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HOA LETTERS RE WIDENING OF SUNSET

FROM BRENTWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Widening of Sunset Blvd from Barrington to the 405 Freeway.

The Brentwood Homeowners Association has been concerned with the traffic and the
inherent congestion that we have been experiencing in Brentwood. This had been developing for some time but has grown worse over recent years.
In 2004 BHA decided that they would attempt to find out the cause of the increasing congestion of traffic on Sunset Blvd.

BHA and Bel Air Association agreed to fund a study to hopefully enlighten
their Boards as to the reasons and possible solutions to the traffic problem. The eminent traffic consulting firm of Linscott Law and Greenspan was retained to perform the traffic study.

David Shender was nominated to be the Traffic Engineer and be responsible for the conclusions in the report. There were two main conclusions for the traffic on the west side of the 405. The first conclusion was the fact that through traffic counts it was concluded that 33% of the westbound traffic enters eastbound Sunset at
Barrington and Barrington Place indicating that about one third of the Sunset traffic was coming from communities to the south of Brentwood. The second conclusion was the fact that Sunset is the only east west artery that serves Brentwood and the traffic could only be improved if a second eastbound road could be developed or an additional eastbound lane be added to Sunset Blvd.

The alternative road proposed would be constructed through the VA Grounds and this possibility was tested and it appeared that this solution was not feasible in the short run if ever. The BHA Board decided that they would research all other possible traffic improvements rather than add a lane to Sunset. Over the past 5 years we have worked with LADOT to synchronize the traffic signals, prohibit Right Hand Turns on red during rush hours, prohibit left hand turns where there is no pocket, prohibit parking on major street near intersections during rush hours and added the third lane over the 405 bridge to access the northbound on ramp. These changes helped to some degree but did not substantially alleviate the congestion.

In the spring of 2006, the DOT approached the BHA and requested support for an additional lane from Barrington to the 405. We responded by indicating that we could not support the widening without the full support of our community. DOT submitted their plans for funding and were not selected .In early 2009 DOT contacted BHA again and requested support from our community. We were told that DOT were submitting the package for funding approval in two weeks. We decided that we would poll the residents who had given us their Email address and 650 emails were sent to the community. 80% of those who responded (approximately 260 persons responded) were in favor of the widening. Our annual meeting was held on March 10/09 at which time we polled the 450 in attendance. 73% of those who voted were in favor. We presented these facts to DOT and to Councilmember Rosendahl’s office.
There has been considerable noise from the individuals who oppose the widening. Our Board has agreed to poll the 3800 homes in our area by mail with a document describing the advantages and disadvantages to such a development. The results of this poll will be published as soon as the results are known. The BHA Board has neither voted for nor against the widening but have always stated that a construction project of this magnitude should be decided by the residents in our area. Throughout this time when many individuals have been critical of BHA, we have maintained our attitude that the decision rests with the community. The DOT plans have been submitted and have been selected to be considered by MTA for the final selection with funding estimated for 2011 or 20012.

Improvements that will be accomplished with the widening of Sunset Blvd.

1.The widening project will reduce the time for eastbound traffic to reach 405.
2.The added lane will mesh nicely with the proposed Caltrans 2 lanes added to the 405/SunsetBridge and northbound onramp allowing a smooth transition from Sunset to 405 on ramps.
3.Improve Barrington/Sunset intersection by adding an eastbound lane one block west of Barrington to allow the bus stop to be moved south to permit eastbound traffic to flow through the interchange. As additional southbound lane will be added to Barrington to ease the southbound traffic attempting to turn left onto Sunset or to move directly through or make a right hand turn. Barrington South of Sunset to Barrington Place will be widened by 2 ft on each side. This interchange is under designed at the moment causing additional congestion to occur.
4. A new sidewalk will be constructed on the north side of Sunset between Barrington and Barrington Place. All the existing sidewalks will be replaced in the same general location as presently located.
5.Add “NO Right Hand Turn on Red†during rush hour for northbound Barrington and Barrington Place traffic entering eastbound Sunset. This traffic cutting into Sunset when the signal is green for Sunset causes congestion in the intersection. We believe that the Barrington Traffic should wait until they have a green light. Backing up Barrington is better than Sunset, our only east west artery.
6. Improve the appearance of Sunset by adding properly designed landscaping, add a boulevard where feasible, to reduce the apparent width of paving. A properly designed landscape will enhance the overview of Sunset and will upgrade the rather dowdy appearance that now exists.
7.The section between Gunston and Church Lane is a disgrace and it represents the gateway to Brentwood This section needs to be completely redesigned with a boulevard and proper green belt on both sides. Hopefully it would incorporate a Brentwood Monument Sign.
8.This widening of Sunset will mean that we will finally get a new paved street. The DOT cant keep ahead of the potholes that are ubiquitous in this section of Sunset. My wife will be freed of the task of calling regularly to have them patched.

