BLUE FOLDER ITEM
Blue folder items are additional back up material to administrative reports and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
J.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
• PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
From: Mark Nelson (Home Gmail)
To: CityClerk
Cc: Paige Kaluderovic; Nils Nehrenheim; Todd Loewenstein; Scott Behrendt; Zein Obagi Subject: Fwd: Support the "SAFE & SOUND WALL" - Reminder Neighborhood Meeting Sat. 2/8/25 9AM in front of 521 N Prospect (Boyd home)
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:24:22 AM
Attachments: North Prospect Noise Wall Analysis (Feb 2025) 02012025.pdf CAUTION: Email is from an external source; Stop, Look, and Think before opening attachments or links.
See the attached communication to the Prospect frontage road neighbors being impacted by 70 dB noise and high speed road hazard from Prospect Ave. We will continue to look for funding alternatives for a soundwall to protect the heath and safety of the neighborhood. Also, we will continue to provide video examples of wrong way traffic, high speed traffic, and other dangerous activity on the frontage.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mark Nelson (Home Gmail)
Date: Mon, Feb 3, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Subject: Support the "SAFE & SOUND WALL" - Reminder Neighborhood Meeting Sat. 2/8/25 9AM in front of 521 N Prospect (Boyd home)
To: Mark Nelson
The Prospect Hill Poses Special Safety and Sound Challenges Our Street Needs a "SAFE & SOUND
WALL"
February 3, 2025
Hi Prospect Neighbors,
It’s Mark Nelson from 511 North Prospect. My wife Lisa and I thank Darryl Boyd for his hard work to improve our service road! Because of his efforts we are well on our way to having a slower, safer, hopefully quieter street. Like the Boyd’s we’ve also lived here 30+ years, our kids played t-ball together, and Prospect was a lot slower and safer back then. As speeding, recklessness, and noise have increased, our safety has dramatically decreased. The high-speed types of accidents listed below just didn’t happen often back then.
Over the years we’ve seen cars plow through the hedges from big Prospect into front yards. We’ve had high-speed rollover accidents. One SUV hit a live 16,000-volt pole, ejected the driver, flipped, and slid over until it hit the curb on our side. We’re lucky the SUV hit the pole rather than going airborne into one of our homes between 509 and 519. Another out-of-control vehicle sheared-off the fire hydrant at Prospect and Diamond. Under different circumstances it could’ve easily wound up in a yard between 501 to 507. The list goes on. High speed cars, trucks, semis, dumptrucks, motorcycles and recklessly speeding e-bikes are common.
The Prospect hill climbing from Beryl to the BCHD egress is a 30-foot incline and then a 30-foot decline back down to Diamond. Because of the blind hill nature of our stretch of road, drivers will speed up the hill and often must slam on their brakes or recklessly lane change and swerve to avoid the chaos that’s occurring at the BCHD light. If a stop isn’t required, they’ll speed through the Diamond intersection that’s now often full of e-bikes. This is an accident just waiting to happen! This special circumstance of noisy acceleration and loud mufflers requires a SAFE & SOUND wall.
Working together we can improve the Safety of our street! STOP THE SPEEDING: Add cushions and paint lines for calming like other streets in Beryl Heights
STOP WRONG WAY DRIVERS: Refresh pavement markings and improve signage on the one-way section of the street or close it to thru traffic STOP WRONG WAY LEFT TURNS: Northbound traffic on big Prospect routinely turns left on the frontage and goes the wrong way to Diamond. Get better pavement markings and signage.
STOP CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC: Drivers on Diamond avoid the stoplight by racing up the one-way frontage and shooting out onto big Prospect. Add local traffic only signs and pavement paint.
KEEP PEDESTRIANS SAFE: Daylighting means it’s illegal to park within 20 feet of any crosswalk. We need painted curbs to protect disabled, students, and walkers to safely cross big Prospect.
As further evidence to support all the accident reports in the RBPD logs and because of escalating neighborhood safety concerns along our stretch of Prospect, we have VIDEO to show some of the other dangerous street conditions to the City Council. At the advice of RBPD/Lawyers/ Private Armed Response Security, we have an extensive video security system that was upgraded after many increasingly serious events including hit and runs and late-night stalking incidents occurred.
