York Blvd. Improvement Vision and Action Plan
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A guidebook for realizing the Highland Park community’s vision for an improved York Blvd.
Dear Neighbor: This York Boulevard Improvement Vision and Action Plan guideline booklet is the result of an extensive two-year dialog begun by my office with the Highland Park community to envision York Boulevard’s future. This dialog occurred through dozens of public workshops, with the help of Living Streets LA, in which residents, business owners, and stakeholders met, considered, and deliberated in a thoughtful and thorough manner on selected improvements for York Boulevard. Please know that this is your booklet and your plan. It could not have been made without the community’s input. While the intention of the York Vision Plan has always been to support the organic business and community development that has occurred on this stretch of the Boulevard over the last few years, your resulting vision encompasses so much more. Some of the immediate pedestrian projects include a $2.85 million community park at York and Avenue 50, as well as one of the City’s first Parklets via a street porch on York. While these are significant achievements, there were many other ideas the community has for the York Plan area. As a result, we have created this community empowerment booklet – a how-to guide with all of the information and forms you’ll need to realize all of the elements included in the Vision Plan. This plan grew from your ambition to create the best York Boulevard possible, and this booklet will assist you in moving forward with implementing additional improvements with the support of my office. Working with you these past two years has been a terrific experience. With the projects we’ve already set in motion and implemented – a park at York and Avenue 50, the City’s first Bicycle Corral, bicycle lanes on York, and the construction of the City’s first Parklet – we are well on the way to creating a York Boulevard that all Highland Park residents can be proud of and enjoy for years to come!
Sincerely,
José Huizar Councilmember, Fourteenth District
Thank you, thank you to everyone who worked together to create this Improvement Vision and Action Plan:
The residents, organizations and businesses of the Highland Park Community
JosĂŠ Huizar Councilmember
The Council District 14 team and many helpful City staff members Council District 14
The Living Streets, Green LA and Shared Spaces project team
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................1
WORK PLANS Sidewalk Seating.......................................................9 Street Porches..........................................................13 Trash Receptacles...................................................17 Street Side Green Spaces.....................................21 Shade Trees.......................................................... ....25 Pedestrian Lighting................................................29 Community Bulletin Boards................................33 Art.................................................................................35 Bicycle Parking.........................................................39
Work Plan Tools.......................................................43
York Blvd. Project Area
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I n t ro duc t ion York Blvd. Improvement Action Plan This Action Plan is a guidebook for realizing the Highland Park community’s vision for an improved York Blvd. In 2011, over 200 local residents, business people and organizational leaders worked together in over 15 workshops to develop a shared vision for improving York Blvd. To assure this vision becomes a reality, rather than just another dust gathering plan, we have created this step-by-step guidebook for implementing the community’s top priorities.
Action Planning What’s the difference between an Action Plan and a Master Plan? Action Planning focuses on immediate and medium term improvements that can be implemented incrementally as resources become available. Action Planning and Master Planning begin with the same question: What is your vision? But then the processes diverge. Master planners seek to elicit participants’ ideal vision of a place—and then draw that vision fully realized as an ideal to guide future projects. Action planners ask, “If we have X dollars to spend this year, which improvements should we make? And then, once those are done, what comes next?” Once the community answers these questions, Action Planners actually implement the neighborhoods top choices—using these immediate projects to build momentum. Then the planners create a guidebook, like this one, with step-by-step workplans and accessible tools, so that community members can implement the balance of their priorities as they are inspired and resources become available.
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PLACE HOLDER PHOTOGRAPH OR GRAPHIC FROM VISIONING WORKSHOPS
The York Blvd. Action Planning Process The York Blvd. Vision Project exemplified this Action Planning process: • The process began in October of 2010 and included over 15 workshops through June 2012. • Meetings were widely publicized by mail, email, postering, canvassing and organizational networking. Announcements, materials and meetings were bilingual Spanish/English. •
Over 200 local residents, business people and organizational leaders participated.
• The first four workshops asked the fundamental question: “How would you improve York Blvd.?” Participants worked all together and in small groups to brainstorm and refine lists of improvements and consider how the improvements could best fit together to create a better neighborhood boulevard. • In the next four workshops, the group deliberated on how to prioritize their list of improvements. This culminated in a series of votes to prioritize the entire list and then choose three projects for immediate implementation. In the final phase of workshops, participants created detailed plans for each immediate project and set specific guidelines for implementing their other priority improvements.
