Request for stop signs on Ardmore
Avenue at 16th Street to create a three-way stop
(PDF file)
Traffic Engineer Garland gave a staff report which
reviewed the request. He indicated that a 3-way stop
would not be warranted based on the state guidelines.
He further stated that any visibility constraints at
the intersection were not observed to result in a
safety problem. He also said that the crossing guard
effectively stops the oncoming traffic to create a safe
crossing environment for the pedestrians. Also,
additional stop signs would require all motorists to
stop at this location throughout the day and night,
creating delays for motorists, stacking traffic back
toward Pier Avenue, increased automobile emissions,
noise and fuel consumption along with a nuisance to
drivers on Ardmore Avenue which is an arterial roadway.
The staff recommendation, therefore, was for the
Commission to deny the request.
Tom Bradley, 1720 Ardmore Avenue
Mr. Bradley expressed concern with the safety of the
children crossing the street. He said drivers are
moving very fast in the morning and are disrespectful
to the children crossing. He also pointed out that
every other intersection up through 21st Street onto
Artesia Boulevard has a stop sign on Ardmore Avenue. He
asked the Commission to consider the 3-way stop at 16th
Street and Ardmore Avenue over and above the state
guidelines. He further requested that the Commission
follow-up with Officer Wolcott.
In response to Commissioner Winnek, Mr. Bradley
informed that there have been incidents when drivers
have gone through the crosswalk with children and a
crossing guard present.
Cynthia Bradley, 1720 Ardmore Avenue
Ms. Bradley indicated that she is a former crossing
guard at the intersection but recently quit due to the
danger at the intersection. She said that she was hit
twice, and that drivers would creep through the
crosswalk, even when she was present in the crosswalk.
She suggested that a stop sign be installed with a line
far back from the crosswalk indicating where to stop.
She also informed that drivers would turn right into
the crosswalk while she was crossing with children in
the crosswalk.
Lynn Clemons, 838 15th Place
Ms. Clemons expressed concern with the high speed of
traffic on Ardmore Avenue and stated that the use of
crosswalks needs to be enforced with stop signs. She
believed that a 3-way stop would be reasonable or a
stop system operable during the school hours in the
mornings and afternoons.
Christina Marziali
Ms. Marziali expressed concern for the disrespect
shown for the safety of children and pedestrians and
questioned drivers' priority of inconvenience over
safety. She believed that there is a problem at the
intersection of Ardmore Avenue at 16th Street and a
stop sign is necessary.
Commissioner Koch stated that he is in favor of a
stop sign based upon the number of signatures on the
petition, the measured value being close to the 500
vehicle/hour threshold, and cars having to edge forward
due to visibility constraints.
In response to Commissioner Lombardo, Ms. Clemons
responded that she believed it would be necessary to
have a stop sign present over and above the peak hours
due to the area being used as an additional route for
pedestrian traffic.
Commissioner Lombardo pointed out that a crossing
guard has been killed in the City.
In response to Commissioner Winnek, Traffic Engineer
Garland explained that unique conditions requiring a
stop sign would include visibility constraints such as
a curve or hill, narrow sidewalk with buildings right
up to the back of the sidewalk, vegetation, telephone
poles, etc. He also informed that the measured traffic
took place during weekday hours.
Commissioner Winnek questioned traffic respecting a
stop sign, as traffic is currently not respecting a
crossing guard. He believed that the problem might be
enforcement issues. He also said there may soon be
additional traffic in the area due to the anticipated
construction in Redondo Beach, and a stop sign may need
to be considered in the future. He concurred with the
Traffic Engineer at this point to deny the stop sign
but suggested that Public Works contact the Police
Department regarding this intersection.
Vice-Chairman Cheatham stated that the intersection,
from a visibility standpoint, does not seem to be a
dangerous intersection. He also said that there is a
high pedestrian count at the intersection; however, the
other intersections along Valley and Ardmore may also
have high pedestrian counts. He said that Valley and
Ardmore were designed to be thoroughfares for the City
and putting stop signs at almost every intersection
would defeat this purpose. He also pointed out that the
City has one of the highest densities of stop signs in
Los Angeles County. He suggested installing a
pedestrian activated signal, and seeking a grant to pay
for this device.
In response to Commissioner Lombardo, Director
Williams stated that temporary stops are not installed,
as they generally become permanent stops and are
difficult to remove. He also said if the 3-way stop
were supported, it would go to City Council for final
approval and would also go to the Police Department for
their comments.
