Safe Route Project Could Change Street

Even though the project is still in an early planning stage, the development of a safer walking route on the east side of PCH to has moved closer to fruition.

The city has been approved for a $321,699 grant to pay for improvements made to local roadways under the safe-route-to-school project at Hermosa View, according to city staffers.

The route aims to promote walking and bicycling in the community (see accompanying city staff report.)

The Hermosa Beach City Council last week unanimously decided to authorize city staffers to gather engineering service proposals for the project preparations along 16th Street, where the route has been proposed to build.

That decision followed some outcry from 16th Street residents. They argued that major changes to the street would disrupt quality of life as constructing sidewalks for the route would cut into residents’ yards and remove some trees.

But some Hermosa Beach parents argued that sidewalks, crosswalks and other changes are needed along 16th Street because the roadway is not safe for pedestrians.

After hearing feedback from both groups of locals on Aug. 9, the council agreed to move forward with the "safe-route-to-school" project, but focus on building pedestrian corridors on only the south side of the street to minimize impact on residents’ properties and parking.

Councilman Peter Tucker said that he walked the street and "the most logical side [for safe-route-to-school improvements] is the south side."

Some 16th Street residents said that traffic on the residential road has become a nuisance due to a traffic light at PCH bringing in drivers, and the proposed school route would cause more traffic trouble.

Melinda Brown, who lives on 16th Street, told the council that she and her neighbors are "advocates for a sidewalk on one side of the street. We all endorse the safe-route-to-school scenario," but some opposition continues due to the recent "volume of traffic and the velocity" in the area.

"We would appreciate more enforcement," she said.

To ease these traffic concerns, Tucker suggested that 16th Street residents petition for speed humps to be installed on their blocks.

"As a council we have to consider the quality of life here… we can get some speed bumps up there," he said.

Mayor Howard Fishman then suggested that the council consider other potential locations around town to build safe routes to Hermosa schools.

Interim Public Works Director Frank Senteno in the council meeting said that more public hearings would occur as the project and discussion moves forward.

What do you think of the proposed safe-route-to-school project?