The Result: A Clear Vision Realized through Cost Effective Incremental Improvements Through this careful, step-by-step planning process, the community created a truly shared vision. At the final workshop, the participants unanimously adopted their vision statement: “Our vision is to create a York Blvd. with: •
a Main St. or plaza atmosphere where people are encouraged to walk, shop, eat and stop and relax
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in a green, shady, cool environment
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with a range of places to sit and gather
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with safety and security for pedestrians
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and a creative, local, historic ‘only in Highland Park’ character. 2
• Street Porches & Plazas • Street Side Green Spaces • Sidewalk Seating • Shade Trees • Pedestrian Lighting • Pedestrian Crossing Improvements • Trash Receptacles • Community Bulletin Boards • Art • Bicycle Parking Each of these improvements can be implemented separately at relatively low cost and incrementally block-by-block as resources are available and community members are inspired to make it happen. Together these small changes can add up to a transformation that fully realizes the community’s vision for York Blvd—illustrated in the
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I n t ro duc t ion
Through their comprehensive deliberations, the community also developed a strategic list of cost effective, incremental improvements that together would realize their vision:
York Blvd. Site Before
York Blvd. After Community Vision Improvements
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Immediate Projects Show It can be Done The immediate projects that are already being realized by the York Blvd. community demonstrate the plans in this guidebook really can be implemented—and with dramatic results. After creating the list of 8 improvement components described above, participants voted to prioritize 3 particular projects for immediate implementation. They choose: • Creating a Street Porch on York between Avenues 50 and 51. • Applying for funding to create a park on the southwest corner of York and Ave. 50 • Installing an initial demonstration phase of pedestrian street lights with an historic character.
As the before and after images on the following page show, the York Porch will create a street side pedestrian gathering place with an “only in Highland Park” character, immediately realizing key aspects of the community’s vision for York Blvd. The community created the design in multiple workshops in which they sought to combine the neighborhood’s cultural and natural history to create a unique Highland Park place. The York Porch will be built in the fall of 2012 as one of four Council District 14 demonstration projects that will set the standards for street porches, and all types of parklets and mini-plazas, across Los Angeles.
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I n t ro duc t ion
To help assure this visualization becomes a reality, this workbook lays out an implementation work plan for each of the community’s chosen improvements. The work plans begin with the design guidelines the community set for each component. Then the plans outline the specific steps for implementing the improvement, including choosing locations, design, permitting, fundraising, construction and maintenance. The Work Plan Tools section includes hands-on maps and worksheets for design, budgeting, permitting and other key steps in the process. Finally the Action Resources List in the Work Plan Tools section lists contact information for technical assistants, funders, vendors, builders and permitting agencies. All you need to add is the will and the volunteer hours to make it happen.
York Blvd. Street Porch Site Before
York Blvd. Street Porch
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I n t ro duc t ion
The community’s vote to prioritize applying for funding to create a park brought an even more dramatic result—a $2.85 million state grant to purchase the lot on the southwest corner of York Blvd. and Ave. 50 and develop it as a neighborhood park. In a flurry of 5 workshops in less than one month, the community created the design below that creates a hybrid neighborhood park and Main St. Plaza that weaves together the boulevard and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The City is currently negotiating the purchase of the land. In 2013, the community will have the opportunity to fully develop their plan and then actually enjoy their park by the summer of 2014.
Through the workshop process, the community identified a very cost effective approach to improving street lighting and accentuating historic character—hanging historic pedestrian light fixtures of off existing polls. This approach costs less than Ÿ as much as installing new poles. As illustrated below, community members carefully selected a light fixture that balances the historic and creative characters of the neighborhood. They then decided to demonstrate the potential impact of this improvement on the block between Aves. 50 and 51. Now, the City will put the proposal to a vote of all adjacent property owners, who under Proposition 218 will be subject to an annual fee for power and maintenance (see Street Lighting section for details). Step-by-step, improvement-by-improvement, the Highland Park community is already realizing their vision of an improved York Blvd. This guide will help you keep moving forward until York Blvd. fulfills your dreams in ways that improve your life every day.
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The Community’s Vision of a Plaza Atmosphere on the Sidewalk Sidewalk Seating plays a central role in the community’s overall vision for York Blvd. The community’s vision statement begins with the desire to create a “…plaza atmosphere where people are encouraged to walk, shop, eat and stop and relax…” and goes on to emphasize the need to provide “a range of places to sit and gather.” In the planning process, community members created guidelines for placing public sidewalk seating. Together, they determined public sidewalk seating on York Blvd. should be: • Distributed throughout the district from Ave. 50 to 56. • Primarily in locations not in front of food serving businesses, so seating will be comfortably available for everyone, not just patrons of a particular business. • Planned to take advantage of existing and new amenities—such as mature shade trees, bus stops and green spaces. Community members also created specific design guidelines for sidewalk seating, including that furniture should: •
Express the cultural, historic and artist character of the neighborhood.
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Include diverse types from benches to game tables to tree benches
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Si d ewal k S eat i n g
Sidewalk Seating
• Provide comfortable seating for positive users of the street without becoming an attractive nuisance that could be misused—with a particular focus on avoiding creating sleeping locations.
