appendix a (summary of community outreach...

Appendix A

Appendix A

Summary of Community Outreach Efforts

San Fernando Valley North-South Transit Corridor Regionally Significant Transportation Investment Study

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NORTH-SOUTH

TRANSIT CORRIDOR STUDY

Summary of December 2002

Community Open House Meetings

December 10, 2002 Sherman Oaks Women’s Club

Sherman Oaks

December 11, 2002 Piece College, Campus Center

Woodland Hills

December 12, 2002 City of San Fernando Recreation Park,

Multipurpose Room City of San Fernando

Compiled by: The Robert Group

Meyer, Mohaddes Associates, Inc.

January 2003

Meeting Summary .................................................................................................................................... 3 Appendix................................................................................................................................................... 4

Summary of Sign-in Sheets .................................................................................................................. 5 Summary of Comments ........................................................................................................................ 7 Electronically Submitted Comments .................................................................................................... 8 Public Comments sent via email and postal mail ............................................................................... 10 Fact Sheet/Project Update................................................................................................................... 14 “Take One” Notices & Advertisements.............................................................................................. 20

Meeting Summary The December 2002 Open Houses were the second and last in a series of opportunities for the community to provide public comment during the MIS phase of the San Fernando Valley North/South Transit Corridor Study. These Open Houses followed a first series of community meetings that were held during September 2002. To ensure geographic coverage, three Open Houses were scheduled at locations dispersed across the San Fernando Valley, respectively in the southeast Valley at the Sherman Oaks Women’s Club, the west Valley at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, and the northeast Valley at Recreation Park in the City of San Fernando. The meetings were held on the consecutive nights of December 10-12 between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Information presented at the meetings included the five refined route alternatives, demographic information as well as urban design options. Approximately 40 members of the public attended these evening meetings. Community members were encouraged to discuss the refined alternatives with members of the project team, as well as provide written feedback by filling out comment forms that were also made available on laptop computers. A total of 12 comments were received via email, as well as in hard copy (both handwritten and via laptop computer) at the Open House meetings. These comments are located in the appendix of this document. Public input from the meeting revealed that there is considerable support for improved transit on Van Nuys. The Lankershim, Reseda and Sepulveda alignments also received backing largely because of ridership potential, and the possibility of creating a loop serving large portions of Valley that would possibly linking with CSUN. There was also some support for linking the northeast Valley communities of Sylmar, Pacoima, Sun Valley and the City of San Fernando with the North Hollywood Metro Red Line station. At the west Valley meeting, a number of people were in favor of the Canoga Avenue alternative because it links activity centers and would be constructed in the existing railroad right-of-way. However, one participant voiced disappointment that the I-405 alternative was not one of the refined alternatives. Attendees were pleased to find out that there was potential for improvements to more than one alignment. Many of the written comments noted that current ridership information could support an increase in transit service. Many respondents were encouraged by the potential for increased network connections to other transit service. To ensure the broadest coverage of publicity for the community about the Open Houses, newspaper advertisements were placed in the Los Angeles Times-Valley Edition, the Daily News, and the San Fernando Sun. Additionally, a bilingual project Fact Sheet/Project Update, which included an invitation to the community meetings, was mailed out to the project database of approximately 6,500. This database had been significantly enhanced since the late summer Open Houses by adding a new list of residents and property owners along those streets potentially impacted by peak parking prohibitions. Approximately 10,000 bilingual take-one announcements were placed on local bus routes, meeting information was posted on the project website at www.mta.net and the project information line was updated to announce the public meetings and website information.

http://www.mta.net/

Appendix

Summary of Sign-in Sheets Sherman Oaks Women’s Club, Sherman Oaks — December 10, 2002

Name CityHoward Raphael Sherman Oaks Steve Kidd Arleta Robert Meinert San Gabriel Diana Lipari Valley Glen Bart Reed M. Scherzer Van Nuys A. Feld Van Nuys C. Shapiro Van Nuys R. Carnegie Van Nuys Carlos Rios Los Angeles Lan Nguyen Los Angeles Pierce College Campus Center, Woodland Hills —December 11, 2002

Name CityBill Dennis Van Nuys WD Jones Canoga Park Gary Forbes Canoga Park Glenn Bailey Encino Steve Carletti Canoga Park Paul Abrams Francine Oschin Encino Pauline Tallent Winnetka Dorothy Bennett Winnetka Bill Bennett Winnetka Rob Vinson Glen Wilson Northridge

Name CityRobert Wilson Northridge Gordon Murley Woodland Hills Swathi Kadur Chatsworth Normal Lau West Hills Nate Zablen Sherman Oaks Roger Dames Granada Hills Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room, City of San Fernando — December 12, 2002

Name CityShannon Smith Pasadena Mayor Jose Hernandez

San Fernando

Frank Schroder Sunland Sevana Mailian Los Angeles Bart Reed Sylmar R. Benseman Woodland Hills Logan Wilbur Sylmar Ben Wilbur Sylmar Craig Howell Granada Hills Paul Deibel David Goldstein Chatsworth Bob Sandoval Granada Hills

Summary of Comments Name Summarized Response Frank Schroder Sunland, CA

Lankershim Boulevard should be a top priority alignment Van Nuys should be the second priority alignment Would like to see a direct connection with Sylmar, Pacoima, San Fernando and Sun Valley to the North Hollywood Red Line Station Increased local bus service

Glen Wilson Northridge, CA

Supports the Reseda Boulevard as the best north/south route Does not support the Canoga ROW

Diana Lipari Would like PDFs of proposed corridors Howard Raphael Sherman Oaks

Would like copies of all maps

William Dennis Van Nuys

Lankershim Boulevard/San Fernando Road, Van Nuys Boulevard, and Reseda Boulevard alternative Alignments make sense, as they outline where the ridership exists. Would like to see three routes built

Electronically Submitted Comments Name Response Gary Forbes

I think that MTA has gotten off to a good start. I would like to see a north-south possibly along Canoga Avenue to service the business on the west side of Canoga from the Chatsworth Station to Victory and possibly east and west to Burbank so the student body at Pierce and Valley Junior Colleges could receive their passengers from different points along the way. There are some really good ideas for CSUN. Burbank Airport needs to be better served by transit.

Nate Zablen Sherman Oaks

Reseda Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Lankershim Blvd would be good choices for the Transit Corridor. The Sepulveda Corridor should continue on to West Los Angeles and possibly LAX by means of an HOV lane or exclusive bus lane on the 405 Freeway. There is also a need for an East/West Rapid Bus Route on Roscoe Boulevard and possibly Sherman Way. The proposed Rapid Bus line on Van Nuys Boulevard should be implemented as soon as possible. A North/South corridor along the Canoga right-of-way should also be considered.

Francine Oschin Encino

I believe the Canoga Ave. route is the best choice. It is a dedicated right-of-way on a street with no bus service. It connects to the Chatsworth Metrolink and Warner Center. It goes through a modest income area which includes a number of mobile home parks as well as an industrial area. It makes sense and does not disrupt business. Canoga is the way to go.

Norman Lau

I vote for the Van Nuys corridor where the bus riders are. I believe the line should be extended up thru Sylmar and on the southern end, join up with the 750 line and head toward Universal. The latter will shorten the time patron heading for the Red line will have to ride as they need not transfer to the 750.

Pauline Tallent Winnetka

The Canoga Avenue route in the West Valley makes sense as it connects the Metro Link station with Warner Center. This route could possibly alleviate traffic on the #101. With the construction due to start on the Ahmanson Ranch, this North-South route would be very important.

Roger Dames Granada Hills

I believe that the Canoga Avenue railroad right of way and the Van Nuys Boulevard alternatives are the best.

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Name Response David Goldstein Chatsworth

I appreciated the opportunity to talk with MTA officials today. I support the Sepulveda option, to relieve most of the parallel traffic along the 405 freeway in the North Valley. However, I am a disappointed that the 405 option was defeated in preliminary studies. The REAL congestion is along the 405 from the S.O. Galleria to Westwood/LAX. I hope in a future MTA study, there can be serious discussions about a center divider 405 light rail, similar to the Gold Line along the 210 in Pasadena. However, this busway is a good start. I support the Red Line and East-West Chandler route…I hope this connecting bus will support those routes. I plan to take my wife along the Red Line to Staples Center soon. The more connecting routes the better!

9

Public Comments sent via email and postal mail

10

Fact Sheet/Project Update

14

20

“Take One” Notices & Advertisements

20

Press Release

22

24

Newspaper Articles

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SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NORTH-SOUTH

TRANSIT CORRIDOR STUDY

Summary of September 2002 Community Open House Meetings

WEST VALLEY: Northridge

Monday, September 9, 2002

SOUTHEAST VALLEY: North Hollywood Tuesday, September 10, 2002

NORTHEAST VALLEY: San Fernando

Thursday, September 12, 2002

Compiled by: The Robert Group

Meyer, Mohaddes Associates, Inc.

1

October 2002

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Table of Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3 Meeting Publicity............................................................................................................................ 4 Meeting Summaries ........................................................................................................................ 5

Northridge Open House Meeting........................................................................................ 5 North Hollywood Meeting.................................................................................................. 9 City of San Fernando Meeting.......................................................................................... 13

Additional Comments ................................................................................................................... 16 Comments submitted via US Mail.................................................................................... 16 Comments submitted via email......................................................................................... 16

Media ............................................................................................................................................ 17

