HomeMy Public PortalAboutM 1969-01-13 - CC~~.~~
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 1968
Discussion
of Century
Freeway
construction
as it
affects
Lynwood
The City Council of the City of Lynwood met in an adjourned
regular session in the City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, on
above date at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Siokos in the chair.
Councilmen Byork, Green, Siokos, Smith, Stevens answered
the roll call.
A letter from Robert J. Swan, Long Beach, was read. Mr.
Swan urged that in the planning of the Century Freeway
construction the Council seek to have the railraod
grade separated and used for rapid transit. It was
moved by Councilman Byork, seconded by Councilman Green,
and carried, that the letter be accepted and filed.
The Mayor announced that the purpose of adjourning the
regular meeting to this date was to discuss the Century
Freeway construction as it affects the City of Lynwood.
The City Manager recalled that following the decision
of the Highway Commission on the freeway route, the
Council had suggested that Dr. Ashley, formerly of
Economic Research Associates, be consulted as to how
the city can best benefit from the freeway from an
economic standpoint and as to planning for the use of
the commercial areas immediately adjacent to the freeway.
Dr. Ashley spoke in general terms of the impact of the
freeway upon the city. He expressed the opinion that the
freeway would start a new cycle of growth in the community
and would benefit both commercial and industrial areas
of the city. He stated that an interchange at Santa Fe
Avenue would be of particular benefit to the western
industrial area, and emphasized that each interchange
should be selected carefully to insure the greatest
benefit. As to elevation of the freeway, Dr. Ashley
said if he were making a recommendation, he believed
it would be to the city's advantage to have the freeway
depressed in residential areas to minimize dust, debris,
and noise. He said that where commercial properties
are abutting, surface freeways are valuable and there
are mixed opinions in industry with regard to the grade
of the freeway. However, in answer to a question from
the Council, he gave examples of regional shopping
centers being located adjacent to depressed freeways
with no resulting problems. Dr. Ashley said that a
depressed freeway from the west city limits to approx-
imately Atlantic Avenue would in no way be a handicap
to the city.
In summarizing, Dr. Ashley said that the freeway would
catalyze a new cycle of growth in the community; it
would interest industry in locating here and the City
would be in a good position to acquire more industry.
He commented on what impact the elimination of the
Southern Pacific right of way would have on the Southern
Pacific's plan for the industrialization of the Watts
area. Dr. Ashley stated it would be well to seriously
consider approaching a major department store to determine
whether or not a major shopping center could be located
in the northwest section of the city. He also suggested
that a presentation be prepared in an effort to develop
a community shopping center in the triangle bounded
generally by Long Beach Boulevard, Fernwood Avenue,
and Imperial Highway, such a presentation to indicate
buying power, commuting distance and time, mass of
people within the trade area, and other information
:~ ~ ~a
pertinent to such a development.
Mr. David Roper, of the State Division of Highways, was
present and in the informal discussion which took place,
answered questions from the Council and audience. He
said that the freeway will be elevated at Alameda
Street and studies arenow going on for depresssan of
the freeway from that point to Atlantic Avenue where it
would again be elevated and proceed over the Long Beach
~, Freeway. Mr. Roper said the construction details
such as the streets to be closed or remain open, the
ramp locations, pedestrian access, and similar details
will be included in the agreement with the city, and it
is hoped that the agreement can be completed within six
months. After completion of the agreement, land
acquisition can commence. In reply to a question from
Mr. Emil Ponzo, Mr. Roper said the width of the freeway
will vary depending upon the ramps; where there are no
ramps, it will be approximately 305 feet wide, and
wider at the ramp areas.
In discussing possible shopping center development
in the northwest section of the city, Dr. Ashley said
he would not recommend rezoning of the area at this
time, but would suggest indicating in the master plan
that the Council favored future rezoning of the area.
Replying to a question concerning possible development
by the city of the northwest area as an industrial
exposition center or solve similar development, Dr.
Ashley said he thought the land was too valuable for
such a purpose.
It was moved by Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Stevens, and carried, that the meeting be adjourned.
Cit~r~ Clem, City of Lynwoo
APPROVED JANUARY 21, 1969
G ~
Mayor o t e City of Lynwood
Discussion of
Century Freeway
construction as
it affects
Lynwood