senior Planner
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