SR-120208-3BCity Council Meeting: ®ecember 2, 2008
Agenda Item:
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Lee E. Swain, Director of Public Works
Subject: Neighborhood Impacts of Group Exercise on 4th Street Median at Adelaide
Drive
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council review and comment on the staff report and
provide further direction, as required.
Executive Summary
Although there has been an ordinance prohibiting the use of medians for anything other
than walking or running since 1970, the 4th Street median south of Adelaide Drive is
regularly used for exercising, stretching, group fitness classes and pick-up gyms.
Nearby residents have expressed serious concerns about this use and the associated
noise, traffic, and litter. In spite of many attempts to use proactive methods to secure
compliance including education, new signs, intermittent enforcement, etc., the 4t" St.
median at Adelaide Dr. has attracted increasing numbers of people utilizing the area for
exercise and other activities that are not permitted by the ordinance. A Park Ranger
has been assigned to oversee the area as part of a regular rotation which has
minimized non-permitted use of the median. Staff conducted a 1,000 foot survey of
residents to gauge community concerns, held a community neighborhood meeting and
has begun discussion of potential options and solutions. There is no fiscal impact to
continue with the current periodic enforcement of the city ordinance with Park Rangers
as already established. If Council proposes. other actions that have fiscal impacts,
funds vvill be identified in the current adopted budget.
Background
Staff has received complaints from neighbors over the last year and a half requesting
assistance to stem the increase in commercial and group exercise activities on the
median at 4th Street and Adelaide. Ordinance 4.20.010, adopted. in 1970, prohibits the
use of medians for any use other than jogging or walking. Recently there has been a
noticeable increase in organized group exercise activities including "pickup gyms".
1
Neighborhood impacts include street and sidewalk congestion from group classes,
stationing gym or massage equipment in the median; increased traffic, litter and noise.
Discussion
Residents proximate to 4~" Street and Adelaide drive have become increasingly
frustrated with impacts of the use of the median. Although the 4th Street median has
had signs posted for years prohibiting its use and new ground level signs recently
installed, these have been widely ignored by group exercisers. In spite of the
prohibition, the use of the median for other uses has been increasing. The median has
become a gathering spot for groups, paid fitness coaches and individual exercisers,
many of whom create noise, trash and human waste issues. The noise starts as early
as 4:00 a.m. and often continues well into the evening. Recently, a Park Ranger has
been assigned to oversee the area as part of a regular rotation. This rotation activity is
different from the oversight duties of permanent Park Rangers stationed at eight (8) city
parks: Airport, Clover, Douglas, Marine, Memorial, Palisades, Reed and Virginia. In
spite of many attempts to use the proactive methods to secure compliance including
education, new signs, intermittent enforcement, etc., the 4~" St. median at Adelaide Dr.
has attracted increasing numbers of people utilizing the area for exercise, etc.
Staff has worked with neighbors from adjacent residences on a number of short term
interventions to disrupt negative impacts and behaviors. In addition, staff conducted a
1,000 foot survey of residents to gauge community concerns, held a community
neighborhood meeting and has begun discussion of potential options and solutions.
Public Outreach
Staff began a series of steps to gather community input ranging from surveying
neighbors to gauge community concern about the activities. Attachment 1 is a
summary of the results received from the survey sent to nearby residents. Attachment
2 is a sampling of residents' response to the open space survey.
2
In addition, a community meeting was held at the Main Library on October 30, 2008 with
about fifty (50) concerned residents attending. The goal has been to understand all
perspectives, capture areas of agreement and potential areas for further action and
potential solutions. The staff presentation provided at the community meeting (included
as Attachment 3) included a summary of the survey results. Attachment 4 is a summary
of community suggestions provided at the meeting.
Staff will evaluate additional measures that can be taken to address the neighbors
concerns, present recommendations to the City Manager, and return to City Council for
further direction, if required. A second community meeting has been scheduled for
Thursday, .January 8, 2009 to present to-the community any decisions for further action
on the part of the City.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no fiscal impact to continue with the current periodic enforcement of the city
ordinance with Park Rangers as already established.
Prepared by:
Lee E. Swain, Director of Public Works
Approved: Forwarded~to Council:
Lee E. Swain P. L ont Eti
Director, Public Works Ci Manager
Attachment 1 -Results of Resident Survey of Median & Parkway Usage Near 4th Street
and Adelaide Drive
Attachment 2 -Sampling of Residents' Response to Open Space Survey Question
Attachment 3 -Staff Presentation at October 30, 2008 Community Meeting
Attachment 4 - Summary of Community Suggestions
3
Attachment 1
~'
RESULTS OF RESIDENT SURVEY OF MEDIAN & PARKWAY USAGE
NEAR 4T" STREET AND ADELAIDE DRIVE
The "Resident Survey of Median & Parkway Usage" was distributed by the City of Santa Monica to
the 4th St. and Adelaide Dr. neighborhood to obtain feedback from the impacted community
concerning the increased usage of medians and parkways for exercise-related activities other than
walking orjogging. Approximately three hundred (300) residents responded to the survey.