Next Steps in Bringing Seating to All of York’s Sidewalks The next step in implementing this improvement will be installing the first set of sidewalk seating. Depending on interest and funding, this first project could be a series of benches on one block or an array of seating throughout the district—either way the implementation steps are virtually the same.
Step 1: Choose Locations Walk the area you have chosen to focus on and look for locations that meet the criteria listed by the community on the previous page. Use the “Sidewalk Improvement Base Map” to mark the specific locations that you like and that meet all the criteria. Identify 50% more locations than you would want or need because some will likely drop off during the permissions and permitting process. Step 2: Gain Permission from Adjacent Business Before investing more time on a specific location, you want to be sure you have the consent of the adjacent business owners or residents. The business owners or residents do not have to approve the design, and they do not have any responsibility for the project, but they must not “object” to the installation of furniture in front of their property. Approach the neighbors directly adjacent to your site with the “Non Objection Letter” in the Work Plan Tools section. Share your excitement about making improvements to the neighborhood and be ready to answer their questions about who is responsible for maintenance and liability (see below). Step 3: Choosing Furniture Now that you have a list of locations with owner consent, you can select your furniture. Deciding on what style and color of furniture you want is like selecting the coach for your living room—it has a big effect on the atmosphere and experience of the room or in this case the street. A wide array of street furniture is available from internet based vendors. You can also build furniture yourself or have it built to create a unique local look—like the tree benches and mosaic seats shown to the left. Custom furniture has the biggest impact because 10
Step 4: Create a Refined Installation Map Now it is time to return to each location to create a refined map of your installation for use in permitting. The priority is accuracy, not artistry. Using the “Sidewalk Base Map” in the Work Plan Tools section, draw the location placing and labeling the curb, storefront and all the sidewalk infrastructure—poles, utilities, trees. Now place your chosen furniture into the plan, double checking all the required clearances (detailed on the Street Furniture Placement Guidelines in the Work Plan Tools section). Mark the dimensions of the sidewalk, the furniture and the distances between the furniture and curb, storefront and all surrounding infrastructure. You can refer to the “Example Sidewalk Improvement Base Map” to confirm you have all the necessary information. Step 5: Set a Budget Create a budget for your project. Be sure to consider the cost to buy or make each seat and bench; the cost of installation, including labor and hardware, and the cost of flyers, materials and refreshments for any volunteer build days you plan to hold. By figuring out the cost per bench or seat installed, you can then adjust how much furniture you install to fit your budget or work to cut the per piece cost, so that you can cover more locations. Step 6: Raise Funds Use “Fundraising for York Blvd. Improvements Projects” in the Work Plan Tools section to create a plan. Sidewalk seating is highly visible, permanent and a natural location for donor thank you plaques or memorial messages—giving you a natural advantage in raising funds. Step 7: Create and Sign Maintenance Agreement/Secure Liability Coverage Taking the next step forward requires completing an “adoption” agreement with the City of Los Angeles under which a community entity commits to maintain the improvements in exchange for the 11
Si d ewal k S eat i n g
it is unique and particular to the place, but creating furniture that will pass muster with permitting officials takes knowledge and patience. So, before you take this route be sure you have someone on your team with experience who is ready to work through the process (see the appendix for resources). As you consider your options, look back to the vision statement—are their types or colors of furniture that resonate with the character of the neighborhood or do more to create the Main St. /plaza experience the community envisioned?
City permitting them and providing liability insurance. It’s a good deal given the challenges and costs of insurance. The key task for you is finding a community organization or business ready to take responsibility for maintenance. The details of the process are laid out in the Adopt-a-Median Packet in the Work Plan Tools section.
Step 8: Submit for Permits The City’s Board of Public Works’ Office of Community Beautification will guide you through the permitting process. If you have completed steps 1-6, then permitting will just be a matter of paperwork and unfortunately waiting, often 3-4 months or longer. Step 9: Refine Plans as Necessary for Permit Approval Often permitting agencies will require one or more adjustments in your plans before approving a project—they may want more space between a bench and light pole or between pieces of furniture. If you can just say “yes” and figure out a way to meet all their requirements, your project will quickly be approved. Step 10: Order Furniture Once your permits are issued, you can order your furniture—from the vendor, your custom fabricator or your volunteer furniture team. Step 11: Install Furniture Sidewalk furniture can be easily installed using concrete inset anchors. Usually a community member will be familiar with this installation technique—if not, contact one of the organizations listed in the Resources List located in the Work Plan Tools section that focuses on community construction projects. Step 12: Celebrate Don’t miss the chance to celebrate your success, thank everyone who helped make it happen and launch the next project! Do it right at the site of installation to call attention to the improvements and gather volunteers for the next phase.