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Executive Summary More than 100 members of the public attended a series of three mid-September community Open House meetings to kick off the San Fernando Valley North-South Transit Corridor Study. The Open Houses were held on September 9, 10, and 12, 2002 at locations in the west, northeast and southeast San Fernando Valley — respectively in Northridge, the City of San Fernando and North Hollywood. All meetings were scheduled from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. to accommodate those preferring to attend before dark as well as those residents needing to travel from outside the Study area. These meetings were held in an Open House format which allows attendees to drop-in at a venue in a more relaxed environment and to circulate at their own pace between stations geared towards specific project elements. In this way, attendees can receive information and ask questions in a comfortable environment about topics that interest them. This first round of community meetings was intended to introduce the public to the Study, and provide them with an opportunity to review and comment on a range of 13 north-south bus corridor alternatives developed. Specific stations provided at the Open Houses included a summary of the existing conditions, a PowerPoint presentation of the Study overview, the 13 Study alternatives and an overview of urban design options. Attendees were invited to provide their feedback by filling out comment forms (which they could also mail in) or via laptop computer. Facilitating these Open Houses were members of the project team including key MTA project and consultant staff. Also in attendance were staff representatives of the San Fernando Valley Service Sector, the East/West BRT, Metrolink and LADOT. These meetings were publicized via 10,000 “take-one” brochures distributed on MTA bus routes in the San Fernando Valley, invitations mailed to the project database, advertisements placed in local newspapers and were posted on MTA’s website. Information about the Open Houses was also recorded on the Study’s Information Line. On the whole, attendees were positive about the Study and were enthusiastic about being included in the decision-making process. While there is a vestige of stakeholder interest remaining from the past East/West Study, most stakeholders responded well to the North-South Transit Study. They were especially interested in advocating connectivity with downtown, the Westside, Sylmar/Pacoima and the Santa Clarita Valley, and emphasized the importance of efficient connections with the East/West BRT, Metro Rail, other buses as well as Metrolink.. The Canoga right-of-way, Van Nuys and Sepulveda alternatives were especially supported at these meetings.

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Meeting Publicity To raise community awareness about the Open Houses and the encourage attendance, MTA employed a number of publicity tools including:

Press releases which were developed and distributed by MTA’s Media Department.. 5,000 Letters of invitation and the Study Fact Sheet which were mailed to the

stakeholder database. The Study Information Line (818) 701-2855 which has been publicized via the Study

Fact Sheet, was updated to include information about the Open Houses. Advertisements which were placed in representative local newspapers, specifically the

Los Angeles Times, Daily News, and San Fernando Sun (copies of the advertisements are located in the Appendix to this report.), appeared two weeks prior to the meeting dates.

10,000 on-board “take-ones” which were distributed beginning August 30, 2002 on appropriate bus routes in the San Fernando Valley including Routes 8 and 15. These brochures provided a brief Study description as well as information about the Open Houses.

Meeting Summaries Northridge Open House Meeting Date: Monday, September 9, 2002

5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Location: Northridge Hospital Education Room 18300 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge Attendees:

Kevin Michel, MTA Roger Martin, MTA David Armijo, MTA Marta Maestas, MTA Mike Brewer, MTA Eric Rapp, MTA Kathleen Sanchez, MTA Susan Bok, City of Los

Angeles Lupe Valdez, Metrolink

Michael Meyer, MMA Viggen Davidian, MMA Adolfo Ozaeta, MMA Lee Ward, MMA Manuel Soto, TDM Gene Anderson, Ultrasystems Elaine Carbrey, Gruen Associates Andrew Mondschein, Gruen Associates Clarissa Filgioun, TRG Ginny-Marie Case, TRG

Meeting Summary This was the first of three community meetings for the San Fernando Valley North-South Transit Corridor Study. The purpose of this meeting was to introduce the proposed project alternatives to the community and to solicit feedback from meeting attendees. A PowerPoint presentation ran throughout the meeting, explaining the purpose of the study. Presentation materials included specific information about current conditions, project alternatives and urban design ideas. Approximately 38 members of the public attended the meeting. The Open House format of the meeting allowed community members to speak one-on-one with MTA representatives and the project consultant team . Staff from the MTA’s SFV Sector, the East/West BRT, as well as Metrolink were also present during the meeting to speak with the public. While some of the meeting attendees were interested in the status of the East/West corridor study, most attendees were encouraged by the opportunity to participate in the scoping efforts for this Study. Some participants were supportive of construction of light rail service in the Valley, possibly along the median of U.S. 101, or along the Canoga right-of-way. One community member voiced her overwhelming support for, and satisfaction with, Metro Red Line service. Of the submitted written comments, there was significant support for the alternatives that provided service for Canoga Avenue and, to a lesser extent, Sepulveda and Winnetka Avenues. An attendee representing the auto dealers on Van Nuys Boulevard noted her concern that the project would negate the street and landscaping improvements the area’s BID has already accomplished, and noted that cars are currently unloaded off trucks in the median to avoid disturbing adjacent neighborhood streets. Other community members commented that the transit system is crowded but that they are encouraged by the possibility of increased transit service resulting from the Study. Some also spoke in favor of further extending the subway in the SFV, and were supportive of more service along existing bus routes. Several attendees were in favor of providing project alternatives that increased connectivity with Metrolink, the Metro Red Line, and existing public transportation.

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In Attendance

Name City Don Powers Panorama City David & Marcia Melcombe Northridge Charles Powell Walnut Lancene Quicken Encino Bob Poer Glauca Lloyd Reseda Norma Bunzel Winnetka Leslie Drayton Northridge William Bennett Winnetka Michael Besem Reseda Cheryl Gerger Winnetka Carol Wohlgemuth Winnetka Edward Kaiserski Canoga Park Alan Stone Van Nuys Ryan Oliver Woodland Hills Stacey Seigel Van Nuys Gary Hartung Van Nuys Michael Tou Sherman Oaks Nancy Bennett Woodland Hills Don Teichner Woodland Hills Stan Opatowsky Woodland Hills Alan Wolfe Canoga Park Paul Dentzel Northridge Luba Kleiwman Van Nuys Norbert Lado TarzanaAl Rangel PalmdaleEd Stauss Woodland Hills Ted Bremsey North Hills Travis Rosenberg WinnetkaLee Bunzel WinnetkaL. Hepburn Los Angeles Dorothy Bennett WinnetkaBruce Moicma ResedaVictoria Rodriguez WinnetkaGeorge Rodriguez WinnetkaSteve Hoffman TarzanaDolores Kuiper s Reseda

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Comments Name Summarized Comment

Blanca Lloyd Very satisfied with public outreach efforts: close to public Buses are overcrowded.