FROM UPPER MANDEVILLE CANYON ASSOCIATION:
Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Eleventh District
1645 Corinth Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Sent Via US Mail and E-mail

Re: UMCA Opposition to Sunset Blvd. Widening Project

Dear Councilman Rosendahl:

The Upper Mandeville Canyon Association (“UMCA†) strongly opposes the proposal to widen Sunset Blvd. between Barrington Ave. and the 405 freeway. This street widening proposal is a misguided attempt to relieve traffic congestion by transforming historic Sunset Blvd. into an urban thoroughfare, which will only increase the volume of traffic on Sunset, it will not decrease traffic congestion. Moreover, the proposal requires that the Community Plan be amended to eliminate a provision that expressly precludes widening Sunset Blvd. for the purpose of increasing traffic capacity. This prohibition against widening Sunset Blvd. is based on the recognition that widening Sunset for the sake of increasing traffic volume would degrade the residential and tree-lined character of this scenic boulevard. The Community Plan’s requirement should be honored and the proposal should be rejected.

1. There has been no meaningful public outreach.

The proposal is not only substantively flawed, as discussed below, it is also procedurally unfair in denying Brentwood residents fair notice and opportunity to comment. The proposal has had virtually no public airing whatsoever – quite unlike the safety-related project at Sunset and Mandeville Canyon Road, where former Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski required that the City participate in extensive community outreach throughout the project’s entire planning phase, to assure that the community had an adequate opportunity to participate in the project’s design and implementation. As City Engineer Gary Lee Moore stated in the November 7, 2007, LA DPW Engineering Newsletter, the “BOE staff worked with the community for three years to ensure the project met their concerns.†Your office participated in the final phases of that planning process and likewise facilitated significant and meaningful community outreach. Under your leadership, Field Deputy Andrea Epstein and other City staff made presentations to the Brentwood and Pacific Palisades Community Councils, met with homeowner associations, and prepared written updates published in both the Brentwood News and Palisadian Post.

Yet, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (“LADOT†) is on the verge of approving the (until-now) secret proposal to widen Sunset Blvd. between Barrington Ave. and the 405 freeway to add a third commuter lane on east-bound Sunset. The plan was first presented to the Brentwood community on April 7, 2009, at a Brentwood Community Council meeting. This first and only public discussion raised significant concerns about the project that we have subsequently studied and confirmed. Yet, despite this April 7, 2009 public unveiling, we understand that you are being asked to support this project by April 21, 2009 – without any meaningful public process.

We are also concerned that this project has apparently been kept under wraps by LADOT and a fellow homeowners association, the Brentwood Homeowners Association (“BHA†), for the past five years. We understand that BHA and the Bel Air Homeowners Association commissioned a traffic study that serves as the basis for the BHA’s proposed street widening project. The traffic report was presented to the HOAs on February 9, 2004 – more than 5 years ago. The study recommends widening Sunset Blvd. from Cliffwood Ave. to Beverly Glen – a drastic and myopic recommendation that was flatly rejected by Bel Air Homeowners Association, recognizing that the recommendation would succeed only in encouraging additional cut-through traffic and degrading the quality of historic Sunset Blvd. BHA, however, has used this traffic study as the basis for its proposed widening project, although it has never released this study to the general public. We have finally had the opportunity to review the traffic study, just days before you are being asked to approve the plan. Now that we have had the opportunity to review the traffic study, its flaws and precedential impact are even more readily apparent than during the April 7 BCC meeting.

2. The project violates the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, which was designed to protect the unique character of Sunset Blvd.

Sunset Blvd. in Brentwood is a designated “Scenic Highway.†The scenic and historical character of tree-lined Sunset Blvd. is protected by the express terms of the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, which provides that “there shall be no widening [of Sunset Blvd.] for the purpose of increasing capacity.†Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, §13-1.4. Yet the Sunset widening project would violate the Community Plan’s express prohibition by widening Sunset solely for the purpose of increasing traffic capacity – providing a greater number of Santa Monica-Valley commuters with an even greater incentive to cut-through Brentwood. The cost of this “short cut,†however, is the distinctive character of Sunset Blvd. And that is precisely why the Community Plan expressly prohibits this type of widening project.

The street widening will result in the loss of mature trees, bushes, grass and other green spaces, and for property owners along Sunset, who thought that the Community Plan would protect them from street widening, the loss of green buffer between the street and their homes. While BHA and LADOT have talked about planting new trees and green spaces, the limited municipal funding available for re-greening is grossly insufficient to the task. And there is no private funding in place to pick up the slack – just BHA’s vague talk about the possibility of future fundraising efforts. Moreover, street widening will decrease the space for greening.

Further, street widening will increase speeding during non-peak hours, as the widened version of Sunset Blvd. will look and feel more like an urban thoroughfare than a quiet, shaded boulevard. It will also attract the type of cut-through drivers who incessantly and dangerously change lanes to proceed as fast as possible at all times. This type of traffic behavior is not only dangerous, it is the forbearer of area-wide property devaluation. Properties in close proximity to 5-lane quasi-freeways inevitably trend downward in value as the volume of traffic increases.

3. This is the first phase of a recommendation to widen Sunset Blvd. between Cliffwood, west of Bundy, and the 405 freeway.

Once the Community Plan’s prohibition against widening Sunset for the purpose of increasing traffic capacity is violated, it will stand as precedent for the proposition that the beauty and unique quality of Sunset must be sacrificed to facilitate the movement of traffic. Indeed, the BHA’s traffic study reveals that the Barrington-405 widening is just the first of a three-phase recommendation, which includes the widening of Sunset between Cliffwood, just a few blocks east of Mandeville Canyon, and the 405 freeway. Another phase of the recommendation calls for widening Sunset between the 405 and Beverly Glen.

Street widening is not a solution to traffic congestion. As explained below, street widening and other devices to increase traffic capacity merely increase the volume of traffic, they do not decrease traffic congestion. So once Sunset is widened and, as is inevitable, congestion returns as the improved commuter short-cut is discovered, the next “solution†will be to widen Sunset again, as BHA’s study recommends – thereby transforming all of Sunset Blvd. in Brentwood into a virtual freeway for the benefit of commuters. In short, the logic of the proposed street widening leads to future widening projects, not just in the other Brentwood and Bel Air/Westwood areas identified in the traffic study, but, eventually, all the way through Pacific Palisades.

4. The 405/Sunset improvements are already designed to alleviate congestion

The State has approved and will soon implement major, multi-million dollar improvements to the Sunset/405 overpass that will alleviate traffic congestion on east-bound Sunset west of the 405. The congestion is caused by the confluence of (1) delay at the meter for entry onto the north-bound 405 from Sunset and (2) confusion by drivers seeking to enter or exit the east-bound Sunset lane for entry onto the northbound 405. The State has obtained funding and completed environmental review for a major improvement designed to resolve that freeway-entry bottleneck – which will significantly alleviate traffic congestion on eastbound Sunset west of the 405. The State will create an additional eastbound through lane on Sunset and have two lanes dedicated to entry onto the northbound 405, with additional stacking space. In short, the Sunset street widening project is intended to do much of what the 405/Sunset improvement will have already accomplished.

BHA’s five-year old traffic study is outdated because, among other things, it does not consider whether the tremendous economic cost of street widening will be justified in light of the traffic de-congestion benefits likely to result from the Sunset/405 project. It also fails to consider other significant developments since 2004, such as updating the West LA Community Plan by increasing density along Wilshire Blvd., which will increase the desirability of using Sunset as a commuter pass-through to the 405 if traffic capacity is increased.

In assessing the cost of the proposed Sunset widening project, it is also important to consider the burden on the Brentwood community during the construction phase. The proposal calls for widening both sides of Sunset, not just one side. That will effectively double the time needed to widen the street. When the Mandeville/Sunset intersection was improved in 2007, it took 8-9 months of highly disruptive construction to complete the job. The Sunset widening project – from Barrington to the 405, with substantial improvements on the north side of Barrington at Sunset, is a much, much larger project and will likely take years to complete. And for what? Established traffic control principles, described below, demonstrate that the only result will be to relieve traffic on Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards – due to increased use of the “improved†Sunset Blvd. shortcut.
5. Street widening will not decrease traffic congestion.

The traffic congestion on Sunset in Brentwood is not the result of having too few lanes of east-bound traffic. The problem is that Sunset has become a popular short-cut to the 405 for those commuting from Santa Monica and other Westside areas. If a new lane is added, it will simply make the short-cut more popular – bringing in more traffic volume – with the increased volume eliminating any potential gains from the added capacity. In other words, the BHA’s plan will benefit cut-through commuters, and lessen traffic congestion on other traffic routes, like Wilshire Blvd. between Santa Monica and the 405 – but it will not alleviate congestion in Brentwood.

This conclusion follows from the generally-accepted “triple convergence principle†of traffic patterns:
“Nearly every vehicle driver normally searches for the quickest route, one that is shorter or less encumbered by obstacles (such as traffic signals or cross-streets) than most other routes. These direct routes are usually limited-access roads (freeways, expressways, or beltways) that are faster than local streets if they are not congested. Since most drivers know this, they converge on such ‘best’ routes from many points of origin. The problem is that during the peak travel hours on weekdays, so many drivers converge on these ‘best’ routes that they become overloaded, particularly in metropolitan areas. Traffic on them eventually slows to the point where they have no advantage over the alternative routes. That is, a rough equilibrium is reached, which means that many drivers can get to their destinations just as fast on other roads. At times, the direct road may become even slower than alternative streets, and some drivers eager to save time will switch to them. Soon rough equality of travel times on both types of route is restored at the margin. The opposite happens if travel becomes slower on alternative streets than on the expressway. Such observations can be made about this equilibrium situation: (1) it tends to recur, because most drivers develop habitual travel patterns; (2) during equilibrium each limited-access road is carrying more vehicles per hour than each normal city street or arterial route because it has more lanes, more direct routing, and fewer obstacles; (3) many drivers time their journeys to miss these periods because they do not like to waste time in heavy traffic; and (4) at the peak of equilibrium, traffic on most expressways is crawling along at a pace far below the optimal speed for those roads, as explained below.
Now suppose that the limited-access route undergoes a vast improvement — its four lanes are expanded to eight. Once its carrying capacity is increased, the drivers using it move much faster than those using alternative routes. But this disequilibrium does not last long because word soon gets around that conditions on the expressway are superior. In response, three types of convergence occur on the improved expressway: (1) many drivers who formerly used alternative routes during peak hours switch to the improved expressway (spatial convergence); (2) many drivers who formerly traveled just before or after the peak hours start traveling during those hours (time convergence); and (3) some commuters who used to take public transportation during peak hours now switch to driving, since it has become faster (modal convergence). The triple convergence causes more and more drivers to use the improved expressway during peak hours. Therefore its traffic volumes keep rising until vehicles are once again moving at a crawl during the peak period. This outcome is almost inescapable if peak-hour traffic was already slow before the highway was improved.†See Anthony Downs, Stuck in traffic: Coping with peak-hour traffic congestion pp. 27-30 (Brookings Inst. Press 1992).

Thus, the BHA’s plan to widen Sunset will not relieve congestion in Brentwood, it will simply increase cut-through traffic between Santa Monica and the 405 freeway.

The incentive to use Sunset Blvd. as a shortcut to the 405 will lead to the transformation of quiet residential streets in Brentwood Park, like Rockingham, Cliffwood, Burlingame, and Gretna Green, into cut-through lanes to feed the emerging Sunset thoroughfare, which will further burden Brentwood residents seeking to travel east on Sunset.

6. The BHA acted without the informed consent of its own members.

The BHA claims to have conducted a survey of its membership, with an overwhelming 80% approving the Sunset lane-widening plan. The actual number of members who responded, however, represent just 8% of homes in BHA territory. And the survey itself is so biased that it cannot be said to measure anything other than the respondents’ desire to alleviate traffic congestion.

The BHA “survey†was sent to just 650 of the 3800 homes within the BHA’s territory, representing just 17% of the BHA homes. BHA has stated that it could not distribute its survey more widely because it only had the email addresses for 650 of its members and it did not have the time to distribute the survey via mail to its entire membership. But the survey was taken in October 2008 and it is now April 2009, yet BHA made no effort during the interim to distribute its survey more widely. In response to its email survey, BHA received just 300 responses, which amounts to 40% of those who were sent the survey. Of the 300 respondents, 240 voted to approve the BHA’s plan – representing just 6.3% of the homes within the BHA’s territory.

Even more flawed than the survey’s methodology, however, is the survey itself. It begins with the question “Have you tried driving on Sunset Blvd after 3 pm?†It follows that question with: “If you have you know why your Brentwood Homeowners Association (BHA) needs your opinion to decide whether to endorse a proposal to widen Sunset Boulevard between Barrington Avenue and the 405 Freeway.†It then explains that LADOT has given BHA two choices – either support the widening “to give our community an additional lane†or “oppose the additional lane.†It goes on to explain that the street widening proposal was recommended in a traffic study from an independent and respected traffic consultancy that estimated that 30% of the eastbound traffic on Sunset between Barrington and the 405 comes from northbound Barrington and, according to the expert report, which was not provided to survey respondents, the additional lane would improve rush hour traffic flow substantially. While the survey pays lip service to the opposition – noting that “others oppose the idea believing that adding an additional lane would only invite additional traffic,†no further analysis of that concern is provided.

