June 2, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway Begins To Take Shape:

Bergamot Station seems to be on Santa Monica’s mind these days. The City Council has two Bergamot Area items on its upcoming Tuesday agenda, while planning commissioners are taking a stab at Hines’ request to enter into a development agreement (DA) with City Hall.

At the Aug. 28 Planning Commission meeting, the advisory panel reviewed the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway, an ambitious circulation plan potentially connecting the Bergamot Arts Center to destinations west.

Plans presented by City staff seemed well received overall, yet there were still a few concerns raised by commissioners and residents alike.

“It’s such a vital corridor here,” Gary Kavanaugh told commissioners, adding he lives in the area where the Greenway is proposed and regularly observes bikers traveling to and from Samohi.

The interaction between cyclists and motorists was a key point of concern on the dais and among members of the public who spoke at the final Planning Commission meeting of August.

One resident, Shawn Killinger, told commissioners two-way access to the neighborhood was an important issue.

Another resident, Ellen Hannon, expressed concern of the proposed traffic circles. She said traffic circles have different rights of way depending on city or state.

With so many tourists in Santa Monica, she pondered whether confusion would rule as cyclists and motorists negotiate a right of way in one of the proposed traffic circles.

On the dais, the Greenway’s impact on residential permit parking was a significant concern.

Commissioner Jim Ries focused on parking and cycle tracks. He asked City staff whether angled or perpendicular parking could be considered.

Similarly, Commissioner Richard McKinnon asked City staff about the potential loss of parking in order to accommodate the Greenway.

“I understand … parking is going to be a big issue and there will be a backlash from those residents,” Ries said.

Funding was also a concern meaning construction could be delayed. Metro funding, for example, might be five or six years away.

Another issue raised by commissioners and residents alike was the volume of traffic on Michigan Avenue, something the Greenway hopes to address.

As for the actual concept plans, the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway entered into the City’s lexicon in light of principles presented in the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) and the Bike Action Plan.

“A future Greenway would provide residents and visitors with a safe and comfortable place to walk, bike, and interact with neighbors, all while connecting the community to important destinations including schools, job centers, and future Expo stations,” City staff stated.

Consistent with the project’s name, the proposed Greenway, according to City staff, “primarily travels along Michigan Avenue, with a beach connection on the west end and connections to Bergamot Arts Center and the Expo bike and pedestrian path on the east end.”

“As an important component of the City’s No Net New Trips strategy, the project is … is a backbone bicycle facility of the network envisioned in the Bike Action Plan,” City staff stated. “The project also furthers LUCE goals of enhancing neighborhood quality of life, by introducing informal spaces for social interaction and through additional trees and landscaping. The project will make it easier to get around Santa Monica on foot and by bicycle, and is intended to enhance the livability of the neighborhood and improve environmental quality.”

City staff added the proposed Greenway, if realized, would serve several local communities, including young and senior residents as well as commuters who rely upon walking, biking, and/or transit to get to work.

A community workshop is set for Sept. 21, allowing residents to provide additional input on the Greenway.

in News
Related Posts

Extra Officers Deployed for Motorcyclists’ Violations

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Speeding Is the Primary Cause of Motorcycle Crashes The Santa Monica Police Department deployed additional officers on patrol June 1...

Santa Monica Police Department Releases First Quarter Crime Report

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Decrease in Calls for Service, Increase in Arrests, Shifts in Part I Offenses The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has...

Free Meals for WGA Members During Strike at Bob’s Big Boy and Swingers Diner

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Comedian and Host Drew Carey Is Paying For Meals For Striking WGA Members By Dolores Quintana As the Writers Guild...

(Video) Recap of The 8th Annual “Mainopoly” Tour of Main Street Restaurants

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Come along the most recent Mainopoly tour of Main Street to check out its restaurants and shops. @smmirrornews Come tour...

Mystery Surrounds Closure of Michelin Recommended Restaurant Savida in Santa Monica

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Santa Monica’s Beloved Crudo and Seafood Restaurant Abruptly Shuts Down on April 27 By Dolores Quintana After receiving a coveted...

Salvation Army to Distribute 2,000 Donuts at Santa Monica Promenade

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

Donuts Will Be Distributed at Various Locations Throughout the City. The Salvation Army Santa Monica will commemorate its 130-year anniversary...

Santa Monica Requests $6M To Expand Memorial Park

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

An Expansion Project Would Combine the 10.3-acre Park With an Adjacent 2.9 Acre Property. By Zach Armstrong The city of...

Get Ready For Cinematic Despair: American Cinematheque Presents Bleak Week

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

Explore the Darkest Depths of Humanity in a Gripping Showcase of Bleak Cinema Get ready for a captivating week of...

Sexual Assault Suspect in Custody After Stabbing Victim’s Friend

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Suspect Is Responsible for Another Recent Assault. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers from the...

Mail and Package Thieves Detained by Santa Monica Police

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Suspect Possessed Counterfeit U.S. Postal Service Arrow Keys. Shortly before midnight on May 20, officers from the Santa Monica...

Pandemic-Induced Rent Debt Crisis Threatens Housing Stability

May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023

Low-Wage Workers and Communities of Color Disproportionately Affected By Dolores Quintana  Rental debt is an out-of-control problem that has worsened...

Spanish Revival Home On Market For Nearly $20M

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Property is Nestled Behind Gates and Features Eight Bedrooms By Zach Armstrong Over top of the Riviera Country Club,...

Santa Monica Ranked One of the Least Affordable U.S. Cities

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Several Metrics Graded on a 100-point Scale to Make the Ranking. By Zach Armstrong The City of Santa Monica was...

(Video) Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The METRO and public bus system has reportedly been a large factor in Santa Monica’s homeless population. @smmirrornews Homelessness in...

Health Advisory: Los Angeles County Health Warns Against Swimming This Weekend

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Public Health Issues Caution as Bacterial Levels Exceed Health Standards  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents...