CD15 Briefs: McOsker Moves on Wilmington Traffic and Billboard at End of 110 Freeway

Councilman Tim McOsker Moves To Calm Traffic In Wilmington

WILMINGTON — Councilman McOsker Dec. 15 moved that the Department of Transportation be directed to report on effects of the traffic-calming measures and safety improvements to Anaheim Street between Figueroa Street and Henry Ford Avenue.

The Department of Transportation has implemented a number of changes on Anaheim Street in Wilmington, with the goal of improving traffic safety and connectivity between Figueroa Street and Henry Ford Avenue.

Some of the revisions include:

• Removing one travel lane in each direction between Figueroa Street and Eubank Avenue
• Curb extensions with paint and plastic bollards
• Removing parking between Eubank Ave and Alameda
• A new protected bike lane
• Upgrades to sidewalks, traffic signals and pedestrian crossings
• Bicycle intersection improvements, pedestrian-scale lighting and street trees

Residents have expressed concern about the impact of these changes, and the council needs to receive an update on the status of the project, as well as the methodology and metrics for evaluating its effectiveness.

McOsker Makes a Motion to Remove Billboard at the End on 110 Freeway and Gaffey St.

SAN PEDRO — In an effort to improve visibility and public access to the San Pedro community, San Pedro Welcome Park and Bandini Canyon Park, on Jan. 23, 2015, the City Council authorized the acquisition of the property located at 427 N. Gaffey St., at the terminus of the 110 Harbor Freeway.

An outdoor advertising company is leasing space on the property for a large billboard. The lease was originally entered into by the previous property owner in 2008. The lease and the purchase and sale agreement required the previous owner to assign the billboard space lease dated Jan. 1, 2008 to the city.

The lease will soon expire, and action is needed to ensure the expeditious demolition and removal of the billboard structure.

Councilman Tim McOsker Dec. 15 made a motion to direct and authorize the Department of General Services to issue all necessary notices instructing the billboard owner and lessee of the city-owned property located at 427 N. Gaffey St. to remove the billboard and support structure, vacate the property and restore it to its original condition. The motion further directs the department to demolish and remove the billboard and support structure, if still remaining on the property, upon the expiration of the lease at the terminus of the 110 Harbor Freeway.