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Street Porches
As community members learned about examples from around the nation, they quickly became advocates of expanding sidewalk seating by converting unused portions of the street into mini-plazas, known San Francisco Parklet as parklets. Inspired by parklet projects like those shown here from New York and San Francisco, community members walked York Blvd. looking for sites to create their own parklets, which they called street porches. Through these walks, the community developed criteria for selecting street porch sites. They decided street porch sites on York Blvd. should: • Be in high pedestrian traffic areas.
Vancouver Parking Day
• Have shade from existing trees or buildings. • Not take any existing parking spaces. • Not be in front of food serving businesses (to avoid the impression that the public porch is only for use by the patrons of the business) • And, when possible, should build on other key elements or opportunities—such as the passage way to the Lincoln Ave. parking lot. They also identified a priority list of potential sites that meet these standards and, importantly, a vision that to realize their potential street porches should be spread throughout the district to help define the character of the area. 13
St re et Po rc h es
The Community’s Vision of Expanding the Plaza Atmosphere into the Street
See introduction for more information on the York Porch.
After extensive deliberation, community members prioritized the three sites marked on the map on page 11 and chose the site of York Street Porch between Ave. 50 and 51 as the first project. The York Porch was permitted as part of a pilot program to test the potential of all kinds of parklets. The Huntington Dr. Street Plaza and Spring St. Parklet are also part of this demonstration project. At the time of this writing, the pilot program is just starting, so the process for approving future parklets is yet to be determined. If you are interested in creating additional porches on York Blvd., please contact the Council Office at (213)473-7014 to get information on the current parklet process. While we don’t yet know the details of the future parklet process, most likely much of the advice provided in the street seating and streetside green spaces sections of this action plan will be helpful to you in any future porch building effort. Just be sure to get the details of the official parklet process before you start because creating an improvement that goes in the street is different than working on the sidewalk in important ways.
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St re et Po rc h es N
The top three locations selected
The design plan drawing for the
for Street Porches
York Blvd. Street Porch
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Tra sh Re cept a cles Trash Receptacles City of Los Angeles White Basket
The Community’s Vision of a Litter Free Boulevard Whenever community members advocated for more seating, it was followed with a call for more trash cans. Participants were clear that if people were going to be encouraged to sit, relax and enjoy a plaza like atmosphere, they need somewhere to put their trash. Trash can distribution and service in Los Angeles has relatively detailed rules, which are explained below. However, as long as you play by the rules there are several ways you can create trash receptacles that express the Highland Park spirit. Public use trash receptacles in Los Angeles fall into three categories:
City of Los Angeles Green Basket (lid not included)
• White Baskets—white metal mesh trash baskets that the City puts out and services with regular pick up. • Green Baskets— aka Adopt-A-Basket green metal mesh trash baskets that the City distributes for free with a regular supply of trash liners, but no trash service. • All Other Receptacles—trash receptacles chosen, placed and serviced by adjacent business people. Each category of receptacle also offers different décor options: • White Baskets cannot be decorated in any way as the City requires them to be standard to allow efficient pickup and maintenance. 17
Other Receptacles
• Green Baskets can be decorated in any manner approved by the Bureau of Street Services and, possibly, the Department of Cultural Affairs, if your décor rises to public art. For example, you could change the color of the cans, add cut metal designs welded onto the mesh, or even encircle the basket with a mosaic cover. The Office of Community Beautification, which coordinates the Adopt-A-Basket program, is available to help you submit your basket decoration idea for approval. • Other receptacles—trash cans from street furniture catalogues or custom baskets—offer a truly amazing array to fit every style and neighborhood character, but they come with an added burden: they must be permitted as “street furniture” through the same process as a bench (see the sidewalk seating section). If you are excited about creating your own mosaic receptacles or purchasing custom cans that match your neighborhood, don’t be dissuaded by the added steps, just be prepared for extra time and effort. And, again, the Office of Community Beautification is available to help you each step of the way. An effective plan for York Blvd. trash receptacles will likely include, at least, two of these three types: • First, you would get as many White Baskets as possible, up to a complete set of one at each corner and each major trash source, like a corner store. These baskets are invaluable because they come with service, but they are also extreme limited, so you should plan that you will not be able to fill all the need with White Baskets. • So then, the key becomes recruiting business people to adopt a receptacle to fill in the spaces between the White Baskets. You can either take advantage of the City’s free Green Baskets or provide your own custom receptacles, depending on your décor desires as described above.
You may notice that we did not
mention the option of having residents, rather than businesses, place and service receptacles. It is possible for residents to adopt a basket under city policies, but experience has shown it is not realistic for residents to regularly pick up trash and dispose of it.
