The Hermosa Beach City Council approved a plan to improve walkways along a section of Eighth Street Tuesday night, aiming to improve pedestrian safety on the popular corridor.
The improvements will widen sidewalks along both sides of Eighth Street between Valley Drive and Hermosa Avenue. Council members voted 3-1 to approve the broadest upgrade option, which is estimated to impact 18 parcels in the area.
Council member Hany Fangary supported the more expansive option despite the potential impacts.
“I understand that there will be some adjustments and inconveniences,” Fangary said. “But I think, big picture, this is the right thing to do.”
Council member Carolyn Petty, the lone no vote, advocated for a more narrow upgrade, which would only have improved one side of the street, but came in an estimated $300,000 cheaper.
“Maybe people can’t pass on both sides, but this isn’t the streets of New York City,” Petty said. “We can’t seem to spend [city funds] fast enough.”ER
