Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Public Works Committee to hear motion to end street widening Jan 24
Posted on 01/24/23Dear Trees Committee and Friends,
Information (not taking a position)
One of the City codes that leads to street trees getting removed is the automatic requirement that major construction projects widen the street just at their site. The code allows for waivers but they have to be done on a case by case basis which slows down the building process and consumes UFD and Council Office time.
This very old code has caused uneven streets, mature street tree removals, unsafe bicycle lanes, additional costs to developers, and really does not improve traffic flow. I was told by a Council Office staff member that it is free repaving paid by developers that the City does not have to pay for. It is possible that trees may be worth more to the City, and the street may not need repaving.
The City Council has introduced a motion CF 22-1476 to abandon this policy that has created uneven streets and tree loss, and it is being heard tomorrow Jan 24 at 3:30 as ITEM 10 at the City Council Public Works Committee meeting (same one that is considering the coast live oak as the city's official tree as Item 1).
Typically it is for a report back, and to be honest this can be very slow in coming, if it come at all. (Bureau of Engineering, in consultation with the Department of City Planning (DCP), the Department of Transportation (DOT), DCP’s Urban Design Studio, and any other relevant departments)
There is likely time for a CIS before it goes to the PLUM Committee and the full City Council.
Calling in is usually more effective.
FYI this is Streets for All's position, which has more explanation:
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Joanne D'Antonio
Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance (NCSA), Trees Committee Chair
Community Forest Advisory Committee (CFAC) Representative, CD 2, and CFAC Enforcement Subcommittee Chair
Greater Valley Glen neighborhood council (GVGC): Board Member, Sustainability Representative, PLUC member
NCSA Representative - Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) Working Group
trees@ncsa.la
joanne.treeadvocate@gmail.com
cd2cfac@gmail.com
(818) 387-8631
https://www.ncsa.la/trees
NCSA Trees Committee Mission: to protect the city's urban forest and to promote its care on behalf of the community through advocacy, outreach, and education.