Monterey Park City Hall (Photo – montereypark.ca.gov)
On Wednesday, March 17, Monterey Park City Council plans to vote on a controversial proposal with little public notice or input.
By Brandon Tran
The Council will vote on:
- the allocation of over $100 million on the construction of three parking structures,
- the removal of street parking on Garvey Avenue, Garfield Avenue, and Atlantic Boulevard, and
- the addition of lanes on those three roads to reduce traffic.
The revenue was originally provided by Metro for the increase in sales tax through Measure R in 2008. It was meant to be used to finish the North 710 Freeway stub but was struck down by the Metro board of directors in 2017.
Upset residents
Some Monterey Park residents are upset at this proposal as community interest in the project was not gauged nor was it announced until it appeared on the City Council’s meeting agenda last Friday, March 12, 2021. Concerns include potential risks to pedestrian safety as lane expansions would increase traffic near sidewalks and pose a threat to senior citizens and children. Research has shown that lane expansions actually increase traffic in the long-term and incur many negative externalities, including repair costs and increased pollution, by promoting travel and spreading out buildings.
Solutions
Solutions that have been more effective include increasing spending on public transportation as it decreases the number of vehicles on the road and provides positive results, creating more efficient routes, maintaining existing roads, increasing the density of buildings, making the city easier to walk through, and taxing people who use busy roads with exceptions for vulnerable communities or necessary commutes. It has been successful in other cities like London and Seattle.
Online petition
An online petition was created by Monterey Park resident Laura Gallegos to push against the project. Those who wish to voice their opinions on the development can also contact the Council and provide suggestions on how they should vote. Those interested can also send public comments to mpclerk@montereypark.ca.gov by Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 pm and attend the City council meeting on Wednesday, March 17th at 6:30 pm via Zoom using the meeting ID 989 6660 0822.
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