‘Many a close calls’ on Prospect convince council to slow traffic
Pedestrians at 9th Street and Prospect Avenue (above) will have a shorter crossing and a traffic circle will be installed at 10th Street and Prospect to make the busy thoroughfare safer. Photo by Kevin Cody
by Dan Blackburn
Rabbi Gila Katz, who uses a walker, told the Hermosa Beach City Council Tuesday evening that she “literally takes my life in my hands” when she crosses Prospect Avenue at 9th Street. “Drivers do not stop at the stop sign, either going north or south. I have had many a close call.”
Katz’s and similar comments from other residents convinced the council to move forward on a “demonstration” plan to slow traffic along the Prospect Avenue corridor.
The council approved a recommendation by the Public Works Commission describing the project’s features and authorizing its implementation at two locales.
According to a study conducted by the city’s planners, drivers on Prospect Avenue “run or roll through stop signs, speed, and endanger pedestrian safety at intersections and crossings.”
Police Chief Paul LeBaron told the council, “I conducted my own walk-about [on Prospect Avenue] and have seen for myself things from the perspective of a pedestrian. I have seen the things that have been discussed here, and I am very supportive of this demonstration.”
The project is primarily funded by a grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to”test and evaluate a range of traffic calming and safety measures at different locations along the corridor” that might lead to permanent implementation. The city has agreed to a grant match commitment of approximately $55,000 in staff time and equipment and material costs.
Work at 14th and 15th streets will incorporate curb extensions to “improve pedestrian visibility “ and reduce the length of the crossing, said Leeanne Singleton, the city’s environmental analyst.
A new crosswalk across Prospect at 14th Street is planned, where traffic often exceeds the posted speed limit. Construction materials will include painted and plastic delineators or “rubberized curb,” said Singleton. This design will result in the loss of two parking spaces, she added.
A second location, at 9th and 10th streets, will get a mini traffic circle at 10th Street and curb extensions at both 9th and 10th streets. This, according to planners, will improve pedestrian visibility and “improve driver compliance” with stop and yield signs. No parking spaces will be affected at this location.
After much discussion, the council agreed that additional traffic-control devices, such as stop signs in specific locations, could be considered in the future.
The planned changes have been welcomed by numerous residents.
Jennifer Buchsbaum, who lives near the 14th Street project, told the council, “For years I have felt we needed a crosswalk in this area to improve pedestrian safety. I am pleased this is finally being addressed. While I would have preferred to see a stop sign added here, I realize that is more challenging, so adding a crosswalk with increased visibility and extending the curbs is an excellent proposal.”
She expressed hope that the demonstration project “will become permanent.”
Former mayor Howard Fishman said the traffic issues at the two intersections are “the same problems” that existed a decade ago. He suggested increased police presence as the only real solution.
“Bottom line: Bring back that police presence,” he wrote. “A rumble strip on Prospect and 9th Street is a better alternative to slow traffic. This will be less confusing than what is proposed. Freshening up and adding crosswalks is also encouraged.”
Resident Howard Longacre was not enthusiastic about the plan: “Another complete sham “temporary” project, now being rushed to completion because, hey, you’ve spent the grant money. Government close to being at its absolute worst,” he said. “This item should be tabled until proper public hearings can be held… with proper noticing being accomplished.”
The council plans to evaluate the project’s impact before the end of June.
In other action, the council:
— Authorized the expenditure of $30,000 to enter into an agreement with the city of Redondo Beach to develop a program utilizing drones, or unmanned aerial support, to assist in reducing response time and in policing critical incidents and pre-planned events.
Lt. Landon Phillips told the council that the department has considered privacy issues. Redondo Beach has employed a drone program since 2017. ER