When the team from the Urban Land Institute came into town earlier this year, one of its recommendations was to fix up the decaying streetscape downtown, saying that “the paving materials are outdated, are in disrepair, and have become unattractive.”
Though the city is waiting for the first draft of its specific plan before implementing some of the larger recommendations, it decided to tackle this one early. The council approved the $877,000 cost and a construction contingency for a total of $965,000 at its Feb. 17 meeting.
Work began on Sept. 8, temporarily blocking some parking spaces on Manhattan Beach Boulevard between Valley Drive/Ardmore and The Strand; Manhattan Avenue between 8th and 13th streets; and Highland Avenue between 8th and 10th streets. The tasks include removing the deteriorated blue tiles in the crosswalks and replacing them with a new stamped blue asphalt tile pattern; replacing broken or dislodged sidewalks, curbs and gutters; slurry sealing and other minor street repairs.
Excel Paving Company has until Nov. 13 to finish the job. The city wants the project done before the holiday season.
Street closures may be required, though the city said it would “make every effort to maintain at least one open lane in each direction.”
Parking prohibitions are supposed to be posted 72 hours in advance. Those with questions should contact the project manager Ish Medrano at 310-802-5357. ER
