The Department of Veterans Affairs, Long Beach Office VANLO, has issued Solicitation # VA26215R0653 for an Urban Master Plan and Enhanced Leased Services for the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare System Campus. Submissions are due May 4, 2015.
This solicitation fulfills one of the conditions of the settlement Valentini v McDonald "to engage a reputable urban planning firm by 6/15/2015, to assist the VA in developing an optimal New Master Plan for the West LA campus."
This process primarily concerns the VA and its duty to care for homeless veterans in the LA area. The wider public also takes a legitimate interest in the process, given the size and importance of the site. The VA has committed to "use the campus in a Veteran centric manner." (Veterans Homelessness Strategy & Action Plan)
In order to assist in the process, I want to highlight some elements which are so far missing from the Scope of Work. The document seems unaware of the widespread use of wheelchairs and bicycles among the veteran population, especially among homeless veterans. Homeless veterans have developed their own transport solutions, and the masterplan must acknowledge and plan for them. A recent photographic survey of the northern part of the site has found more than 100 bicycles parked in the front of buildings all over the site. A well developed bicycle network on the site and and robust connectivity to the surrounding communities should be an essential part of this masterplan. Active transport uses (walking, cycling) are also well aligned with the therapeutic goals of the VA (exercise, independence, well-being, community)
Those charged to evaluate proposals for the site should make clear that planning for all modes and all abilities, including pedestrians, wheelchair users, and those who ride bicycles, is essential for the success of the project. Proposals should be tasked to explicitly address existing challenges for circulation on and access to the site for active and healthy modes. This should include ADA compliant road facilities (eg the incline on Constitution Avenue) and the re-opening of the cemetery gate (closed since 9/11) as a safe option for veterans in a environment dominated by fast and furious interstate traffic.
Point 16b of the Scope of Work alludes to the involvement of UCLA health professionals with the VA Health system. Given the vicinity of both institutions, many employees and staff are currently using active modes (walking, cycling) between UCLA and VA locations. The planning process must be explicit in this respect in order to support and expand these non-motorized trips between UCLA and the VA.
Already during public comment to the WLA Masterplan 2011, the public has submitted comments that highlight the need to plan for all modes of transportation. Since that time, a large number of federal and state regulations have been adopted that confirm and extend the principle that mobility planning must cover all modes, explicitly including non-motorized modes. Caltrans has adopted a new mission statement which aims to "promote health through active transportation and reduced pollution." The state agency has also issued far-reaching Complete Streets guidance. The DOT has issued similar statements which require a comprehensive planning perspective which encourages and favors active modes. Sadly, there is no reference to these standards in the Scope of Work.
In addition, the VA (www.move.va.gov) and the federal government (www.fitness.gov) have issued physical fitness guidance which should be reflected in the masterplan. Public health benefits of active modes for users and for the community have been widely acknowledged (www.publichealth.va.gov). The site of the WLA Campus has often hosted such activities, for instance the annual VA2K Walk and Roll event, now in its 5th year. The VAGLAHS also works on sustainability issues in order to combat climate change and to achieve energy savings (www.green.va.gov). On the WLA site itself a number of parking facilities have been fitted with solar roofing. Planning for active and sustainable modes of transport promotes these environmental aims and should become an explicit part of the Scope of Work for VA26215R0653.
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