TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Marisa Lundstedt, Community Development Director
Erik Zandvliet, T.E. City Traffic Engineer
SUBJECT:Title
Resolution to Install Stop Signs at Valley Drive/Oak Street/35th Street and Realign the Intersection Approaches on a Trial Basis as Recommended by the Parking and Public Improvements Commission (Community Development Lundstedt).
ADOPT
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
The Parking and Public Improvements Commission recommends that the City Council approve the installation stop signs in all directions at Valley Drive/Oak Avenue/35th Street and realign the intersection approaches on a 6-month trial basis and adopt Resolution #15-0007.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost to install the stop signs and pavement markings can be funded through the existing Public Works operating budget.
BACKGROUND:
Recently, the City has received several requests for stop signs or other traffic measures at the intersection of Valley Drive and Oak Avenue and 35th Street. In July 2014, a local resident stated that it is difficult to exit the Ross Manhattan senior living complex when cars are speeding south on Valley Drive. In September 2014, a second resident requested the City address speeding issues on Valley Drive and is asking for stop signs between Sepulveda Boulevard and 27th Street. He also explained that the lanes on Valley Drive are too narrow and parked cars are hit regularly by speeding cars. The intersection of Valley Drive and Oak Avenue and 35th Street is currently stopped on the southbound approach of Oak Avenue and the eastbound approach of 35th Street.
DISCUSSION:
On January 22, 2015, the Parking and Public Improvements Commission held a public meeting to discuss the Traffic Engineer's evaluation supporting stop signs in all directions and temporary realignment of the intersection approaches. (Attachment 1 and 2) It is the Traffic Engineer's professional opinion that stop signs and realignment of the south and east legs would address both speed sight visibility issues, as well as offer the potential for sidewalk connections for both the Belamar Hotel and senior living complex. It is recommended that any roadway realignment be tested on a trial basis with striping and delineators to determine its effectiveness and potential adverse impacts, before constructing permanent curbs and sidewalks.
The Commission heard from seven speakers from the surrounding neighborhood in favor of the stop signs and/or other speed reduction measures. Speakers shared concerns regarding speeding traffic, narrow lanes, and sideswipe collisions with parked cars. The Commission passed a motion 4-1 recommending the installation of stop signs in all directions at the intersection of Valley Drive/Oak Avenue/35th Street, including temporary realignment of the south and west approaches on a trial basis.
The City has environmentally reviewed this proposed change pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Sections 2100, et seq. ("CEQA"), the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1500 et seq.), and the City's environmental guidelines. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, the City has a Class 1 Categorical Exemption because the proposed modification is a minor alteration to the City's existing streets involving only a negligible change in the use of the City's existing streets. This conclusion would be verified through a before-and-after traffic study on adjacent streets.
CONCLUSION:
The Parking and Public Improvements Commission recommends that the City Council approve the installation stop signs in all directions at Valley Drive/Oak Avenue/35th Street and realign the intersection approaches on a 6-month trial basis and adopt Resolution #15-0007. (Attachment 3)
Attachments:
1. January 22, 2015 Parking and Public Improvements Commission Staff Report
2. January 22, 2015 Parking and Public Improvements Commission Draft Minutes
3. Resolution No. 15-0007