The 6.3% of BHA homeowners who voted to support the proposal, with just this information on which to base an opinion, registered nothing more than a desire to relieve traffic congestion. Nothing in the survey indicates that the “others opposed†to the plan do so for very good reason – the generally accepted triple-convergence principle dictates that adding a lane will not alleviate traffic congestion on Sunset. Moreover, the BHA respondents were not informed that the street widening will replace trees and green spaces with asphalt and that it will set a dangerous precedent by requiring an amendment to the Community Plan eliminating the provision stating that “there shall be no widening [of Sunset] for the purpose of increasing capacity.â€

he proposed widening of Sunset Blvd. presents a major quality of life issue for all Brentwood residents – not just those residing within the BHA’s territory, although the vast majority of BHA-area residents have been given no information or opportunity to comment either. The project should be rejected because it would sacrifice the natural beauty of historic Sunset Blvd. without even achieving its stated purpose, to alleviate traffic congestion. We therefore ask that you inform LADOT that you do not support the Sunset Blvd. street-widening project.

Very Truly Yours, Tom Freeman
President, Upper Mandeville Canyon Association

Cc: Michael Hunt, LADOT
Mark Van Gessel, Metro
Jenna Abouzeid, BAKPOA
Linda Taheripou, BASPOA
Raymond Klein, BCC
David Heldman, BGA
Robert Rene, BHA
Eric Edmunds, BHHA
Larry Miller, BPPOA
Flora Gil Krisiloff, BTHA
Kyle Kozloff, CHA
Kathleen Durbin, MCA
Louise Frankel, Mountaingate
Patti Choate, SCPOA
Marylin Krell, SBRA
BCC Land Use Committee
UMCA Board of Directors
Richard Cohen, PPCC
Robert Ringler, BABCNC

Stopping the Brentwood Freeway
By Said Jabbari

Dear Councilman Rosendahl:

I am writing to you as a concerned resident of our beloved Brentwood community of more than 15 years. The Brentwood Freeway project is a travesty. Not only it violates the current and existing community plans, it also achieves nothing in terms of the traffic congestion which is primarily due to the inefficiencies of the I-405, which are already being addressed through its own fully approved and funded plan.

In addition, BHA’s role in a so called 5 year old traffic study is both suspect and underhanded. As a resident on Sunset Blvd in the Brentwood Park area of more than ten years I have never seen this study and would not even be aware of its totally bogus and faulty conclusions had I not attended the Brentwood Community Council meeting last Thursday.

I implore you to listen to the rising grass roots opposition to this project which is designed to turn Brentwood into a Freeway. BHA has so far hidden its study and its role in this plan from the Brentwood community at large, and from its own members! Their traffic study was done 5 years ago and it does not take into consideration the current I-405 bridge-widening on/off ramp reconfiguration. Why should we waste our hard earned and/ or saved tax dollars on widening Sunset Blvd, and destroying one of the most beautiful and pristine boulevards in the world, and its surrounding community, when our tax dollars are already being spent to alleviate this very problem through the I-405 project?

At the very least I ask that the I-405 Overpass Project be implemented prior to any decisions on widening Sunset Blvd. I also ask that you shed some light on BHA’s role in this and make public their study and also the way they have represented their community’s approval of this. According to their own numbers, less than 6% of BHA’s membership voted to approve this plan, and we still do not even know what was in the motion. BHA does not represent our community, and its interests, specially on this project.

I ask that you take these matters into full consideration before you cast your vote. The Brentwood community and its beautiful boulevard are counting on you.

Sincerely,
Said D. Jabbari

FROM MILTON MILLER
Sunset Street Widening Proposal

Dear Councilman Rosendahl
Nine months ago we moved to SUNSET Blvd Pacific Palisades where we now reside. Prior to that we resided in Bel Air for over 40 years. For the last 20 years I have represented the Bel Air Association in dealings with Caltrans and LADOT.
Doug Failing, Ken Husting, and Haripal Vir would acknowledge my extensive and constructive engagement with regard to the 405 and related traffic matters.
I heard the presentation of Michael Hunt of LADOT and I MUST URGE YOU TO OPPOSE ANY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM AT THIS TIME.
Eastbound Sunset traffic is horrendous especially at peak hours but the additional eastbound lane will NOT solve the problem, but probably make it worse.
The problem is basically caused by the metering of traffic entering the NB 405 from the Sunset onramp.I have for several years urged Caltrans officials to turn off the meters at peak hours, all to no vail for even a short trial period.
The LADOT proposal to install a left turn pocket for Westbound Sunset traffic to enter to the NB 405 onramp is the “last straw” because eastbound traffic will have to be stopped by a lengthy red light to allow the considerable UCLA traffic to make a left turn across Sunset to get onto the NB 405 onramp which is already accepting two eastbound lanes lined up to get on the freeway and being metered.
I would be pleased to share my 20 years of experience on these issues with any member of your staff.
Respectfully yours
Milton Miller

FROM Bel Air Skycrest Property Owners Association;

Councilman Bill Rosendahl April 16, 2009
Eleventh District
1645 Corinth Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Sent Via Fax and E-mail

Re: Sunset Blvd. Widening Project

Dear Councilman Rosendahl:

Bel Air Skycrest Property Owners Association (“BASPOA†) is deeply concerned with the proposal to widen Sunset Blvd. between Barrington Ave. and the I-405 freeway. The scenic and historical character of tree-lined Sunset Blvd. is protected by the express terms of the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, which provides that “there shall be no widening [of Sunset Blvd.] for the purpose of increasing capacity.†Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, §13-1.4. This current proposal, as it was presented to us at the Brentwood Community Council meeting on April 7th, will inadvertently increase the volume of traffic and therefore is in conflict with the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan.