We’ve had a half-dozen of our cars hit while parked on the service road, porch pirating, local vehicles stolen, gangbangers casing the neighborhood in broad daylight, and even a guy jump over our backyard block-wall after trying to get into a Paulina house. We’ve seen fights at the traffic signal on big Prospect between gangbangers with guns. This list goes on and on too.
Support the Safe & Sound Wall – It will Decrease your Stress and Buffer the BCHD Expansion Too. See the TRAOnews.org and StopBCHD.com sites for more information on the upcoming property value damage, significant unmitigated noise, dust and asbestos from BCHD’s planned multiyear demolition and commercial construction project. Also go to https://bit.ly/NoiseDamages for references on the health damages of noise and traffic.
Again, many thanks to our long-term neighbor Darryl Boyd for his efforts to improve our neighborhood!
Your neighbors,
Mark Nelson & Family
PS – I’m working on a couple documents still to support the meeting and use at the City Council. One will be a synopsis of the many negative health impacts of noise so that we drive our point home. The second is a Readers Digest version of OUR soundwall analysis with talking points. Stay tuned for another email.
Full Analysis for the City Council Supporting a Neighborhood Soundwall (send technical questions to [email protected])
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yaMmIeXd8DB45U4gotQXNUF0WdA-cUtb/view? usp=sharing
PEER REVIEWED STUDIES OF THE IMPACTS OF CHRONIC STRESS CAUSED BY NOISE THERE IS NO DOUBT – NOISE CAUSES CHRONIC STRESS AND CHRONIC STRESS IS THE “SILENT KILLER” ACCORDING TO BLUE ZONES https://easyreadernews.com/lockdown-lessons-blue-zones-founder-dan-buettner-on-how-to-make-use-of-staying-at-home/ Chronic Stress Causes and Health Damages
Blue Zones, a vendor of BCHD that BCHD has spent over $2M with, recognizes chronic stress as the “silent killer”.
The following references present peer-reviewed research between noise, chronic stress and negative health impacts:
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1995.tb00522.x
Chronic Noise and Psychological Stress
We demonstrate for the first time that chronic noise exposure is associated with elevated neuroendocrine and cardiovascular measures, muted cardiovascular reactivity to a task presented under acute noise, deficits in a standardized reading test administered under quiet conditions, poorer longterm memory, and diminished quality of life on a standardized index Children in high-noise areas also showed evidence of poor persistence on challenging tasks and habituation to auditory distraction on a signal-to-noise task They reported considerable annoyance with community noise levels, as measured utilizing a calibration procedure that adjusts for individual differences in rating criteria for annoyance judgment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5898791/
The Adverse Effects of Environmental Noise Exposure on Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk Epidemiological studies have provided evidence that traffic noise exposure is linked to cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke (high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1568850/
Noise and stress: a comprehensive approach
The thesis of this paper is that research upon, and efforts to prevent or minimize the harmful effects of noise have suffered from the lack of a full appreciation of the ways in which humans process and react to sound. Provides an overview of health damage from noise https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996188/
Noise and Quality of Life
The psychological effects of noise are usually not well characterized and often ignored. However, their effect can be equally devastating and may include hypertension, tachycardia, increased cortisol release and increased physiological stress. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4873188/
Noise Annoyance Is Associated with Depression and Anxiety in the General Population https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15070524/
Health effects caused by noise: evidence in the literature from the past 25 years For an immediate triggering of protective reactions (fight/flight or defeat reactions) the information conveyed by noise is very often more relevant than the sound level. It was shown recently that the first and fastest signal detection is mediated by a subcortical area - the amygdala. For this reason, even during sleep the noise from airplanes or heavy goods vehicles may be categorized as danger signals and induce the release of stress hormones. In accordance with the noise stress hypothesis, chronic stress hormone dysregulations as well as increases of established endogenous risk factors of ischemic heart diseases have been observed under long-term environmental noise exposure. Therefore, an increased risk of myocardial infarction is to be expected.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29936225/
Chronic traffic noise stress accelerates brain impairment and cognitive decline https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7503511/
Traffic Noise and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Public policies to reduce environmental traffic noise might not only increase wellness (by reducing noise-induced annoyance), but might contribute to the prevention of depression and anxiety disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2535640/
Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Stress: Effects on Asthma Acute and chronic stress produce substantively different physiological sequelae. Acute stress can induce bronchodilation with elevated cortisol (possibly masking short-term detrimental respiratory effects of pollution), whereas chronic stress can result in cumulative wear and tear (allostatic load) and suppressed immune function over time, increasing general susceptibility https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18629323/
Chronic traffic-related air pollution and stress interact to predict biologic and clinical outcomes in asthma The physical and social environments interacted in predicting both biologic and clinical outcomes in children with asthma, suggesting that when pollution exposure is more modest, vulnerability to asthma exacerbations may be heightened in children with higher chronic stress. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918669/
The acute physiological stress response to an emergency alarm and mobilization during the day and at night https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6540098/
Impact of Stressful Events on Motivations, Self-Efficacy, and Development of Post-Traumatic Symptoms among Youth Volunteers in Emergency Medical Services
*Chronic Stress Impacts on the Brain*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573220/
Neurobiological and Systemic Effects of Chronic Stress
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/
The Impact of Stress on Body Function
Soundwall Analysis for
500-600 N Prospect Ave
Frontage Road
Prepared by Neighborhood Residents
For District 3 Councilmember Kaluderovic
Public Works Director Winje
February 2025
Questions to [email protected]
Recommendation to Proceed with a
Block Soundwall along the 500-600
Blocks of North Prospect Avenue
2 • Extensive review of available traffic and noise data was undertaken (see https://bit.ly/NoiseDamages for a National Institutes of Health studies on noise damages to health)
• Redondo Beach has no published soundwall criteria, therefore, Metro’s criteria were used (similar to adopting agency standards for a CEQA analysis) • Certified peer-reviewed FEIR results demonstrate that the noise to residents along the 500-600 blocks exceeds the Metro minimum for a sound wall • Internet search demonstrates that the expected maximum cost of the soundwall is less than half the cost per dwelling of Metro’s cap • We request that the City proceed validating the criteria and developing high confidence project costs in order to move forward with a Soundwall project
Key Benefits of Soundwalls
3 Sound walls provide significant benefits for neighborhoods by significantly reducing noise pollution from busy roads or highways, leading to a quieter and more peaceful living environment, which can improve residents' quality of life by reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing property values; essentially acting as a buffer between the community and traffic noise.
Key benefits of sound walls for neighborhoods:
• Noise reduction:
The primary benefit is the noticeable decrease in traffic noise, particularly for homes situated close to highways, significantly improving the sound quality within the neighborhood. • Improved sleep quality:
Lower noise levels can contribute to better sleep quality for residents, especially those disturbed by nighttime traffic.
• Reduced stress:
Constant traffic noise can be a significant stressor, and sound walls can help alleviate this by creating a calmer environment.
• Enhanced property value:
A quieter neighborhood due to sound walls can positively impact property values, making homes more attractive to potential buyers.
• Protection from health concerns:
Studies have linked excessive noise exposure to various health issues like hypertension and hearing impairment, which sound walls can help mitigate.
• Community well-being:
By creating a more peaceful living environment, sound walls can contribute to a stronger sense of community and overall quality of life.
Review and Analysis of 500-600 Block of
North Prospect Avenue Resident Noise Levels
from Street Noise
4 • This study and its recommendations relied on existing Noise and Traffic studies.
• BCHD’s Certified FEIR (9/2/2021) contained direct Leq measurements and Leq modeling of the 500-600 block of N. Prospect Ave noise levels as part of the BCHD Campus expansion EIR from 312,000 sqft to 793,520 sqft. • BCHD’s Certified FEIR has been reviewed by Rincon on behalf of the City. • BCHD’s Expansion Plan has been reviewed by Placeworks on behalf of the City.
• Placeworks Draft General Plan presents Ldn noise estimates as a noise contour map with no specific reference to the source work.
• Fehr & Peers conducted a 2024 traffic study for the City, however, it only included Prospect from Knob Hill to PCH.
• As a result, primary data for the analysis is from the peer-reviewed BCHD FEIR Extensive Search, Review, and Analysis of Existing Noise and Traffic Studies of North Prospect was undertaken in Support of the 500-600 Block of N. Prospect Ave.
5 • Data was extracted for use from CEQA SCH No. 2019060258 Certified FEIR Chapter 3.11 NOISE that has been peer reviewed by Rincon on behalf of the City of Redondo Beach.