Venancio Gutierrez Uses transit daily (bus and Red Line). Buses are overcrowded. Most transit users are traveling from SFV to Downtown/Union Station.

Lee Bunzel Doesn’t believe a North/South system can ease traffic. No preference for any of the project alternatives. Doesn’t support the East/West BRT.

Carol Wohlgomuth Supports the alternatives that includes BRT stops at Winnetka Avenue, rather than Mason Avenue.

Alternative selected should provides better connections with other bus routes.

Louis Rosenberg Opposes all project alternatives. Supports an east-west subway extension.

Dolores Kuipers Very satisfied with public outreach efforts: close to public transportation and evening meeting is convenient.

Wants to become more involved in planning efforts. Wants to have surveys mailed to her house.

William Bennett Supports increased services on existing routes. Local travel from Mason to Roscoe is a priority.

Charles Powell Supportive of Rapid Bus deployment in region. Edward Kaiserski Would like to see Route 150 extended north to Devonshire.

Would like to move Route 750 to Topanga and East of Reseda Boulevards, along Ventura Blvd.

Suggests increased service on Desoto during “off-hours”. Very satisfied with Metro Red Line service.

Jack Atlas Supports Canoga Alternative. John Danko Supports Canoga Alternative.

Name Summarized Comment

Jeannine Engelhart Supports Canoga Alternative. Laird Hepburn Connect the north end of the Reseda Line to the Northridge Metrolink station. Francine Oschin Supports Canoga Alternative. The MTA owns the right-of-way.

Wants to see some buses continue to the Chatsworth Industrial Park, bringing people from Metrolink to Warner Center.

James Quinn Supports Canoga Alternative. Sar Ali Supports Canoga and Sepulveda Alternatives. Stacey Siegel Auto Row Business Improvement District does not support Alternative 6. The BID has made a significant investment

in landscaping and building medians along Van Nuys Boulevard. Supports Sepulveda Alternative.

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North Hollywood Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2002

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5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Location: North Hollywood Recreation Center 11430 Chandler Boulevard, North Hollywood In Attendance:

Kevin Michel, MTA Roger Martin, MTA David Armijo, MTA Marta Maestas, MTA Mike Brewer, MTA Eric Rapp, MTA Susan Bok, City of Los Angeles Kathleen Sanchez, MTA Michael Meyer, MMA

Lee Ward, MMA Bryan Mayeda, MMA Adolfo Ozaeta, MMA Manuel Soto, TDM Gene Anderson, Ultrasystems Elaine Carbrey, Gruen Associates Andrew Mondschein, Gruen Associates Clarissa Filgioun, TRG Ginny-Marie Case, TRG

Meeting Summary

This was the second of three community meetings for the San Fernando Valley North-South Transit Corridor Study. The purpose of this meeting was to introduce the proposed project alternatives to the community and to solicit feedback from meeting attendees. A PowerPoint presentation ran throughout the meeting, explaining the purpose of the Study. Presentation materials included specific information about current conditions, project alternatives and urban design ideas. Approximately 22 members of the public attended the meeting. The Open House format of the meeting allowed community members to speak one-on-one with the project consultant team and MTA employees. Representatives from the MTA’s SFV Sector and the East/West BRT were present during the meeting to speak with the public.

Many of the meeting attendees inquired regarding the status of the East/West corridor study. Other attendees were encouraged by the opportunity to participate in the scoping efforts, and looked forward to more opportunities to participate as the Study moves forward. Staff fielded questions about why BRT was being proposed (rather than light rail which was supported by a number of attendees) and were very interested in possible landscaping and shelter treatments. Participants were not supportive of the I-405 alternative, and a number felt that more service needs to be provided in the Sylmar area, north of the Metrolink station. Also, support for increased transit connections with the Santa Clarita Valley was vocalized. Written comments were received from nine attendees. Many supported better connectivity with other transit elements serving the Valley, but looked more favorably on light rail than BRT. This group was particularly interested in urban design and landscaping, but the written comments received relating to the alternatives reflected support for the Sepulveda, Reseda and Laurel Canyon Boulevard alignments. Submitted comments also included suggestions for increased service on specific existing bus routes, as well as enhanced amenities such as benches and signage.

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In Attendance

Name City Jack E. Smith North Hollywood Dorothy Beffman Los Feliz Frank Schroder Sunland Charles Thoros North Hollywood Henry David Keesing North Hollywood Chambise Koracevich North HollywoodJohn Barma Pasadena Sondra Mercer Van Nuys John Robert Stuart Bogartz Northridge Nathan Zablen Sherman Oaks Peer Ghent Paul Arney Glendale Bill Rains Valley Glen Anthony Cruzi Sherman Oaks Bud R. Gerald Silner Encino Cecelia Nowlin Encino Florence Omens North Hollywood Dion Gazzaruso Valley Village Lorna Boyd Sherman Oaks Terry O’Shaughnessy North Hollywood

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Comments Name Summarized Comment

Isabel Morro System needs to be networked better. Develop more accurate schedules. Wished more people would utilize existing transit.