We strongly feel that before resorting to such drastic measures, all other avenues be fully investigated and adequate time given for proper community input.
At this time, this project appears to have long term detrimental effects, not only on the safety and quality of life of the residents along Sunset Blvd., but for all of us who live on “Scenic Highways†. We therefore ask that you inform LADOT that you do not support the Sunset Blvd. street-widening project without further community input and discussion.

Sincerely,
Linda Taheripour, President
Bel Air Skycrest Property Owners Association

FROM BRENTWOOD GLEN ASSOCIATION:

April 17, 2009

Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Eleventh District
1645 Corinth Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Re: Brentwood Glen Association Opposition to Sunset Blvd. Widening Project

Dear Councilman Rosendahl:

The Brentwood Glen Association, upon consideration of the information provided at the April 2009 Brentwood Community Council meeting and review of the letters and comments we received from other community organizations and interested parties concerning the Sunset Blvd. Widening Project, strongly opposes the LADOT’s proposed Sunset Blvd. Widening Project.

As you know, Brentwood Glen would be one of the neighborhoods most directly and adversely effected by the project. We believe the letter submitted to you by the Upper Mandeville Canyon Property Owners Association, written by Tom Freeman, a copy of which is attached, identifies many of the issues and concerns of our neighborhood and the glaring deficiencies in the survey conducted by the Brentwood Homeowners Association.

At this time, we do not know what impact the already scheduled Caltrans design/build improvements to the I-405, Sunset bridge, On/Off-ramps, Sunset Blvd./Church Lane intersection will have on traffic flow on Sunset Blvd and the surrounding area. It therefore behooves us to await the outcome of the Caltrans project and its effects on Sunset Blvd. traffic before proceeding with LADOT’s proposed project.

In addition, the proposed project as described at the April 2009 BCC meeting should be rejected because it would violate the Community Plan, destroy the natural beauty along Sunset Blvd., requiring removal of many mature trees and plantings along this famous and historic designated Scenic Highway. Most importantly, the proposed project cannot guarantee achievement of its ultimate purpose – to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. We therefore request that you inform LADOT and other involved parties that you do not support the Sunset Blvd. Widening Project.

Thank you for your continued support of Brentwood Glen and our association.

Sincerely,

Judy Meadow
Board Member, Brentwood Glen Association

cc: councilman.rosendahl@lacity.org
norman.kulla@lacity.org
rklein@earthlink.net
rosenfree@aol.com
FROM BRENTWOOD HILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION;

Hon. Bill Rosendahl
Councilman, City of Los Angeles
1645 Corinth Avenue, Room 201
West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Re: Sunset Street Widening Proposal

Dear Bill:
As you know, the Brentwood Hills Homeowners Association represents over 400 homes on the west ridge of Mandeville Canyon in Brentwood. Brentwood Hills residents are dependent on Sunset Boulevard for entry and egress to our homes. I want to let you know that my Board opposes the proposal to widen Sunset Blvd. between Barrington Ave. and the 405 freeway. We do so for the reasons articulated by the Upper Mandeville Canyon Association (UMCA) in its April 13, 2009, letter, among others. Instead of repeating the points made in that letter, we offer an additional observation.

According to information attached to the Brentwood Community Council’s (BCC) April 7, 2009 Agenda from Michael Hunt of LADOT, the agency’s “preliminary analysis” shows that “the average vehicle delay decrease during the AM Peak Period will be up to 89.4 sec/veh, which is a 41.2% decrease; while the average vehicle delay decrease during the PM Peak Period will be up to 116 sec/veh, which is a 66.2% decrease in PM delay. It should be noted that these values are preliminary and may change before the [BCC] meeting. They are also based upon the additional eastbound thru lane as well as the proposed I-405 freeway improvements being completed.”