• Data is Leq dBA measurement, consistent with the Redondo Beach Municipal Code RBMC 4-24.
• Data was measured and modeled specifically to measure levels on “receptors” (residents) of the 500-600 blocks of N. Prospect Ave. • Only baseline data is considered, not BCHD construction noise simulations
• Properties are residential sensitive receptors along N. Prospect Ave that pre-existed the increasing noise levels.
• Properties are only 50 to 100-feet from the soundwall, making it highly effective.
• The current noise level at peak period far exceeds he 67-dB level, both as Lmax 77 dBA to 85 dBA and as an average 69.5 dBA. • Cost-effectiveness is unknown, however, with no land cost acquisition, a 10-foot block soundwall for a single 40-foot dwelling frontage would be approximately $52,000 based on available cost estimates. That is less than 50% of the stated Metro maximum cost.
Adopting the Metro/Caltrans Criteria, 500-600 N. Prospect Ave meets all of the Criteria for Soundwall Development 9 Sources and Data
BCHD Certified FEIR -
https://bchd.blob.core.windows.net/docs/hlc/BCHD FEIR For%20Print 090221.pdf Fehr & Peers Traffic Study -
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/redondobeachca/HETrafficStudy.pdf Placeworks Draft RBGP -
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/redondobeachca/Land%20Use%20Analysis%20-%20nonHE%20Sites November2024 FINAL.pdf Metro Soundwall Criteria (used in analysis since Redondo Beach has no published criteria) - https://www.metro.net/about/highway-soundwalls/
Soundwall Cost Estimate
https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/noise-walls-barriers
The City of Redondo Beach has an Engagement with its
General Plan Consultant, Placeworks, for work on the BCHD Development Plan and EIR. The City should have high
confidence in the BCHD FEIR.
12 Since the City of Redondo Beach has both Placeworks and Rincon evaluating the BCHD Certified FEIR, ResidentTaxpayers should assume that both consultants are either in agreement with BCHD Noise Work, or, that those Contractors have resolved all Objections
• Rincon does not appear to have any independent estimation or measurement of N.
Prospect Ave. noise levels. Rincon’s role looks to be only review. • Placeworks reports an Lnd noise level (SIC – incorrectly labeled in all Placeworks exhibits.
Should be Ldn) for N. Prospect Ave. in the General Plan Draft. Based on Placeworks graphics, it appears they assert 65 dB Ldn on the road and 60 dB Ldn at the homes (receptors).
• The official measurement methodology in the RBMC is Leq utilizing A-weighting which is consistent with BCHD Certified FEIR and not with Placeworks analysis or exhibits. 13 • The only Prospect Ave. analysis in the
study appears to be S. Prospect Ave.
from Knob Hill to PCH.
Based on Review of the Fehr and Peers Traffic Analysis, there is no Traffic or Noise Data or Analysis on the Segment from 190th to Knob Hill that competes with the BCHD FEIR
14 Request for Documents from Redondo Beach
15 View the PDF of peer-reviewed
research results on the
Damages of noise and traffic to
health with clickable links at
https://bit.ly/NoiseDamages
16 From: Stop BCHD
To: Communications
Cc: CityClerk
Subject: Public Comment - Board Offsite and SPC Meeting Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 3:46:00 PM
Attachments: image.png
CAUTION: Email is from an external source; Stop, Look, and Think before opening attachments or links.
BCHD needs to remove the squishy language that it abuses to spend DISTRICT TAXPAYER FUNDING outside of the 3 District cities that are the FULL SPHERE OF INFLUENCE of the District. BCHD is violating the only voter mandate it has, to service the "residents who reside" in the District.
The Board is malfeasant. It must service ONLY the residents who reside in the 3 Beach Cities. --
StopBCHD.com ([email protected]) is a Neighborhood Quality-of-Life Community concerned about the quality-of-life, health, and economic damages that BCHDs 110-foot above the street, 800,000 sqft commercial development will inflict for the next 50-100 years.
Our neighborhoods have been burdened since 1960 by the failed South Bay Hospital project and have not received the benefit of the voter-approved acute care public hospital since 1984.Yet we still suffer 100% of the damages and we will suffer 100% of the damages of BCHDs proposal.