Bill Rains Supports Light Rail construction in SFV. Nathan Zablen Would like to see project alternatives include Sylmar as a destination.

Supportive of Ventura BRT with stops at Ventura Blvd. and Desoto. Supportive of increased service on Route 243, along Winnetka and Desoto. Would like to see increased service for Pierce College on Winnetka and Kaiser Hospital on Desoto.

Sondra Mercer Would like to see a train from Moorpark to Union Station. Supportive of increased Amtrak service in SFV. Supportive of light rail in the SFV. Would like more information about network connectivity to LAX

Henry David Keesing Most supportive of alternatives that include Sepulveda, Reseda, and Laurel Canyon Boulevards. Supportive of alternatives along Tampa Avenue, Canoga Avenue and Topanga Canyon Boulevard Would like more information about benefits of BRT over regular bus service. Would like to see additional signage to alert riders when next bus is to arrive. Supports placement of benches at BRT stops.

Florence Omens Greatest need at Lankershim to Northeast Valley, based on her experience on Route 166. Supports increased bus service and intervals. Would like to see schedule and map at every stop. Requests that shade be provided at bus stop.

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Stuart Bogarzt Supports route from Chandler-Lankershim/ West to Van Nuys Blvd, to Sherman Way along Van Nuys, to Metrolink

station at Raymer St, to San Fernando Road, to Sylmar Metrolink Station. Supports electric trolley buses, replacing natural gas buses. Supports the construction of overhead trolley bus wires, in hopes of light rail development, when funds become

available. Lorna Boyd Supports avoiding the Sepulveda and Ventura Boulevard intersection. Anthony Curzi Disappointed that none of the alternatives include service to the Cascades Business Park in Sylmar.

Would like to consider Olive View Medical Center as a possible terminal. Would like to see improvements in local bus service, with ideal headways of 10-12 minutes. Supports placing service on Kester, Fulton, and Hazeltine. Van Nuys Boulevard Route 233 would be extended west on

Ventura to Kester, and north to Saticoy.

City of San Fernando Meeting Date: Thursday, September 12, 2002,

5/2/2003

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: City of San Fernando Recreation Center

Gymnasium 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

Attendees: Roger Martin, MTA David Armijo, MTA Marta Maestas, MTA Mike Brewer, MTA Eric Rapp, MTA Susan Bok, City of Los Angeles Edwin Galvez, City of San Fernando Michael Meyer, MMA

Viggen Davidian, MMA Adolfo Ozaeta, MMA Lee Ward, MMA Manuel Soto, TDM Andrew Mondschein, GA Clarissa Filgioun, TRG Ginny-Marie Case, TRG

Meeting Summary This was the last of three community meetings for the San Fernando Valley North-South Transit Corridor Study. The purpose of this meeting was to introduce the proposed project alternatives to the community and to solicit feedback from meeting attendees. A PowerPoint presentation ran throughout the meeting, explaining the purpose of the Study. Presentation materials included specific information about current conditions, project alternatives and urban design ideas. Approximately 31 members of the public attended the meeting. The Open House format of the meeting allowed community members to speak one-on-one with the project consultant team and MTA employees. Representatives from the MTA’s SFV Sector were also present during the meeting to speak with the public. Of the submitted written comments, there was most support for the Canoga right-of-way and Van Nuys Boulevard alternatives. Also, there was interest in the development of a transit connection from Mission College to CSUN. A MTA bus operator attending as a member of the public invited the project team to attend the next union meeting to solicit input from the bus operators on these routes.

13

In Attendance

Name City James Hogan Canyon Country Bart Reed Abbie Rosenberg Steve Angarita San Fernando Angel Avila Pacoima Ron Ruiz San Fernando Jeanette Davialos Sylmar Paul Dentzel Northridge Paul Deibel David Whiteman Encino Roger Christensen Sherman Oaks Jose Hernandez San Fernando James Wilson Pacoima Tim Steuam Pacoima Edwin Ramirez Pacoima Roger Everett Canoga Park William Petty Sylmar John Robert Pam Hogan Canyon Country E.H. Patotzka Northridge Pat O’Connor Pacoima

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Submitted Comments Name Summarized Comment

Roger Everett Supportive of the Canoga Alternative. Encourages improvements along Van Nuys Boulevard. Would like to see increased bus service during evenings.

Robert Focosi Project needs additional outreach to City of San Fernando Reach out to neighborhood councils.

