Bravo Redondo Beach!

This is from Ken Alpern of “Friends of the Green Line”

To All:

Although the state and federal governments continue to starve transportation funding (particularly for urban transportation initiatives) and fail to provide leadership in planning for the next century, at least it’s comforting to see local cities take charge whenever and wherever they can.

Although a long-overdue Green Line and/or Metrolink service does not yet access the South Bay’s transit hub via the dormant and publicly-owned Harbor Subdivision Right of Way (ROW), the Redondo Beach City Council, led by such responsible and visionary leaders as Councilmember Steve Diels, will upgrade this transit hub to prepare for that day when consensus and funding allows high-capacity rail to connect with local buses at the Galleria Mall.

Metro will upgrade its Metro Long Range Transportation Plan this year, as well as embark upon a Major Investment Study to evaluate Metrolink, Metrolink-compatible DMU service and other options for utilization of the Harbor Subdivision ROW between Union Station and the ports via the LAX and the Galleria Mall/South Bay transit hub.

Clearly, the City of Redondo Beach has earned the right to be a major player in any discussions revolving around this rail right of way, and those who recognize the strategic value of the Galleria Mall transit hub, not only for the South Bay but for the entire region, should speak up for both transportation improvements as well as economic development that can benefit from a rail/bus connection at this strategic site.

As I’ve continued to state with increasing frequency at governmental meetings, rail projects in urban settings aren’t merely cute and fun projects for those with a hankerin’ for choo-choos…they’re vital for the economic prosperity and quality of life in an environment that doesn’t allow for much more road and freeway expansion.

It is my most sincere hope that, just as the city of Santa Monica paid for and designated the Sears automotive center as the future Expo Line terminus that might not become reality for another decade (although with funding and political will it could occur in 5 years), the city of Redondo Beach will someday look upon this decision as one that led to a major bus/car/Green Line/Metrolink transportation center that

significantly enhanced mobility and economic prosperity for itself and the entire region.

Ken Alpern

Co-Chair, Friends of the Green Line

www.fogl.us

Daily Breeze

Today is Thursday, August 09, 2007 Originally published Thursday, August 09, 2007 Updated Thursday, August 09, 2007

Moving to keep federal funds

Redondo Beach Council will have designs drawn up for a transit hub near the Galleria. By Kristin S. Agostoni Staff Writer Not wanting to forgo more than $2 million in federal transportation dollars, Redondo Beach leaders this week took the first step toward planning a new transit hub near the South Bay Galleria. The City Council decided Tuesday night to have designs drawn up for a site at 1521 Kingsdale Ave. – a 5.3-acre city-owned lot not far from the mall’s existing bus depot. A rough rendering shows the space could offer room for 14 bus bays – six more than the Galleria terminal – plus a drop-off lot, bicycle amenities and extra parking, among other options. And mass transit advocates favor the Kingsdale location because it abuts a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad freight line. Someday, they hope the right-of-way that lost most of its traffic to the Alameda Corridor will serve passenger trains. The site’s potential and the money available presented too good an opportunity to pass up, said Councilman Steve Diels, whose 4th District includes the Galleria. “We have definitely showed progress toward developing a transit center,” he said afterward. “I was pleased that it went that way.” The issue came to a head this week because of a Sept. 30 deadline tied to the last of three earmarks the city received from the federal government. But missing that deadline would also jeopardize the other two grants, staff members said. Redondo Beach received nearly $492,000 for a transit center in 2002, then $777,000 in 2003 and $972,000 in 2004. The last appropriation is considered an earmark that still must be converted into an approved grant by the September due date. But at the same time, the city has to prove it has made progress with the transit center plans or else risk losing the entire amount, including the first grant designated for site plans and designs. Last month, a staff report recommended the city return the whole $2.2 million, explaining it wasn’t time for the city to commit to the site. Assistant City Manager David Biggs said the land could provide flexibility for a potential Galleria expansion plan, and he also questioned whether the city could recover the $4.7 million it paid for the property. But the council put off making a decision so city leaders could get input from their federal representatives. Last week, Biggs suggested a better solution could be working with lawmakers to get at least some of the money reappropriated for other city transit projects. But Diels said that plan looked less feasible after city leaders met with a senior staff member from Rep. Jane Harman’s office. Getting the money designated for something else by Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year, was improbable, Diels said. Mayor Mike Gin, who initially expressed doubts about whether it was time for the city to start planning for a new transit center, said he reversed course after mulling the site’s benefits and hearing about potential hang-ups with getting the money reappropriated. “I think in my mind, it was really drilling down and looking at some of the other benefits and improvements we could have” on the site, Gin said. “I think long-term, that area’s very important to us.” The unanimous vote Tuesday night pushes the project toward the design phase, but the council also agreed to consider putting the money toward other projects if the opportunity arises. Biggs said the council could be asked to vote on a design contract next month. kristin.agostoni@dailybreeze.com