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Step 1: Map Locations Walk your chosen blocks and mark the locations that together would give the street full coverage. This is likely all the corners, where people naturally stop and drop trash and where people have learned to expect receptacles, and significant sources of trash, such as neighborhood markets and take out eateries. Step 2: Collaborate with City Council Office to Seek White Baskets with City Service Meet with Council District 14 field and planning deputies to present your trash receptacle plan and get their support in seeking as many White Baskets as possible. Step 3: Decide Whether to Fill Gaps with Green Baskets or NonStandard Baskets Before you go out to recruit business people to adopt trash receptacles, you need to decide what you are asking them to adopt—a standard City Green Basket, a decorated City Green Basket or a Non-Standard Basket. Using Green Baskets allows you to jump right to recruitment and placement without any fundraising, design or construction, but as described above you miss the opportunity to add to the street with receptacles that match your local vision. If you go with decorated Green Baskets or custom receptacles, it is best to get all your approvals before starting to recruit businesses, so that you can share the final design and not run the risk of having to go back to everyone if the City requires changes. Step 4: Recruit Business Adopters The City makes this easy with a formal Adopt-a-Basket program. The forms are in the Work Plan Tools section and at http://bpw.lacity. org/OCB/CBPrograms.html. Take the forms door-to-door signing up businesses to fill all the gaps in your map. Step 5: Submit and Track Fulfillment To assure follow through, submit the forms yourselves (rather than leave them with the businesses) and then track their fulfillment. Budget and staff cuts are making City workers’ jobs harder—so give them a little slack, but also know you have to follow-up to be sure your request is fulfilled. And, as always, nothing will bring you better service than a heartfelt thank for work well done. 19
Tra sh Re cept a cles
Next Steps in Establishing a Full System of Trash Receptacles on York Blvd.
Step 6: Monitor Maintenance Schedule monthly walks to check on all the receptacles to make sure they are being services and remain in good repair. Call Bureau of Sanitation at (213) 840-2146 to get damaged cans replaced. Offer what help you can if the business person is having trouble maintaining the can, and don’t hesitate to suggest eliminating a basket that goes consistently unmaintained.
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Street Side Green Spaces The Community’s Vision for Street Side Green Spaces Throughout the District
The community’s leadership, hard work and commitment to green space were rewarded when the City received at $2.85 million State grant to create a park on this key corner in the neighborhood. This is a huge success and will go far to fulfilling the community’s vision for street side green space—but there is still more to do and still more particular opportunities identified by the planning process. In addition to the York and Ave. 50 Park, community members identified two other types of possible street side green space projects: •
Exercise and relaxation spaces in the existing “front lawns” of major businesses. The best example being the 10’ x 330’ lawn in front of Super A between Ave. 52 and 53.
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Community gardens in unused or under utilized spaces along the Blvd. Community members proposed numerous spots in seemingly unused or under used lots and parking lots.
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Stre et Side Gre en Spaces
From the first workshop onward, community members marked empty lots along York Blvd. as potential parks, gardens and green spaces, and asked, “well isn’t having some green space to relax part of creating a living street?” The answer is clearly, “Yes,” and community members confirmed that by voting to make creating a park at the corner of York and Ave. 50 their top priority.
In supporting these projects as part of their vision, community members emphasize that as beautiful as it would be, the York and Ave. 50 park sat at one end of district. If all York Blvd. visitors were going to have a greener experience, we needed to spread street side green spaces throughout the district.
Next Steps in Bringing Green Space to the Entire District Step 1: Identifying Potential Spaces that Fulfill Your Goals Finding the right space for next York street side green space project will involve a balance of determining what spaces fit your goals and what spaces are available. To achieve this balance first clarify your goals: do you want to create a sitting garden/mini park, an edible or community garden, an exercise space or something else? Or are you equally interested in creating several of these possible spaces? Once you goals are clear, walk the district and look for possible sites (really, walk it again no matter how well you know it or how sure you are that you already have site). You will be surprised how different things look when you walk York with a particular goal in mind. Also keep an open mind. The best site available might be a really obvious empty lot or it might be that 8’ of dirt in front of the corner market parking lot that has been empty for years. Identify no less than three possible spaces and rank them, so you have clear backup spaces if the owner of your top choice is not interested in participating. Step 2: Preparing to Recruit Businesses and Landowners to Share Their Under-utilized Space Asking someone to use their land for free is not something we are accustomed to doing, but it’s actually very straightforward and often successful, as long as you are prepared. Before you go visit the owner, prepare a one page description of your project including your vision, who is involved with contact information, and images of similar projects elsewhere. Then prepare yourself to answer the key questions below, which almost every owner asks. You can also include these answers on your description sheet, but sometimes it’s better to keep your materials focused on the vision and leave the questions to be answered verbally. • Who will be liable? Public improvements on private property require coverage by someone’s liability insurance. It’s rare (but not unheard of ) that an owner will be willing to include the project under their policy—so try to secure a source for insurance before 22
you talk to any owner. Three sources have worked for other projects in LA: local organizations have purchased liability policies through local insurance brokers for $400-1000 a year; adjacent local businesses have extended their insurance to cover community projects at a much lower cost, and groups creating community gardens have received help from the Los Angeles Community Garden Council http://lagardencouncil.org/. •
Who will be responsible for maintenance? You want to be able to do more than just assure the owner that your group will take care of the space. The City maintenance agreements used for other projects in this plan don’t apply on private property, so we have created a standard maintenance agreement you can sign to formally commit to the owner that you will take care of the project. Before you visit the owner fill out the maintenance agreement and bring it with you ready to sign. While you don’t actually need funding to maintain many projects, having resources will make the owner comfortable. Try to get a commitment from the Neighborhood Council or another organization to provide $50 or $100 a month for maintenance.