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Additional Comments Comments submitted via US Mail

Name Summarized CommentDavid Goldstein Chatsworth, CA 91311

Read article in 8/29/02 Daily News Supports I-405 alternative from SFV to Westwood Would like to see a park/ride developed at Sherman Oaks Galleria and at

Federal Building in Westwood Emaline Rich Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Supports construction of a subway or light rail line along I-405 Believes that adding more buses won’t resolve congestion

Lillian Michaels North Hollywood, CA 91601

Discouraged by long wait for bus service Supports construction of a subway or light rail line

Comments submitted via email Name Comment

Soraya Dosaj

Supports Van Nuys Boulevard alternative Replace some existing service with BRT

Faramarz Nabavi

Would like to see more buses placed in SFV sector Develop BRT that uses I-405 Opposes spending money on Transit Corridor Study; would prefer to see

improvements to specific SFV sector routes Utilize shuttle service for less traveled routes Shuttle drivers should be MTA drivers, able to be members of the union Do not eliminate local bus service for BRT

Dennis Allard

Supports better connection to existing rail corridors Would like to see a transit network connecting rail and bus corridors, e.g.

Sepulveda from SFV to Long Beach Construction of a transit corridor along Old Santa Monica Boulevard from

Westwood to West Hollywood.

Media

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Continued on next page

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Take Ones

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SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NORTH-SOUTH TRANSIT CORRIDOR STUDY

Stakeholder Outreach Summary

STAKEHOLDER BRIEFINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

Individual/Organization/Event Date/Time Location Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments Dr. Dan Blake California State University, Northridge

7/9/02, 12:15 p.m.

CSUN 18111 Nordhoff, BB 4240 Northridge, CA 91330-8374

Make project goals clear, and ensure that final Study alternatives emphasize connectivity with other modes of travel such as Metrolink, SFV E/W BRT.

Supports alternative that extends to Westwood via Sepulveda Blvd

Christopher Park Executive Director Warner Center Transportation Management Organization

7/19/02 6355 De Soto Avenue Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Would like to share information presented to group. Willing to provide membership database.

Art Sweet United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley

7/18/02, 11:30 a.m.

Odyssey Restaurant 15600 Odyssey Dr Granada Hills, CA 91344

United Chambers supports connecting service to: the Westside/ Westwood area; and, Sylmar.

Provide 10 copies of the current project map (completed).

San Fernando Valley Government Day

7/27/02 Panorama Mall8401 Van Nuys Boulevard Panorama City, CA 91402

Attendees were generally supportive of Study.

Congress of Neighborhoods, San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Councils

8/3/02 Sheraton Universal Hotel 333 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City, CA 91601

Distributed 70 maps of Study area and possible alternatives. Greg Nelson, Executive Director of DONE, to contact project team for additional project

alternative maps for distribution to neighborhood councils (completed). College Center Neighborhood Council

8/12/02, 7:00 p.m.

Bethany Church 5853 Laurel Canyon Blvd Studio City, CA 91607

Follow-up at the September 9th meeting (conflicts with Open House). Send Open House invitations to the group (completed).

MTA Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC)

8/14/02, 6:30 p.m.

MTA Board Room Pleased to hear about the project so early on in the process. Examine transit service for/linkages with: the cities of Burbank and Glendale; Burbank

Airport; North Los Angeles County (the I-5 and SR-14 region); and, the Santa Clarita senior center.

Investigate methods to use the Metrolink lines off-peak (e.g. place a DMU on the Ventura line).

Look at San Fernando or Glen Oaks alternative connecting to Burbank and Glendale. Ensure that service is not duplicated with future Rapid Bus implementation Plans.

Last printed 5/2/2003 1:03 PM 1 of 8



Individual/Organization Date/Time Location Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments United Chambers of Commerce (Meeting # 2)

8/15/02, 4 p.m.

5121 Van Nuys Blvd, 2nd Floor Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Supportive of preliminary Study alternatives and believes that team is providing a wide range of alternatives.

Examine transit options to: connect with Valley colleges. Utilize existing parking facilities; link with the City of Burbank. Forward final Fact Sheet to United Chambers; provide information about September open

houses to Mr. Sweet for distribution to membership (completed). Encino Chamber of Commerce 8/22/02, 5:30

p.m. 4933 Balboa Avenue Encino, CA 91316

Supportive of preliminary study alternatives, looking forward to participating in the upcoming scoping process.

Would like to further examine the Canoga Railroad Right-of-way, and Balboa Boulevard alternatives.

Would like to schedule an additional meeting with their business group (schedule briefing for 1/03). Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council

8/26/02, 7 p.m.

Bee Canyon Park, across the street from Vango Elementary, Granada Hills

Approximately 30 members of the public attended the meeting Interested in the development of Park/Ride lots, expected ridership. Supportive of the Balboa alternative extending to Santa Clarita. Would support development of a line beginning at Reseda Blvd to Malibu. Believes that MTA doesn’t serve their area. Encourages coordination of planning activities with the City of Santa Clarita. Staff from the San Fernando Sector was not present.

Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce

8/28/02, 12 p.m.

Sicley’s Italian Restaurant 15300 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Encouraged by early outreach to community. Would like to ensure that emphasis is given to reach out to ethnically and economically diverse groups throughout SFV.

Supportive of the Van Nuys alternatives. Would like to see traffic diverted from the intersection of Van Nuys and Roscoe. Interested in developing one-way streets. Submitted names to be added to the mailing list.

Community Transit Meeting 8/28/02, 5:30 p.m.

Van Nuys State Building 6150 Van Nuys Boulevard Van Nuys, VCA 91401

Supportive of Van Nuys alternative. Not supportive of the Woodley Alternative (too residential). Ensure service is timed for transfers with the Metro Red Line and Metrolink. Add service further north to connect with the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station.