A projected time savings of 116 seconds during peak traffic hours is not an acceptable basis for violating the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, which expressly prohibits street widening for the purpose of increasing traffic volume. A mere 116 seconds is not going to make the difference if you are rushing to catch a show at the Music Center or Hollywood Bowl. But the 116 second figure itself is misleading. As we read LADOT’s statement, the “benefit” of street widening from Barrington to the 405 freeway is “up to” 116 seconds per trip/per car during peak traffic, but only when the major upgrade to the 405 overpass is included in the projection. It seems that LADOT is masking what may be, even by their own analysis, the infinitesimal “benefit” of street widening by relying on the 405 overpass improvements. Just how much of the 116 second time-savings is due to the street widening, without regard to the already-approved 405 overpass project? We do not understand how LADOT can so hastily suggest the widening of historic Sunset Blvd., a Scenic Highway, without even hazarding an estimate of the time-savings benefit attributable to the street widening – without free-riding of time savings due to the 405 overpass project.

Finally, the 116 seconds figure is also flawed because (1) it is based on existing traffic flow, failing to account for future increases in traffic volume and (2) it does not account for the triple-convergence principle, which holds that the 116 second time-savings will be offset by a 116 second delay caused by increased traffic volume attracted by the street widening. See Anthony Downs, Why Traffic Congestion Is Here to Stay . . . and Will Get Worse, Access Magazine (No. 25, Fall 2004), available online at http://www.snowcrest.net/shasroad/Prop42_TrafficCongestion.pdf

This below-the-radar campaign to widen Sunset, and violate the Community Plan, also gives rise to concern that LADOT’s real motive is to widen Sunset all the way west to the Pacific Ocean — using the Barrington-to-the-405 segment as precedent for violating the Community Plan’s prohibition against widening Sunset for purposes of increasing traffic volume. This would allow LADOT to argue, in the near future, that while the street widening saved only 116 seconds from Barrington to the 405, imagine the time savings if Sunset was widened all the way to the ocean? While logic and LADOT’s own analysis would not support any such argument, the intent to transform our Scenic Highway into an urban freeway seems evident in the proposal.

For these reasons and those expressed in the UMCA letter, the Brentwood Hills Homeowners Association strongly urges you to reject the proposal to widen Sunset Blvd. from Barrington to the 405 freeway. While traffic congestion is a major problem in Brentwood, this is not the solution to that problem. We urge the City to consider more effective and less harmful alternatives. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Eric F. Edmunds, Jr.
President
Brentwood Hills Homeowners Association
c: Kathleen Durbin, Mandeville Canyon Association
Tom Freeman, Upper Mandeville Canyon Association
Ray Klein, Chair Brentwood Community Council
Directors, Brentwood Hills HOA

FROM BRENTWOOD PARK PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION:
April 16, 2009
Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Eleventh District
1645 Corinth Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
RE: Opposition to Sunset Boulevard Widening Project
Dear Councilmember Rosendahl:
In 1905, Brentwood Park was established with a tract of 500 lots. Ten years later, Brentwood Park residents formed an Association to improve the Park by designating 25-foot setbacks on side streets and corners. On August 4, 1942, the Brentwood Park Property Owners’ Association (BPPOA) was incorporated as a direct response to the threat of subdivision and its consequences. The BPPOA has devoted its efforts to maintaining a retreat from a rapidly growing city. Its energy and persistence led to a zoning change by the Los Angeles Council, which substantially prohibited any lot division into less than 20,000 square feet. As a wooded refuge, Brentwood Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Southern California.
At our April 13, 2009 meeting, the Board of Directors of the BPPOA voted unanimously to oppose the widening of Sunset Boulevard. There is strong sentiment and commitment to collaborate with all other groups who will work to maintain the integrity of Sunset Boulevard.
In line with our commitment to maintaining the integrity of Sunset Boulevard, we fully endorse the position of the Upper Mandeville Canyon Association articulated in their letter of April 13, 2009.
To address the traffic congestion on Sunset Boulevard, we ask your support to implement a pilot project to prohibit a right turn on red from 4 to 6 pm Monday thru Friday for a 3-month period. This would be for northbound Barrington and Barrington Place turning onto eastbound Sunset.
We look forward to discussing this option with you and your staff.
Respectfully Yours,
Mary Ann Lewis, Co-President Lawrence Miller, Co-President

FROM BRENTWOOD VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

Bill Rosendahl
Councilman, City of Los Angeles
1645 Corinth Avenue, Room 201
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
councilman.rosendahl@lacity.org
Jessyca.Avalos@lacity.org

Re: Sunset Street Widening Project

Dear Bill:

I am speechless after reading the emails, questions, comments and DOT information on the “proposed” Sunset Blvd. widening. I have driven eastbound on Sunset Blvd. (from Barrington) five days per week at “peak” hour (between 4:30 – 5:30 pm) nearly every week for the past nine years. I was IN FAVOR of NO TURN ON RED signs at both Barringtons because there are mishaps and near collisions DAILY at both these locations, in addition to major traffic back up from poor drivers. These signs and reconfiguration of the stop lights would have eased the pain of this drive at minimal cost to the city and NO inconvenience to residents and merchants. Currently it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to drive from Barrington Place to the 405 every weekday AND Saturdays.

