The future of San Vicente Blvd.?

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WeHo wants to block the road for events and rallies

The city’s Urban Design & Architecture Studio has some eye-popping plans for San Vicente Blvd.

The idea is to equip the stretch between Santa Monica Blvd. and Melrose Ave. with infrastructure that would let the city easily convert it from busy street to, essentially, an oversized OutZone linking the Pacific Design Center and the park/library.

We’re talking tree-lined sidewalks, canopies, programmable color changing string
lighting — and perchance some major traffic headaches.

But the plans are light years away from approval, and it’s anybody’s guess what the price tag might be. On Monday, Council sent it to the Transportation Commission for review — the first step in a very long, very iff journey to being built.

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The “shared streetscape” would bridge the PDC and the park/library during events and rallies. Detour signs not shown.
This is where you won’t be able to drive through.
“The Speaker’s Podium” was designed to address crowds on San Vicente Blvd., we learned Monday. Book your next traffic-snarling protest today!
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Jonathan Simmons
Jonathan Simmons
2 years ago

NEAR TOP OF BAD IDEAS, AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH A CITY HALL OVER 2 YES, BUT WITH NO IN OFFICE WORK, SHOULD GAVE FASTER BETTER GARBAGE, ZONING, PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TO MESSAGES LEFT. Btw – apart of it CLOSING FOR A WEEKEND FOR PRIDE, IGNORES THE CRUCIAL BYPASS FOR MANY 9 TO TO 5 WORKERS COMMUTING IT MAKES WEEKDAY TRAFFIC, AS BAD AS IT 8S, INSTEAD OF GRIDLOCK. ALSO AN IMPORTANT ALT ROUTE IF LA CIENEGA OR DOHNEY HAS CLOSED FOR ACCIDENT OR EMERGENCY. ALSO: SHERIFF’S STATION MAJOR ENTRY EXIT TO THE SECURE BACK SIDE, OPEN SPACE FOE CARS, REPAIRS,… Read more »

Rudi Logan
Rudi Logan
2 years ago

What we really need is fewer cranks in Wehoville comments.

sonic
sonic
2 years ago
Reply to  Rudi Logan

or on their staff

Jose
Jose
2 years ago
Reply to  Rudi Logan

Bye!

Marko
Marko
2 years ago

I didn’t know that taxes have been this good to WeHo that they can’t figure out a better way to spend them in a manner that would actually befit the needs of their populace. Whew. Dumb.

Steve Zlick
Steve Zlick
2 years ago

Have any of you lived in WeHo long? That stretch of San Vicente is routinely closed several times of year for events and rallies. More in times of political strife involving gay issues.

It seems to be the plans are merely trying to improve a situation that already exists, has existed for decades, and will continue to exist far into the future. Seems just common sense to me.

DesertBob
DesertBob
2 years ago

Just when I think that “city” comes up with the dumbest idea ever, they top themselves!

RobbyDobby
RobbyDobby
2 years ago

Of all the bad ideas (18 million dollar high rise automatic parking garage that doesn’t work right because of a bad design) this one comes in on the top. Traffic is already a nightmare at drive time in WeHo and this would only add to the mess. Plus, a major source of parking for WeHo night-owls, the PDC parking lot, would be cut off from access in both directions. Is anybody using their head when they come up with this stuff? Inquiring minds want to know…

Canyon Guy
Canyon Guy
2 years ago
Reply to  RobbyDobby

Main access to all PDC parking is off of Melrose at east side of complex. San Vicente access is primarily for Red Bldg valet – so closing down San Vicente will not affect people’s ability to park.

Sal D
Sal D
2 years ago

One of the silliest ideas I have seen in a while! They literally just finished reconfiguring the park. There’s ample open space for events and rallies. Who thinks of this???

Gideon
Gideon
2 years ago
Reply to  Sal D

Probably someone who has hoodwinked the city’s power wielders into believing he’s a genius who will get edgy things done and lead the little people to the promised land.

DesertBob
DesertBob
2 years ago
Reply to  Sal D

Dumb people do this.

Steve Too
Steve Too
2 years ago

So, at the same time, the city is lobbying Metro to run rail to the intersection of SMB/San Vicente, they’re floating this idea for easier ways to close one of the main access routes (especially for connecting buses)?

Just last week, there’s talk of redeveloping the sheriff’s station with a large project. All indications are the bus lot (albeit more hidden) must remain at this location.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too, as the saying goes.

Last edited 2 years ago by Steve Too
Katniss & Peeta
Katniss & Peeta
2 years ago

Ok love the podium, whoever is the dictator or dictators of the city in the future can organize WeHo’s own version of their of the Hunger Games.

Last edited 2 years ago by Katniss & Peeta
JF1
JF1
2 years ago

LOL. Too funny.

Joshua88
Joshua88
2 years ago

The City seems to mostly look for ways to enhance the lives of us residents.
I appreciate that.
How about you?

Steve Martin
Steve Martin
2 years ago
Reply to  Joshua88

I do appreciate that the City does and has enhanced the quality of life in West Hollywood. But sometimes it just looks like staff is working over time trying to figure out ways to spend tax payer dollars. Maybe the timing of this proposal seems a bit tone deaf when people are concerned about crime and homeless issues. But historically many rallies and marches have been ad hoc affairs; this all looks a little too Disney. It also looks like Staff is trying to draw demonstrations off the intersection of Santa Monica and San Vicente. So let’s establish an official… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Steve Martin
Joshua88
Joshua88
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve Martin

Your point is well taken.
The general attitude here is to blame the CC for everything. Often it is misguided. It gets really boring.

Busy Work
Busy Work
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve Martin

Much of the “busy work” delegated to staff for studies and surveys are perhaps intended to show how diligent they are and how brilliant the council member. Unfortunately the result is clear and nonsensical “busy work” which requires spending. More than that, even though these little projects often require an RFP , they can mysteriously wind up in the hands and pockets of colleagues.

JF1
JF1
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve Martin

It’s pretty sad the city thinks that we need a “demonstration zone.” But you’re right now is not the time to even think about spending more taxpayer money. Certainly not to create more open space when they just spent millions on making more open space at the park.

mike
mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Joshua88

Yes … agreed … thank you !

Mark Reese
Mark Reese
2 years ago

Can I vote for a City of West Hollywood Police Department? Mark my word, this “arrangement” with the Los Angeles County Sheriff is illegal (no checks and balances) and will be costly.

Peter
Peter
2 years ago

Absolute lunacy. it’s a major MTA route and the easiest way for many to get to Bev Center and all points south without adding to residential street disruption. Isn’t the new park (finally) big enough? After the Robertson fiasco last year, why is this council still obsessed with closing streets?

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