Editor’s Note: Below is a letter on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council supporting the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway project, which will be discussed at Santa Monica City Council tonight.
Dear Mayor O’Connor and Council Members:
On behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), we write in support of the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo) project, which aims to connect Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood to other city destinations including parks, schools and workplaces through a network of safe and pleasant thoroughfares that support walking, jogging, biking and other non-car transportation modes.
NRDC has a long history of support for urban parks and greenways, particularly in the greater Los Angeles area. The MANGo project as outlined in the concept plan will make the streetscape more accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians and more inviting for the entire community.
This project reflects the community’s vision and meets the goals and priorities that were articulated by the community during the public workshops: the need to slow traffic down in the neighborhood; a desire to encourage walking, biking and non-car transportation modes; the wish to provide a creative and safe community space for residents of all ages; and the need for greening in the neighborhood with sustainable features.
We commend the Planning Department for listening to the community and creating a plan for a safe and inviting neighborhood greenway for the Pico Neighborhood, the City of Santa Monica, and the region as a whole.
Thank you for your consideration of our comments.
Very truly yours,
Damon Nagami
Senior Attorney
Director, Southern California Ecosystems Project