Rather than implement a six month trial of no-turn-on-red signs (at a minimal cost), DOT proposes to spend millions of dollars, years of upset to merchants and residents and hundreds of man-hours to accomplish an alleged decrease of 116 seconds per drive. How is saving 116 seconds in driving time worth a multi million dollar road expansion? How is a savings of 116 seconds a decrease of 62% of driving time when the drive is nearly 20 minutes?

Widening Sunset will not only do the damage reported by UMCA in its April 9, 2009, letter, but it will devastate the more than a hundred businesses in Brentwood Village. The merchants in Brentwood Village cannot afford to have their lifeline hindered. Their lifeline being access via Sunset Blvd. Most of our shoppers use this route. In general, shoppers cease visiting areas that are difficult to access.

In closing, I see absolutely NO benefit from this expansion given the information that has so far been provided. Can the City and DOT interview users, residents, merchants and schools that frequent this route? What’s the estimated cost? How long would it take? Who is in favor of this expansion?

Jennifer Wenger-Turchen
Brentwood Village Chamber President

cc: Ray Klein, Chair BCC
Tim Byk, B.I.D Brentwood Village

FROM MANDEVILLE CANYON ASSOCIATION:

April 17, 2009

Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Eleventh District
1645 Corinth Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025

***SENT VIA U.S. POSTAL SERVICE and E-MAIL***

RE: MCA Opposition to Sunset Boulevard Widening Project

Dear Councilman Rosendahl,

Mandeville Canyon Association is strongly opposed to the Sunset Boulevard Widening Project between Barrington Avenue and the I-405 Freeway. Not only does this proposal contradict the terms and intention of the Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan, it also violates the trust of the community in its camouflage-type crusade. As a community of more than 500 homeowners, we demand that the public be better informed when such a project as this has the potential and distinct possibility to negatively impact our quality of life for many years – with the results of such a humongous and expensive LADOT project having apparently negligibly results.

When any public works project has the possibility of significant negative impact on our community, caution and thoroughness must prevail. This particular project involving Sunset Blvd, which is a Scenic Highway, should not be given consideration at this time.

One of our Board members observes, “Even without considering the consequences of the triple-convergence theory, widening Sunset for 116 seconds is not worth it. There must be a better solution.†Another Board member writes, “Sooner or later the city is going to have to confront its commuting problem on a comprehensive scale instead of nibbling around its edges with Mickey-mouse” schemes like the present proposal. Undoubtedly public rapid transit connected to distributed collector parking facilities in non-residential areas will have to be central to a solution.†And another Board Member states, “I oppose the plan to widen the Sunset/Barrington to Sunset/405 freeway because I feel it offers too little “bang-for-the-buck†and will not serve its purpose in the long run.â€

Our voices are strong and consistent. We do not support the proposed plan to widen historic Sunset Boulevard and respectfully ask that you do not support it either.

Kathleen Durbin
President

SOUTH BRENTWOOD RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Formerly known as South Brentwood Homeowners’ Association

194 S. Barrington Ave. #125
Los Angeles, CA 90049

Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Eleventh District
1645 Corinth Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025

April 27, 2009

RE: SBRA/SBHA OPPOSITION TO SUNSET WIDENING PROPOSAL

Dear Councilman Rosendahl,

At a recent South Brentwood Residents’ Association* (aka South Brentwood Homeowners’ Association) meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed the proposal to widen Sunset Boulevard from the 405 interchange to Barrington, and unanimously voted to oppose it.

We certainly understand that eastbound traffic on Sunset Boulevard, particularly during peak commute hours is intolerable. However, this proposal is not the solution. It is our understanding that currently approved mitigation plans include 405 overpass improvements, widening the bridge to include two dedicated lanes on eastbound Sunset that will transfer traffic onto the northbound 405 freeway, which is also scheduled to be widened. Hopefully these mitigation measures will provide the relief needed.

The idea of widening Sunset Boulevard, a Scenic Highway, to improve eastbound traffic is a drastic and ill-conceived proposal which would violate the Brentwood-Palisades Community Plan, and fritter away many millions of transportation dollars with absolutely no guarantee to solve the traffic problem on Sunset Boulevard. Some say that widening this thoroughfare could attract even more eastbound motorists, which would only aggravate the problem.

We urge you to reject this unreasonable proposal and thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Bette Harris
Immediate Past President

cc: Ray Klein, Chairman, Brentwood Community Council
Wendy-Sue Rosen, Chair, BCC Land Use Committee

*SBRA/SBHA represents approximately 3,000 homeowners and renters residing in the area of Brentwood bordered by Montana and San Vicente Blvd. to the north and east, Wilshire Blvd. to the south, and the Santa Monica boundary to the west.

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