(Sent to People St., Mayor Garcetti and Councilmember Mike Bonin)
Pacific Palisades Residents Association opposes the proposed parklet on La Cruz in Pacific Palisades. While the concept of parklets under Los Angeles People St program is positive, this proposed location is not appropriate. It is inappropriate due to safety concerns, no demonstrated need, reduction of needed parking and City income, failure to meet People St program conditions, and restricted benefit.
The proposed location is not safe for gathering. Traffic converges at the nearby intersection from three directions. A blind driveway exits between buildings immediately adjacent to the parklet, causing near misses. It is not peaceful, with an active carwash across the street. After school, students gather on the sidewalk here, eating and visiting. The parklet will attract more students, increasing the likelihood of congestion in the street and possible accidents.
This parklet would remove a parking spot, reducing scarce local parking and City income. Patrons of the Post Office one-half block away need such parking, as do people picking up students, and others. The parklet would be a waste of taxpayer funds, reducing metered parking without good reason.
There are two parks and two pleasant, safe parklets less than two blocks from this parking spot. They are Palisades Recreation Center; Village Green; Monument St. park benches and mini-library; a bench and grassy spot in the 15200 block of Sunset Blvd. Within a mile of this location, Temescal Canyon Park includes several hiking trails into the Santa Monica Mountains. This is clearly not a community without access to open space, a People St program requirement.
This location lacks another People St requirement, that the nearby sidewalk area is constrained for pedestrian usage. The sidewalk is at least 12 feet wide. Any constraints are caused by the adjacent business’ placement of several tables and chairs, plus picnic tables and benches, on the sidewalk, impeding pedestrian passage. PPRA is concerned that this parklet would in effect expand an existing business, providing it economic benefit, without required permits or benefit to the wider community.
The community was not consulted before approval of this proposal. There were no public hearings. A parklet is not an urgent matter that can justify approvals without notice. Finally, at a time when the City of Los Angeles is facing deficits and struggling economically, PPRA believes it is unwise to spend scarce funds in Pacific Palisades for an unneeded parklet. If asked, residents would easily compile a list of more worthy projects for this town – safer sidewalks for example.
PPRA respectfully requests that you withdraw approval of the parklet on La Cruz in Pacific Palisades.
Brenda Theveny, President
Pacific Palisades Residents Association
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