West Hills Neighborhood Council

9/4/02, 7 p.m.

Justice Street School 23350 Justice Street Canoga Park, CA 91304

Council doesn’t feel impacted by the Study. Supportive of increased service in the West Hills area, including West Hills Medical Center,

and more service for seniors. Supportive of efforts to increase public participation in the Study.




Individual/Organization Date/Time Location Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments Pacoima Neighborhood Council

9/11/02, 6 p.m.

Pacoima Library 13605 Van Nuys Boulevard Pacoima, CA 91331

Group was familiar with MTA and services. Interested in identifying the negative impacts of the project. Supportive of developing better bus stops and shelters. Work with the community to minimize impacts during construction. Overall positive interest in study, and may participate in 9/12/02 community meeting. Would like a follow up briefing later in the Study (schedule briefing for 1/03).

Business Advisory Commission Speaker Hertzberg

9/13/02, 7:30 a.m.

Encino Tarzana Hospital 16237 Ventura Boulevard Encino, CA 91436

Supportive of the development of two corridors in the eastern and western portion of the sector.

Interested in demographic information. Would like more information about park/ride lots. Place emphasis on efficient and on-time service. Encourage best use of land conditions. Would like to see proposals extended to Olive View Medical Center. Would like a follow up briefing as the Study continues (schedule briefing for 1/03).

Los Angeles City Council 9/18/02, 5:30 p.m.

Lake View Terrace Recreation Center 11075 Foothill Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

Shared booth space with the SFV transit sector. Attendees supported the Van Nuys alternative. Concerned that Sylmar area is underserved. Displays were very useful and informative.

Northridge Neighborhood Council

9/18/02, 7:30 p.m.

Northridge Hospital 18300 Roscoe Boulevard Northridge, CA 91330

Buses should run earlier and later than the regular service hours. Concerned about securing funding for the project. Not supportive of the Reseda Boulevard alternative. Too much traffic for the BRT.

United Chambers of Commerce Transportation Committee (Meeting #3)

9/19/02, 3 p.m.


Report to follow.

Public Safety Commission Speaker Hertzberg

9/20/02, 7:30 a.m.


Supportive of the Van Nuys and Sepulveda Corridors. Interested in final cost estimates. Ensure that project continues to move forward. Speaker Hertzberg is supportive of a dedicated lane.

VICA Vision 2020 Group Council

9/24/02, 10 a.m.

VICA 5121 Van Nuys Blvd, 2nd floor Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Supports BRT in SFV. Supportive of either a dedicated lane, or enhancement of the existing transportation

corridor. Evaluate trip origin and destination when refining project alternatives. Ensure transit network connectivity. Would like to be updated as the study continues (schedule briefing for 1/03).




Individual/Organization Date/Time Location Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments Family and Community Commission Speaker Hertzberg

9/27/02, 7:30 a.m.


Increased frequency of buses on routes. Efficient networking of bus routes is important. Ensure use of updated demographic data in modeling. Landscaping important. Speed up the process for completion of the project.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council

10/3/02, 7:30 p.m.

Northridge Hospital 18300 Roscoe Boulevard Northridge, CA 91330

Supportive of multiple corridor selection, including Canoga ROW. Land use should be incorporated during the screening process. Increase transit service to Sylmar area. Once a preferred alternative is selected, would like to see speedy implementation. Buses should be non-polluting. Be fiscally conservative with funding.

Midtown/North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

10/15/02, 7 p.m.

Councilwoman Wendy Gruel’s North Hollywood District Office 6350 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Suite 201 North Hollywood, CA 91606

Supportive of Study. Receptive of presentation materials. Would like additional information on E/W BRT. Want to be updated in the future regarding the Study’s progress (schedule briefing for 1/03).

United Chambers of Commerce Transportation Committee

10/17/02, 4 p.m.


Supportive of Park/Ride opportunities. If an alternative will displace on-street parking, please work with businesses to help mitigate

impacts. Satisfied with TSM Alternative. Would like to continue to receive project updates (schedule briefing for 1/03).

Tarzana Property Owners 11/11/02, Tarzana Community Center 4935 Balboa Blvd Tarzana, CA 91364

Stations should be functional and clean. North/south corridors with high ridership should be a priority. Oppose the Canoga alternative. Would like an update on the East/West BRT. Would like additional updates (schedule briefing for 1/03).

LAUSD, District B 11/20/02, 9 a.m.

9919 Laurel Canyon Boulevard Pacoima, CA 91331

About 100 people in attendance. Supportive of the Lankershim alternative. Would like to have someone from SFV transit sector at next meeting.

Northern Corridor Cities Lancaster Mayor Frank Roberts

11/20/02, 11 a.m.

Supportive of project to date. Very encouraged by level and quality of public outreach.




Individual/Organization Date/Time Location Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments Government Center City of Los Angeles Public Safety

11/20/02, 2 p.m.

Van Nuys State Building 6150 Van Nuys Boulevard Van Nuys, VCA 91401

Consider one-way north/south streets. Serve more than one corridor.

Cameron Woods Homeowners Association

11/20/02, 7:30 p.m.

6317 O’Ryan Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411

Supportive of project. Need for increased transit services in neighborhood.

