1 Vernice Hankins
From: Janna Boelke <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 11:59 AM
To: Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; councilmtgitems
Cc: Roxanne Tanemori; David Martin; Joshua Carvalho; Jeff Worthe Subject: Re: Agenda Item 12.B, Establishment of Pedestrian Mall in Connection with Ocean Avenue Hotel Project
EXTERNAL
This email is being sent on behalf of Jeff Worthe.
Mayor Himmelrich and Honorable Councilmembers –
As you know, on June 14, 2022, after many years of community input and with overwhelming public support, the Council unanimously (6‐0) approved the Development Agreement for our Frank Gehry‐designed Ocean Avenue Project). An important component of the Project is creation of ground‐level open spaces that enhance the pedestrian experience into and throughout the Project. This includes re‐routing vehicular traffic through a new alley to be located on the northern side of the Project Site to 2nd Street and the creation of a walkable First Court Promenade (a "pedestrian mall") on the southern portion of First Court Alley leading to Santa Monica Blvd. You have already approved the Project including this concept, and the next step is to approve the resolution and ordinance required to establish the pedestrian mall.
As detailed in the Staff Report, the proposed pedestrian mall will significantly enhance the pedestrian experience by eliminating conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians on this very active segment of Santa Monica Boulevard between 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue. Please also note that we have agreed to be financially responsible for all construction and ongoing maintenance costs for the First Court Promenade and the new alley connecting to 2nd Street (as documented in the development agreement).
We sincerely appreciate the City Council’s ongoing support for the Project and its recognition of the benefits it will bring to the City of Santa Monica. Thanks for your consideration of this important next step to implement the Project.
Jeff Worthe
Janna M. Boelke | Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs Worthe Real Estate Group
100 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1600
Santa Monica, CA 90401
o (310) 393-9653
[email protected] | worthe.com
Item 12.B
09/27/22
1 of 1 Item 12.B
09/27/22