•
Who will pay for the project? Usually you can’t get funding before you have a site, so the best answer is to explain that and say that nothing will be done until you have all the funding
Step 3: Recruiting: There are many different ways of approaching someone with an unusual request, such as “may I use your land for a public space?” Two approaches that have been successful are: 1) work through someone in the community who knows the landowner well and supports your project, or 2) approach the landowner directly in person, so that your passion and sincerity can open their mind to a request they might dismiss if they received a letter or email. Take confidence from your comprehensive preparation…and you will be surprised by the results. If the landowners or business at first says no, ask them what their concerns are—both to learn for the next pitch and to leave a door open if you can fully address what worries them.
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Stre et Side Gre en Spaces
needed and then list the possible sources.
Step 4: Raising Funds, Designing and Building Your Project. Funding, designing and building a community garden, mini-park, or exercise zone is an achievable goal, but not one you should set off to achieve without expert advice. Happily, Los Angeles has a wealth of excellent organizations set up to do just this, including the Los Angeles Community Garden Alliance, the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, the Trust for Public Land and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative. See the resources pages in the Work Plan Tools section for the contact information for each organization. Check out their resources on the web and then contact the organization that is the right fit. They will be happy to mix your commitment and enthusiasm with their years of experience and knowledge of what does and doesn’t work.
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The Community’s Vision of a Full Tree Canopy Throughout the planning process, community members expressed three consistent objectives for trees on York Blvd. • Provide shade • Create a green, fresh atmosphere • Do not block visibility of local businesses In the final discussion of what species to plant, community members expressed diverse opinions: 32% for Chinese Flame; 26% for Fruit Trees; 21% for London Plane; 21% for Coast Live Oak. But, unfortunately, as relatively slow growing trees with close to the ground forms, fruit trees and Coast Live Oaks will not meet the community’s objectives for shade and business visibility. So, the process reveals two clear choices: Chinese Flame and London Plane— ,which are happily two of the most successful street tree species in the City.
Next Steps in Creating a Full Tree Canopy Step 1: Review City Tree Planting Packet The City’s Bureau of Street Services’ Urban Forestry Division has prepared a packet to help you organize your tree planting effort and apply for the necessary city permissions. You can find this packet in the Work Plan Tools section. Step 2: Contact Northeast Trees Under the City’s official tree planting campaign, MillionTrees LA, each neighborhood has a designated tree planting support organization. 25
Sh ad e Tre e s
Shade Trees
neighborhood has a designated tree planting support organization. Ours is Northeast Trees. Call (323)441-8634 and ask for the urban forestry coordinator. You can collaborate directly with Northeast Trees on each step of the process or you can use them as an advisor and resource.