Valley Glen Community Council

12/2/02, 7 p.m.

Valley College, Cafeteria Conference Room, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen

Supportive of project, would like to receive updates. Supportive of multiple corridors, but prefer Van Nuys Alternative. Supportive of Park/Ride opportunities. Ensure cost-efficiency. Pay special attention to station design and layout to ensure practicality.

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council

1/8/03, 7 p.m.

Elks Lodge 10137 Commerce Avenue Tujunga

Project does not serve their area. Supports multiple corridors. Concerned about funding for project. Supports the concept of using curb lanes during rush hour. Would like to see the Metro Rapid Service utilized. Would like a presentation by transit sector staff.

Mission College Ana Rojas, AIA; College Project Manager Carol Silver, SFV Transit Sector Chuck Seeger, Gensler Ted Tanaka, Ted Tokio Tanaka Diana Ho, Ted Tokio Tanaka Paul Taylor, Kaku Associates

1/13/03, 3:45 p.m.

Mission College The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate planning efforts with Mission College. They are in the process of designing a multi-level parking structure with a transit center located at the north end of the property.

Supportive of increased transit services to the school. Supportive of the study. Would like to see a local connector from Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station. Looking forward to reviewing the MIS. Mission College is currently preparing a Transit Center that would meet the MTA transit

center criteria. Therefore, they would like to "invite" the SFV Transit Sector to make use of their facility.




Individual/Organization Date/Time Location Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments

Van Nuys Auto Row – Business Improvement District

1/16/03 Overall, they are supportive of the project. Keep the median intact. Recently completed a $600,000 streetscape improvement project

along Van Nuys Boulevard. Oppose afternoon peak period curb usage on Van Nuys between Burbank and Magnolia

Boulevard., but are comfortable with morning peak curb lane use. Would like additional updates as the project continues.

Pacoima Skills Center 1/22/03 9 a.m.

Pacoima Skills Center Overall, they are supportive of the project Disappointed that budget implications may delay implementation of this project. Prefers Van Nuys, Reseda and Lankershim Boulevards Supportive of BRT Would like the bus fare to be similar to conventional bus Make sure that canopies are wide enough to prevent sun/rain




AGENCY/TECHNICAL BRIEFINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

Individual/Organization Date/Time Staff/Consultant Attending Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments Elected Officials Offices of Supervisor Yaroslavsky, Assemblymembers Pavich, Koretz & Hertzberg, Council members Weiss and Padilla

7/22/02 • Kevin Michel • Roger Martin • Michael Meyer • David McCrossan • Clarissa Filgioun

Staff will provide feedback on community outreach list. Supportive of alternatives presented.

Caltrans District 7 Sam Ekrami, Carlos Dillon, Chris Lan

7/23/02 • Roger Martin • Michael Meyer

Provided an overview of current alternatives. Caltrans will begin to attend monthly team meetings.

Metrolink Steve Lantz

7/23/02 • Roger Martin Add a southwest corridor alternative linking the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station and Warner Center (because the central and eastern portions of the Valley do not link with Ventura or Santa Clarita service.).

Metrolink will be represented at the monthly team meeting. Beginning September 2002, Metrolink users can use Amtrak on the Ventura Line and Amtrak users can use Metrolink trains from Union Station to Canoga.

Southern California Association of Governments Al Bowser


Attend the RSTIS meeting in August, October, and January.

Representative Brad Sherman Michael Tou

8/5/02, 10 a.m.

• Roger Martin Presented overview of Study including base maps, project timeline, and description of community outreach effort.

Requested a copy of the outreach database for his suggested additions. Add Study alternative for Balboa Boulevard. Impressed with current effort; will provide additional support/ assistance, if needed.

MTA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Randy Lamm


Serve the Olive View Medical Center LA County, Patrick Dechalis Incorporate Northridge Metrolink Station into Study alternatives.





Individual/Organization Date/Time Staff/Consultant Attending Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments

RSTIS Committee Meeting 9/19/02 • Roger Martin • Michael Meyer

Group suggest they meet with FTA to discuss 1) Precedence ti keeping TSM improvements as part of the Corridor Alternatives, and 2) that modal alternatives are addressed adequately.

Suggested that Purpose and Need Statement explain why rail alternatives are not appropriate for this study.

Enjoy overall presentation and approach. Would like an update in January regarding the Locally Preferred Alternative.

Individual/Organization Date/Time Staff/Consultant Attending Meeting Summary/Action Items/Comments

Elected Officials City of Los Angeles: Offices of Mayor Hahn, Council members Padilla and Bernson; City of San Fernando; Congressman Sherman; Assembly member Pavley

10/15/02 • Kevin Michel • Roger Martin • Ed Scannell • Michael Meyer • Lee Ward • David McCrossan • Clarissa Filgioun • Maureen Micheline • Wilbur Babb • Marta Maestas

Consider potential ridership, not just existing ridership. Show ridership numbers at next briefing Work with Planning Department and community groups on urban design

City of Los Angeles, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment

12/3/02 • Roger Martin Appreciative for the briefing. Would like information about additional studies taking place in SFV, within the City of Los Angeles.

Impressed with graphic presentation. Key: Outstanding action items listed in italics.

appendix a (summary of community outreach...

Documents