March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Westside Subway Alternatives Narrowed Down:

At the latest local meeting, held July 1, on the progress of Metro’s Westside Subway, Santa Monicans learned that there are now five alternative routes for the subway, two of which run all the way to downtown Santa Monica. The question is whether these routes can be built within the next few years, due to limitations on funding.

Metro Regional Communications Director Jody Litvak and Project Director David Mieger presented the subway’s five alternatives, reduced from 17 possible routes that have been under consideration since 2007.

Alternatives One and Two can be built within the adopted LRTP (Long Range Transportation Plan) and Measure R funding. (Measure R, which provides funding for transportation through sales taxes, was approved by voters in November 2008). Alternative One will extend the current Metro Purple Line running under Wilshire Boulevard from downtown Los Angeles to Westwood and Wilshire, deviating from the under-Wilshire route at Century City. Alternative Two extends this route to the Veteran’s Administration complex.

According to Litvak, what was often heard in public comment on the subway routes was: “If you only have funding to get to Westwood, could you just get across the 405?” Alternative Two will accomplish this and Litvak emphasized that the link to the V.A. will be very important because veterans generate a great deal of traffic to the Westside.

The three other alternatives do yet have available funding. Alternative Three follows the route of Alternative Two but continues to downtown Santa Monica, terminating at Wilshire and 4th Street, with stops at Wilshire/Bundy, Wilshire/26th Street, and Wilshire/16th Street. Alternative Four terminates in Westwood but adds a link, the “West Hollywood Extension” between the Metro Red Line under Hollywood Boulevard and the Purple Line at Wilshire and La Cienega in Beverly Hills. Alternative Five includes the West Hollywood link as well as the extension of the under-Wilshire line all the way to Wilshire and 4th in Santa Monica.

The adopted LRTP/Measure R funding allocates $4.2 billion (including federal funds) to build the subway in three phases over a period of approximately 30 years. Because many people feel this is a long time to wait for a “subway to the sea,” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has proposed the “30/10” plan to complete the subway in 10 years by borrowing funds from the Federal government and repaying them over a 30 year period with Measure R funds. (See Santa Monica Mirror, Vol. XI, issue 48).

“But nobody has figured out how to do that,” noted Litvak.

Mieger explained that the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) has to approve one of the five alternatives for building based on criteria that include transit supportive land use policies and conditions; cost effectiveness; project feasibility; equity; and environmental considerations.

“Cost effectiveness is the most frequently mentioned criterion,” said Mieger. He added that Los Angeles is competing with other cities for transportation funding and must prove that its transit projects are feasible.

Members of the public expressed concerns about parking (the current assumptions for the Westside Subway do not take into account any dedicated station parking in cost or ridership numbers); about the possibility that current low-density areas may become more crowded due to increased accessibility; and that trees and other surface features should be taken into account and kept safe during construction.

Following the latest series of community meetings, Metro will work to release its draft EIS/EIR (Environmental Impact Study/Report) later this summer, with a 45-day review period for the public. In the fall, the Metro Board will adopt a locally preferred alternative from the five offered, authorize preparation of a final EIS/EIR, and seek FTA approval to enter preliminary engineering.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...