Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Preliminary Draft Final Master Plan Comments 2015

Regulations.gov: Preliminary Draft Final Master Plan: West Los Angeles VA Medical Center; FR Doc No: 2015-26945 is looking for comments

Deadline 7 December 2015: 



Here is what we had to say (link):

These comments pertain to transportation issues around the West LA campus. More specifically, they are focused on permeability issues for those who are walking, cycling or use wheelchairs for their trips. The comments are made without access to the traffic study by Crain and Associates, which has not yet been released. 

Circulation around the site is defined by the intersection of Wilshire and Interstate 405. This area is on the top of the national list of congested and high volume intersections. The recent widening of the I-405 and of Wilshire Blvd have created a very hostile and dangerous environment for those who use a wheelchair, who walk, or who ride a bike. The underpass under the I-405 is not in compliance with ADA regulations as the path of a wheelchair user is repeatedly obstructed by pillars, and other street furniture. Sight-lines are very poor. 

Residents of the VA Campus, many of whom will not have access to a car, must have an easy way to visit Westwood cinemas or to attend a class offered by UCLA Extension, shop at the farmers market or to visit a doctor. There will be only very limited car parking on the site and private car ownership for resident veterans is not encouraged. Non-motorized permeability and circulation from the VA campus to Westwood is essential for a success of the site. Without easy permeability for all modes between the VA campus and Westwood, the VA campus itself could become a ghetto. 

The most direct path from the VA Campus to Westwood is on Constitution Ave. This road leads through the National Cemetery. Prior to 9/11, a gate at the end of Constitution Ave provided easy access to Westwood. Since 9/11, this gate has been closed "for Security Reasons." The argument for the closure of the gate was made in a security briefing entitled Recommendations of the National Institute of Building Sciences Task Group in September 2002. It made the point that VA facilities, especially the hospital, are a special protected asset in case of a national emergency, but it did fail to provide any evidence why a non-active cemetery (e.g. closed to new interments) should require enhanced protection.  

The following site users will profit from facilitating non-motorized permeability towards Westwood: 

1) Wheelchair users who want to participate in educational, social or professional opportunities in Westwood. 

2) Medical Staff: Large numbers of UCLA medical staff, faculty and students work at the Veterans hospital. There is a constant flow of traffic between both locations. The distance between both medical establishments is only about one mile. Yet since the closure of the gate the only way to travel the distance is by using a car. This is unsustainable, takes much longer, and deprives users of what could otherwise be a refreshing stroll through a serene natural environment.

3) Those who enjoy walking for their trips and have any kind of business in Westwood 

4) Young people who will be living on the site will also be able to use this route to access destinations (schools etc) in Westwood

5) A large number of veterans use bicycles for transportation. A recent survey of the site has found more than 100 bikes parked there. The bicycle route along Wilshire is extremely dangerous. On Sepulveda, no sidewalk is present and traffic travels at 60 mph. The only safe route to Westwood for veterans would be through the gate at Constitution Avenue.

The final masterplan should include language that commits the VA planning authority for the campus to negotiate with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to achieve a controlled opening of the gate for those who walk or use a wheelchair or ride a bike. Wheelchair ramps to overcome the curb at the gate itself need to be installed. Creating a controlled access point at this location also coincides with a strategic goal of the NCA, which is committed to provide innovative employment opportunities for veterans.


Ryan Snyder has made similar comments here.

Update: The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition has also submitted comments relating to circulation for those users of the site who walk or use a bike. The LACBC writes: 
The VA campus in West Los Angeles is constrained by the 405 Freeway and Wilshire Boulevard, which functions like a freeway, with limited connectivity to Brentwood and Westwood. In the past, bicyclists seeking to avoid dangerous conditions on Wilshire Boulevard were permitted to ride through the VA campus and the cemetery on Constitution Avenue, however this access was closed in 2002. Additional development on the VA campus adds additional pressure to traffic on Wilshire Boulevard, making the need for an alternative bike-friendly route even more important. LACBC requests that the master plan take into account non-motorized circulation to destinations in Westwood and Brentwood and propose routes through the campus that are accessible to the public. We believe that this is a reasonable mitigation measure for additional traffic from more intense use of the VA campus and seek your assistance in establishing safe and welcoming routes for West Los Angeles residents who bike and walk. The traffic circulation study for the master plan has yet to be released. We request notification upon its availability, as well as a meeting with project staff to discuss these circulation issues.  
The complete letter is here, - thank you very much LACBC for participating in this important issue. 



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