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PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
JANUARY 19, 2022
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Motion by:
DIRECTORS HAHN, MITCHELL, AND DUTRA
Measure R Highway Subregional Program Motion
In order to address safety concerns along eastbound State Route 91 between Interstate 710 and Cherry Avenue in North Long Beach, Metro will be widening the freeway to provide for an additional auxiliary lane along this 1.4-mile segment. This is known as the “EB SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Aux Lane” Project.
While this Project does not require the displacement of any businesses or homes, it will involve the removal of 174 trees, with plans for only 153 replacement trees, which runs counter to the City of Long Beach’s standard policy of two-for-one tree replacement. And for the residents who live within 500 feet of the Project, widening the freeway will make it closer to many homes, businesses, and a preschool.
In partnership with local residents and stakeholders, the City of Long Beach has begun planning for the construction of a park alongside this freeway segment - to be known as the “Hamilton Loop” - which is estimated to cost $30 million to construct in this park-poor neighborhood. As part of the SR-91 Project, the City has requested Metro to provide $30 million for the Hamilton Loop park. The City has also asked Metro to contribute $1 million for air filtration to be installed in homes and businesses near the widened freeway segment.
While highway funding is ineligible for park construction, and the requested amount exceeds what might be available to mitigate the Project’s impacts on nearby residents and businesses, Metro must still provide some relief to those who will be most negatively impacted.
Subject
SUBJECT: MEASURE R HIGHWAY SUBREGIONAL PROGRAM MOTION
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RECOMMENDATION
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APPROVE Motion by Directors Hahn, Mitchell, and Dutra that the Board direct the Chief Executive Officer to:
A. Provide no less than $1 million for air filtration installation for homes and businesses located within 750 feet of the SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry EB Aux Lane Project; and
B. Ensure funding for at least a two-to-one replacement for all 174 trees being removed, which would mean at least 348 replacement trees to be provided as part of the Project.