Chinese Flame Tree
Step 3: Choosing Your Planting Locations Next you need to decide where you want to plant trees. First choose which blocks—you could start with one or two or organize to plant all six blocks from Ave. 50—Ave 56. Then walk each block looking for available spaces roughly 35 feet apart (the City standard for our chosen species). The most challenging aspect of locating trees is finding sites that meet all the requirements for leaving space around infrastructure. The requirements are that trees must be located: 45 feet from an intersection; 20 feet from a utility pole; 5 feet from a utility cover. When you find locations mark them on the curb with non-permanent marker or paint and document them as required in the city tree planting packet. If you are unsure about a certain spot, don’t worry, the City will double check all your locations. If your project includes York between Aves. 50 and 52, you have one other important decision to make about locations. During the planning process, the community split evenly on whether or not it was best to remove the existing Bottlebrush trees—some people liked them, other felt they were sickly and a bad choice for the street. As the people making the implementation happen, you get to make the final decision
London Plane Tree
Step 4: Chinese Flame or London Plane? The community chose two species for York: Chinese Flame and London Plane. As the implementers, you get to decide which trees to plant where. In making your decision, criteria worth considering include: • What mature trees exist on the block? Some blocks already have multiple mature London Plane trees or closely related California Sycamores. •
Which form of tree do you prefer? As the images on the left illustrate, both of these species meet the community’s criteria of providing shade and being suited to being pruned up to leave visibility for businesses—but beyond that they are quite different. 26
• Do you want to plant one consistent tree or create a pattern with
Step 5: Apply for Permits/Organize Your Maintenance Plan The City Planting Packet that you reviewed in Step 1 leads you through the permit application process. The one step that requires careful consideration is determining who is going to maintain the trees. There are three major options: you can seek volunteer residents and business people to care for each tree; you can collaborate with Northeast Trees to seek funding for their crews to care for the trees; or you can approach a local organization—the Neighborhood Council or Chamber—to hire a contractor to maintain the trees—this could be Northeast Trees or a landscaping company. All these options work. The key is to have one firmly in place—not just to get your permits, but also to be sure your trees survive and thrive. Step 6: Acquire Your Trees and Supplies There are four options for acquiring trees and supplies: raising funds from residents and businesses; collaborating with Northeast Trees to seek City Funding; asking for City funding directly through the council office, or seeking funding from Neighborhood Council or another local organization. Whichever approaches you appeal to, Northeast Trees can advise you on what you need, how much it will cost and where to get it. Be sure to include Step 7, Cutting Tree Wells, in your budget. Step 7: Get Tree Wells Cut Once you have permits and funding, you need to get your tree wells cut in the sidewalk. Northeast Trees is organized to provide this service, which includes pulling the required City A Permit. You also have the option of hiring a private contractor. Step 8: Organizing Your Planting Day Tree Planting Days are wonderful community improvement projects because each person can make a visible contribution that they can follow day-to-day for years to come. However, a successful, smooth tree planting involves coordinating dozens of details, so no matter how you have approached previous tasks, be sure to consult with Northeast Trees or another experienced tree planting group to get all the details right. Step 9: Celebrate Consider ways to involve everyone in the success of bringing trees to York Blvd. Have a tree naming contest. Get school classes to adopt trees or blocks. Collaborate with Second Saturdays. 27
Sh ad e Tre e s
the two? Both options can work to create an identity for York.
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Pe de st r ia n Ligh t in g Pedestrian Lighting The Community’s Vision for Historic Pedestrian Lighting on York Blvd. During the community planning process, two seemingly separate priorities kept arising—better pedestrian lighting and reinforcing the historic character of the neighborhood. Then a community member came up with a very cost effective approach to doing both at the same time by hanging historic pedestrian light fixtures of off existing polls. This approach costs less than ¼ as much as installing new poles. Community members rallied to this idea and voted it one of their top three projects—along with street porches and developing the park at York and Ave. 50. In the design phase of the planning process, community members carefully selected a light fixture for the district that balances the historic and creative characters of the neighborhood. This fixture, show to the right, comes from the Bureau of Street Lighting list of approved designs and is built to take current, more sustainable, LEDs rather than bulbs. Community members then decided to demonstrate the potential impact of this improvement on the block between Aves. 50 and 51 and created a map of preferred locations. That map was then refined on the basis of the recommendations of City lighting engineers to create the final plan on the following page.
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Next Steps in Bringing Historic Pedestrian Lights to York Blvd. Step 1: Confirm Funding for the Fixtures The Council Office is committed to this historic lighting demonstration project and is already looking for the right funding source for the fixtures. Step 1 would be to work with the Council Office to confirm this funding, so that then you can move to Step 2, getting property owners to fund powering and maintaining the lights. Step 2: Organize a Proposition 218 Vote by Adjacent Property Owners Under City regulations and State Proposition 218, property owners are responsible for paying for the powering and maintaining business district lighting. With this responsibility, comes the right to vote on whether or not to install lighting. The voting process has five steps: • Bureau of Street Lighting engineers finalize the plans for the new fixtures and the estimate of power and maintenance costs.
York Blvd. Street Light Location Map
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Prop 218 voters—the property owners in the project area. These materials are also available to the public • A public forum is held to discuss the proposal. All community members are welcome and it’s important for lighting supporters to attend and express their views. • Property owners vote-by-mail. • If 50% of those who vote approve the project, the City will install the lights. This process generally takes 9-12 months.
Step 3: Celebrate with Evening Under the Lights Once the lights are installed on the demonstration block of Ave. 50 to 51, celebrate the addition with an evening event that takes advantage of the new lighting—maybe a Second Saturday with special evening art displays under the lights? Or another creative idea that highlights the improvement. Step 4: Use Success to Spread Lights Across District The success of the first block will, we hope, bring calls for similar lights throughout the district. Anytime after the first installation, you can initiate the next phase of installation by contacting the Council Office. You could decide to add lights on one or two additional blocks or move ahead and light the entire balance of the district. Whatever area you decide to cover next, the process will involve the same five steps for the Prop 218 vote and installation. However, after having done one block of York Blvd., all the materials and officials will be prepared making the second process smoother and more efficient.