MOTION
by Commissioner Koch to accept the request to install
stop signs at the intersection of Ardmore Avenue and
16th Street, due to the comments from the public, total
traffic at the intersection and visibility constrains.
Seconded by Commissioner Lombardo.
Prior to the vote:
AMENDED MOTION
by Vice-Chairman Cheatham that a pedestrian-activated
light at the intersection be installed. Amended motion
failed with no second.
Original motion failed with the following vote:
Ayes: Koch, Lombardo
Noes: Cheatham, Winnek
Absent: Keegan
Abstain: None
MOTION
by Vice-Chairman Cheatham to recommend that a
pedestrian-activated signal be placed at the
intersection of Ardmore Avenue and 16th Street and that
the City seek grant money for its funding.
Prior to the vote:
Commissioner Koch expressed concern with receiving
funding for the signal and believed it would be
difficult to receive it in a timely manner.
Motion failed with no second.
Director Williams informed that the public has the
option to appeal this item to the City Council.
Request for stop signs on 20th Street
at Valley Park Avenue to create a three-way stop
(PDF file)
Traffic Engineer Garland gave a staff report which
noted that the traffic volumes are well below the
state-recommended thresholds to warrant stop signs at
the intersection of 20th Street and Valley Park Avenue.
He said there are some visibility constraints at the
intersection due to some vegetation blocking visibility
and vehicles parked along the shoulder of 20th Street.
While these constraints result in restricted
visibility, the situation is not considered to
constitute an accident risk because there have been no
reported accidents at this location in recent years. He
said staff recommendation is for the Commission to deny
the request.
Commissioner Lombardo suggested that a signage
program similar to that in effect in the City of
Manhattan Beach be developed to make people aware that
there are children present with a school nearby.
Director Williams stated that it is not recommended
to post signs in a residential area where motorists
expect to see children. He explained that the signs
would give a false sense of security to children,
leading them to believe it is safe to play on the
street. He said the only signs that are legal on the
street are the ones that motorists are tested on by the
DMV.
Traffic Engineer Garland explained that the signage
program in the City of Manhattan Beach is part of an
educational campaign to attempt to modify driver
behavior.
Krista Capo, 1948 Valley Park Avenue
Ms. Capo explained that her house is situated on the
corner of 20th and Valley Park and she informed that
there are many children in the area. She said her dog
was hit, and she also said she had a "children at play"
sign up but was asked to remove them. She said that
speed bumps and one side of Valley Park being
completely red for better visibility were discussed and
denied. She expressed concern with the traffic and her
son being handicapped. She believed that a stop sign
would help slow down the traffic.
Gary Capo, 1948 Valley Park Avenue
Mr. Capo stated that the visibility is restricted.
He said that people get frustrated on Valley and can't
get out of the area, and he expressed concern with the
speeding traffic and safety in the area.
Lynn Clemons, 838 15th Place
Ms. Clemons expressed concern with the traffic flow
pattern on Valley/Ardmore for convenience, avoiding
traffic on Pacific Coast Highway. She believed that the
global concept of residential safety and the mission of
Hermosa Beach should be to figure out the best flow of
traffic in the City. She also expressed concern with
the Redondo corridor coming through to
Valley/Ardmore.
Betty Ryan, 20th Street
Ms. Ryan stated their neighborhood is the recipient
of parents going to school in the morning, and
expressed concern with the traffic in the area. She
suggested that the Commission observe the traffic in
the area. She would like to see the traffic speed
reduced.
Krista Capo, 1948 Valley Park Avenue
Ms. Capo informed that the City and School District
by law are required to make her environment safe for
her child per ADA.
Commissioner Winnek clarified that regarding the
Redondo Beach traffic, he does not seek to propose to
turn Valley/Ardmore into a thoroughfare.
Commissioner Lombardo believed that a sign program
could be established with signs installed in private
yards. She also pointed out that there are now new
devices available to slow down traffic.
Commissioner Koch requested that staff investigate
the entire area rather than just the one corner in
question.
Vice-Chairman Cheatham questioned what the majority
of residents are requesting.
The Commission received and filed a petition from
the residents in the area.
MOTION
by Commissioner Lombardo to send this item back to
staff for further investigation for improvement in the
area and to implement a program, such as "Traffic
Calming in the Valley." Seconded by Commissioner
Koch.
Motion carried with the following vote:
Ayes: Cheatham, Koch, Lombardo
Noes: None
Absent: Keegan
Abstain: Winnek
