PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to update the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency Board on the progress of the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Project, and to request that two City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board members be appointed to the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Oversight Committee.

BACKGROUND:

One of City Council�s stated goals is to improve streetscapes along the major arterials throughout the city.  In 2002, after considering several areas, staff identified three major arterials to study to determine a starting point.  The three corridors identified were:  Olive Avenue between the Golden State Freeway and the Ventura Freeway; Burbank Boulevard from Victory Boulevard to the western city limit; and West Victory Boulevard from North Victory Boulevard at the �Five Points� intersection to the western city limit.  Staff retained the services of David Evans and Associates, a landscape architecture firm, to study the three arterials and make a recommendation as to which arterial would be the best candidate for streetscape improvements.  The 2002 feasibility study resulted in a recommendation to first focus on the Burbank Boulevard corridor, citing the appearance of Burbank Boulevard and the lack of overhead power lines as the determining factors.  The Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Project then became part of the Work Program for Fiscal Year 2004-05.

Included in the David Evans and Associates study were two schematic design options with cost estimates for both.  Due to the high price associated with each option, the streetscape project was put on hold with the intent of revisiting it when a funding source could be determined and a modified approach could be identified.  In June 2004, City Council directed staff to work closely with the Burbank Boulevard Merchants Association on issues relating to the Burbank Boulevard corridor, which led to a revisit of the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Project.  With the issuance of the 2003 Golden State Tax Allocation Bonds, a funding source for the streetscape project became available.  In December 2004, City Council directed staff to research the feasibility of the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Project.  To assist staff with the feasibility and design process of the proposed streetscape project, David Evans and Associates was hired as the landscape architect.

ANALYSIS:

Similar to the South San Fernando Boulevard streetscape design process, the first step was to meet with the community to receive input.  Two community meetings were held with merchants, property owners and residents in the area to obtain their comments and suggestions regarding the proposed improvements.  The first meeting, held on February 23^rd, was with the merchants (including the Burbank Boulevard Merchants Association) and property owners on Burbank Boulevard.  The major concerns of this group included:

• Increase pedestrian friendliness with trees, planters, benches and lighting

  �         Larger and more mature trees (palm trees seem desirable)

  �         Gateway improvements

• Create a theme for the corridor

  �         Brand it as �The Boulevard� or a similar name

•  Insufficient parking

  �         Revisit existing street parking restrictions along the boulevard

• Traffic travels too fast along Burbank Boulevard

  �         Traffic calming measures should be considered

• Circulation should be improved

  �         Synchronize traffic signals better especially at the �4� Points� intersection (although this contradicts the item above)

  �         A fixed route shuttle system would be beneficial

  �         Crosswalks are staggered ( too confusing where to cross)

  �         Wayfinding signage is needed

• Increase code enforcement efforts

• Traffic medians seem to be undesirable

• Sidewalks are uneven and create safety issues

• City funds for property beautification should be considered

The second community meeting, held on February 24^th, was geared towards the residents of the area.  The comments received from this group included:

• Insufficient parking

  �         No parking available at the west end of the corridor        

  �         Create more parking lots along Burbank Boulevard

  �         Consider permit parking

  �         Restrict large vehicle on-street parking to improve visibility

• Circulation should be improved

  �         Better traffic signal timing

  �         Add signals at certain intersections between Buena Vista and Hollywood Way          

  �         Traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speed

  �         Create bike lanes

• Beautification program

  �         Street trees and planters

  �         Facade program

  �         Beautification efforts would attract more appealing merchants

  �         Might encourage drivers to slow down

  �         Focus on a core area but do not ignore the rest of the boulevard

• Need theme or identity for the corridor

  �         �The Boulevard�

  �         Entertainment industry theme

• Increase signage and banners

  �         Create an �Adopt a Banner� program

  �         Create a gateway to the corridor at either or both ends

• Improve access to the Empire Center

• Parking and traffic control should be a major focus of the beautification efforts

In reviewing the community comments, there are similar comments and suggestions proposed by both groups.  Both groups favor improvements such as street trees, planter and gateway treatments at the ends of the corridor to create a more pedestrian friendly feel.  There is a concurrence that a theme or identity (such as �The Boulevard�) would benefit the corridor.  Insufficient parking is a concern shared by both groups as is general traffic circulation.  Improving traffic signal synchronization and implementing traffic calming measures were identified by members of both groups.  A property beautification (or facade improvement) program funded by the city was also popular with both groups.

There are also conflicting comments, not only between the groups, but also within each group.  For instance, while both groups are in favor of street trees, some would like to see palm trees while others do not want palm trees.  There are also conflicting opinions regarding installation of landscape medians.  Some feel medians would help the appearance of the corridor while others feel they would hinder traffic and property access.  Both commented that traffic travels too fast along Burbank Boulevard, however, some comments were against traffic calming measures while others favored better traffic signal synchronization which tends to increase the speed of vehicular traffic. 

Now that we have received initial input from the community, staff feels it is necessary to proceed with at least one more community meeting before moving forward with the schematic design phase.  Because this is a City Council priority, staff would like to request City Council input in this early design stage as this is a major community-impacting program which could impact the area as traffic, circulation, parking, signage and aesthetics are addressed.  Staff recommends that an Oversight Committee be created for the project and requests that two (2) members of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board serve on the committee.

Staff expects to host the next community meeting with both groups next month and obtain additional input.  After additional community comments are considered, staff expects to present a conceptual design to the City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board for consideration.  Staff estimates this to occur in June 2005.  

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency Board appoint two members to serve on the Burbank Boulevard Streetscape Oversight Committee.