30% Genearal Reaction to Use of Medians
for Activities other than Walking or Jogging
25°/
zo^r
o
t s°i
to%
s%
o°i -
Strongly Somewhat Don't Care Not Sure Somewhat Strongly
Support Support Oppose Oppose
Most residents (277 or 97%) reported that
they have observed people using the
medians and parkways in their immediate
neighborhood for exercise-related
activities otherthan walking orjogging. Of
the residents who reported this,
approximately half support the use of
medians and parkways for exercise-
related activities and half oppose it. The
exact breakdown of residents' levels of
support is shown in the graph at left.
Those residents that either somewhat oppose or strongly oppose median and parkway use were
asked to identify the cause(s) of their opposition. Causes of opposition included: use by large croups
(38%l. traffic (31%1. litter 129%1. wear and tear on landscaping (28%), blocking streets and walkways
(26%l. noise 125%1. and loss of privacy (21%l. The figures are shown in the graph below in
decreasing order of what disturbs respondents the most about median and parkway use.
In terms of a remedy to discourage
median and parkway use by
individuals and groups for
exercising, 21% of respondents
would support the removal of Brass
and the replanting of affected
medians with trees, bushes and/or
ground cover. However, of those
who support the conversion of the
medians to exercise-unfriendly
terrain, only 9% said they would
support a new local property
assessment in the immediate area to cover the cost of rep lanting affected medians.
Respondents were given the opportunity to write in suggestions of alternative actions or
recommendations. Comments representative of recurring themes are printed on the back of this
page. Other comments and questions can be directed to public.works@smgov.net or 310/458-
8221 (TDD/TTY 310/917-6266). Please plan to attend a second community meeting on January 8.
2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Santa Monica Main Library for a report on any
further action to betaken by the city.
What Bothers You?
40%
35%
30
25% __ __ ___ _ _-
75%
~o°r°
5%
-
%
o
large Traffic Litter Wear& Street Noise Loss of
groups tear blockage privacy
Attachment 2
SAMPLING OF RESIDENTS' RESPONSE TO OPEN SURVEY QUESTION
"What other actions could be taken to prevent the exercise use of public open space?"
Permit Parking
"Parking Permits for the residents to discourage people driving to our neighborhood."
"The permits have been a great help on 4th Street-thank you!"
"Extend restricted/priority parking hours.'
Signage
"Putting signs up prohibiting commercial use and noting that medians are not public parks."
"Post signs prohibiting exercise classes/limiting use to walking jogging only."
"Post signs asking for courtesy to neighbors/limiting noise."
"More visible signs" "Put upsigns - No Exercise area:'
"Signs reminding people that this is a residential area..:' "The yellow small signs ... suffice:'
Park Ranger & Police Patrols
"Extra patrols at random times." "Signage and enforcement" "Penalties/citations"
"Once the police presence is gone, people/trainers etc. will return." "We can't patrol it 24/7."
"Having the police presence at 4t" & San Vicente near stairs has helped -please continue:'
"The Park Rangers have helped but you probably can't afford them forever!"
"Fines" "Police enforcement" "Enforce no littering:' "Constant monitoring by police"
"I don't think it's a good use of the time of Park Rangers:'
Alternative Public Areas
"Identify public areas that can be used for exercise that do not impact residential areas."
"Take away access to stairs:'
Public Space for Public Benefit
"No action is required" "None!" "Why not find ways to make the area MORE accessible?"
"All public open spaces should be available for exercise, as Tong as it is safe and lawful."
"It's open public space which should be for the use and benefit of aII citizens."
"I love the exercise that I see along the medians, makes me feel like I live in a small town and not a
faceless city." "The City should encourage, not discourage exercise:'
"I think it's wonderful our residents (and visitors) have the freedom and access to the various grass
areas. It encourages clean, fun, social activities and provides for a safer neighborhood..."
"These grass areas are for rich, poor and all as long as they are lawful in action and behavior."
"Please -let the folks use the beautiful landscaped areas for self-improvement & physical
enjoyment:' "This ordinance should be immediately repealed:'
"There is so little park space north of Montana, that use of the median on 4`h makes good sense."
