City Council Watch – September 10, 2024

View this post online for complete display of post elements.

Eco Items on the Agenda
6 pm Regular City Council Meeting

Agenda/Watch: https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=37451

8. ACTION ITEMS

e. Community Development, re: Verdugo Wash Master Plan

Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Professional Service Agreement with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. in the amount of $5,762,370, using grant funds, for the preparation of the Verdugo Wash Master Plan

Staff Report / Schedule & Scope

OUTCOME: TBD, ITEM POSTPONED – In a 4:1 vote, Council voted to postpone this item due to questions/opposition raised by some Councilmembers regarding the correctness of requiring recusal of both Councilmembers Najarian and Garphetian due to their owning properties within 500 feet of the proposed project. Council will await the outcome of the FPPC (CA Fair Political Practices Commission) inquiry on this matter and bring the item back in approximately one month. We will keep you posted when the item returns!

GEC POSITION on Item 8e:
GEC urges a YES vote on 8e. GEC supports the Verdugo Wash Project and urges City Council to allocate the grant funds provided by the State (thanks to advocacy by Assemblymember Friedman) to execute a contract for the phase-two study in preparation of the Verdugo Wash Master Plan.

WHY DO WE NEED THE PHASE TWO STUDY?

To address & mitigate concerns: concerns have been raised regarding safety, fire, wildlife, crime, and privacy. To be properly assessed, measured, and mitigated, we must have this study. With the study, peoples’ concerns can be addressed.

To understand cost: We support the study to understand project cost, which is currently unknown.

To understand potential phasing/segments: This is a technical study that will address many concerns and questions raised. We won’t know what phasing, timing, and segments to pursue without this study.

To do additional outreach: Supporting this study means supporting more outreach!

Can you imagine? A 9.4-mile lineal park that connects to the Riverwalk and moves northward, traveling through the heart of our City, touching multiple neighborhoods, available for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users – that runs through or is next to five public parks and within one mile of at least sixteen public and private schools? A connectivity corridor for exercise, walking to a bistro, traveling from your home to work or school – without having to step foot in a car? We can! Please express your support of this visionary project!

YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THIS MEETING IS IMPORTANT!
Here is how to attend and other ways to make an impact:

Speak at City Council:
City Hall, Tuesday, September 10. Meeting begins at 6 p.m.
This is item 8e. To speak, please fill out a comment card upon arrival and wait until the item is being discussed. At the top of the card, write: “I support the Verdugo Wash Study” (in case you need to leave, get your message on the card itself.)

Call In when item 8e is up:
(818) 937-8100 – ask to speak on item 8e.
Watch here to follow along (but note, there is a 30 sec. lag, so focus on what you hear in your phone): https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=37451

Email Council Members by Noon, Monday Sept 9 (see below for emails.)

 

 

MEETING RECORDING:

Want to comment on an agenda item?
Call In when the item is up: (818) 937-8100

Email council members in advance:
Mayor Elen Asatryan: EAsatryan@glendaleca.gov
Dan Brotman: DBrotman@Glendaleca.gov
Vartan Gharpetian: VGharpetian@glendaleca.gov
Email all council members at once: Generate Email

Note – Scheduling changes can and do occur. We try to keep this post updated if things change, but please consult the city website for official agendas.

Verdugo Wash Phase 1 Visioning Website:  VerdugoWash.com

   

Imagine a linear park energizing the existing urban framework and fabric of Glendale with seamless connections and visually pleasing experiences. A reimagined Verdugo Wash, transformative in character, creating a 9.4-mile long linear park and nature trail for walking/cycling with access to business and entertainment venues while enjoying nature, people, places, and culture as it interweaves several important city centers, services, and a multitude of neighborhoods that make up a large core of Glendale.”
[www.verdugowash.com]

The reimagining of the Verdugo Wash will provide Glendale residents with a safe option for moving around the city without having to fight vehicular traffic. This project will bring jobs into the city, create commuter routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I look forward to this sustainable gem that will be added to our Jewel City.”
— Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian

“A scar that runs through many neighborhoods, it could unlock incredible opportunities for improving the city, creating connections, improving mobility. What is currently a divider could become a uniter, increase the value of adjacent properties, create a large democratic amenity space, and instigate growth in the community,”
— Jerry van Eyck (Consultant on Visioning Study)

Our vision is to transform the Arroyo Verdugo in to a public space that connects a series of parks with the existing Glendale Narrows Riverwalk. The transformation will include the reintroduction of native plant species, water recapture, pedestrian and bicycle trail development providing benefits such as transit connectivity, economic, health, education and recreation. The Arroyo runs through or is adjacent to five public parks, and is within one mile of nine public schools and at least seven private schools.”
[arroyoverdugogreenway.com]

Supported by
Arroyo Verdugo Trail Committee
Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy
Walk Bike Glendale
North East Trees
LACBC
Congressman Adam Schiff
Assemblymember Laura Friedman, 43rd District
CA State Senator Anthony Portantino, 25th District
Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Oakmont / Deer Canyon HOA
Montrose Verdugo City / Sparr Heights Neighborhood Association
Verdugo Woodlands West HOA
(Supported pursuing additional information, 2014)
V.O.I.C.E
Volunteers Organized in Conserving The Environment
Glendale Community College
North West Glendale Homeowners Association
GCC Associated Student Body
Glendale Beautiful
Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation
Sierra Club, Crescenta Valley Chapter
Crescenta Valley Town Council
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority
Crescenta Valley Community Association
LA River Revitalization Corporation
Councilmember Mitch O Farrell, 13th District
Friends of the Los Angeles River
The Trust for Public Land
Glendale Environment Coalition

(Add your Organization!)

 

 

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