License Fee for Groups
"...fitness instructors who are conducting business should pay license fees & business taxes..:'
"License fee for groups of 4 or more" "Some days there are 5-10 group classes going on:'
"Inspections to make sure instructors are properly licensed to do business in Santa Monica."
Replanting
"I wouldn't go thru the cost of replanting." "NO new taxes:'
"It's a waste of taxpayer's money & loss of green space to replace the grass medians just because
some groups are exercising there."
Attachment 3
~ Welcome Residents!
Community Meeting regarding 4T Street Metlians
October 30, 2008 630-830 p.m.
se:~. xom..• Santa MOnlCa Main Library MUlGpuryose ROOm
~ City Team
• Elaine Polachek, Deputy City Manager
• Kate Vernez, Assistant to the Cily Manager '
• Tim Jackman, Chief of Police
• Barbara StinchGelq Direccr of Community and Cultural Services
• Joan Akins, Acting Director cf Ccmmunity Maintenanra
• Lee Swain, Director cf Public Works
• Ken Kirby, Facilitator
~ Purpose of Meeting
fnv~a Xaoien
{A. h
• Invite neighbors to describe their concerns
to gauge impacts
• Hear suggestions for potential strategies
to best address major community
concerns
Adelaide Stairs
The City of Santa Monica has no
jurisdiction over the Adelaide Stairs.
The stairs are within the jurisdiction of the
City of Los Angeles.
Attachment 3
City Municipal Code
4.20.010 Use of median PLE ASE`
planting strips. .
It shall he unlawful to use
the median planting strips
far anything but jogging or w'It°"o ~~JS^9
walking. All other activities ~ r
are strictly prohibited. (Prior
code § 4500; added by Ord.
No. 842CCS, adopted
9/22/70)
~ Survey Results
~:;..oo...•
1. Have you observed people using the
medians and parkways (the grass areas
in the center and sides of the roadway) in
your immediate neighborhood for
exercise activities other than walking or
Jo99in9~
Yes-97% No-3%
Attachment 3
~ Survey Results
]nets Xonien`
2. If yes, what is your general reaction to
this activity?
Strongly support this use 28%
Somewhat support this use 14%
I don't rare t5%
I'm not sure hcw I feel 1
Somewhat oppose this use 77%
Strongly oppose this use 25%
TOTAL 100%
~ Survey Results
5nerv Noeien`
3. Do you support the removal of grass and
the replanting of affected medians with
trees, bushes and/or ground cover to
discourage their use by individuals and
groups for exercising?
Yes-21% No-72% NR-7%
~ Next Steps
B.oY Nwlef
• City staff will analyze all information
provided and make recommendations to
City Manager
• City Manager will make a decision on any
furtherffuture city action
• City staff will report decision back to the
community at a second meeting, January
8, 2009 at 6:30 in the Multipurpose Room
of the Santa Monica Main Library.
~ Survey Results
2a. If ycu answeretl "somewhat opposed or
strongly oppaseQ please answer the
s..~. a..:d follawing: What in'paNwlar bothersyou
about this activity?(Please check all that
apply.}
Privacy 21%
Noise 25%
Blocking streets and walkways 26%
wearana rear °a tart 2°%
' Ldter 29%
Traffic 31%
Large groups 38%
~ Survey Results
3a' Would you support a new local property
assessment in the immediate area to
cover the cost of replanting. affected
medians?
Yes-9°/p No-25°/p NR-66%
Attachment 4
SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY SUGGESTIONS
General:
Take quick action for interim solution
Survey stair users
Notify stair' users and public of next meeting.
Maintenance:
Pick up trash on weekends
Add trash cans
Budget more for frequent maintenance
Projects:
Add restrooms
Additional signs
Build stairs on bluffs
Provide drinking fountain(s)
Fence stairs (to limit use to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Build alternate stairs
Connect stairs with sidewalk
Stripe street for pedestrian walkway
Convert median to community garden
Install security cameras
Install walkway on hillside
Add signs to bathrooms at Palisades Park & LA. City beach
Add parking signs to Ocean Ave.
Turn median into community garden rather than replanting median
Install metered parking
Enforcement:
More aggressive enforcement
Periodic enforcement (staff suggests continuing the same enforcement with park rangers)
Site pedestrians using street
Use volunteers to monitor use of median
Self police
Regulatory:
Revise or reverse Ordinance
Implement 24-hour parking restrictions
Permit use by trainers
Close stairs
Restrict time usage
Convert Adelaide Dr. to one-way between Ocean Ave. & 4t" St
Close 4'" St. area to pedestrians only
Make the median a city park
Community:
Distribute flyers with code of ethics
Start community discussion group
Staff suggests encouraging L.A. to install signs on stairs (for those going down)