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Pe de st r ia n Ligh t in g
• The City Prop. 218 office sends out election materials to all the
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Co mmu n i t y Bu l l et i n B o a rds
Community Bulletin Boards The Community’s Vision of Sharing Neighborhood News At the key corners and crossroads of the neighborhood, community members envisioned bulletin boards that provided neighborhood news and served as place to announce events and post community flyers. Residents wanted bulletin boards that were partially reserved for official news from City offices, the Neighborhood Council and similar organizations and partially available for first-come-first serve posting. The design, approval and installation process for community bulletin boards is the same as for as for benches and other street furniture— you find a location that fits your needs and City regulations, sign a maintenance agreement, submit your proposal for review and permitting, raise the necessary resources and then install the project. Please refer to the Street Seating section for a detailed outline of these steps. There are three important considerations that are different for community bulletin boards:
You can make your own bulletin board with space for official and public notices or you can order as range of models on line (see
Who is going to manage the bulletin board? Bulletin Boards are like the old school version of a web page—they require constant updating to remain accurate and relevant. So the first question in planning a bulletin board installation is finding an organization or business that has the motivation, structure and resources needed to update the board on a biweekly, or at least monthly, basis. The Neighborhood Council, the Chamber of 33
Street Furniture Links in Work Plan Tools section).
Commerce and the sponsor of Second Saturday’s, NELA, would all fit these criteria. So could an individual business that had a daily sidewalk presence—such as a café or market.
Where are the best locations? The best locations have a balance of two factors: they are natural cross-roads and gathering places and they are on the regular route of whoever will be managing the bulletin board. You want to make it natural for people to see the news as they get their daily coffee or pick up groceries for dinner and you want the manager to see the board regularly without having to make a specific trip. And, on the technical side, will you need to consult an engineer? When a piece of street furniture rises above 36” and has the potential to fall on top of someone, the City requires that a licensed engineer review and stamp the installation drawings. This can be a barrier because the engineer’s review can cost more than the bulletin board itself—from $1000-3000. You have three options: 1) hang the bulletin board on the wall of a building, in which case no engineer review is required; 2) find an engineer in the community who will volunteer his/her services; 3) or raise the necessary funds. The wall next to the entrance of a popular neighborhood business is a great location, so start by trying to find a good wall and willing business person.
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Street Art The Community’s Vision for an Artistic Boulevard From the first to the last workshop, community members felt passionately that York Blvd. should express the distinctly artistic culture of Highland Park. Ideas for art along the Blvd. included: • Mosaic benches • Mosaic trash receptacles
Art
• Street mural at intersections • Sidewalk murals • Art hanging from light poles • Art Banners across the Blvd. • Artistic Neighborhood markers • Gateway Arches at Ave. 50 and 56 In our final planning workshops, community members agreed that art projects required careful consideration by a special committee or on-going organization that would select projects, choose artists and manage the approval process. Community members felt art projects required another level of deliberation because they were more subjective and individual, than other projects included in the Action Plan, such as benches and trees. Interestingly, some items on this list—such as mosaic benches and trash cans—might be most easily implemented as street furniture, rather than “art.” While, others are undeniably “art” projects that require the special consideration described above and the special approval process described below. 35
Next Steps in Bring a Highland Park Arts Spirit to York Blvd.
Sidewalk Engraving
Street Mural
Mosaic Bench
Sidewalk Mosaic
Step 1: Create a York Art Committee or Select an On-going Group to Fill This Role Taste in art is subjective and individual, so it’s key to have highly respected group make art selections, so that even if everyone isn’t satisfied, they can feel comfortable that a thoughtful decision was made by the right people. A credible art committee would include local artists and designers and a representative cross-section of local residents and business people. Representing all ages and cultures is particularly important in this case because taste in art is often a reflection of life experience. In the York Blvd. community, one effective option would be to build a committee as a part of NELA—North East Los Angeles Arts—or the Neighborhood Council, being careful to include additional people as necessary to assure representation. Another option would be form a freestanding committee including representatives of both these organizations and local residents and businesses.
Step 2: Choose a First Project The community planning process created a diverse, inclusive list of art options—leaving the future committee to decide where to start. Like all Action Planning projects it is advisable to begin with a readily implementable project—a project with a natural, available site, a funding source, and no major technical hurdles. Step 3: Raise Funds The next two steps—raising funds and selecting an artist—can be ordered either way and are often intertwined. It’s great to have funds before selecting an artist, so you know the project is real and worth the effort, but, on the other hand, having an artist and thus renderings of the actual project is often very helpful in raising funds. Art projects can be funded by the same sources that fund other improvements, described in the “Fund Raising” section of the Work Plan Tools section. There are also special sources available only for art projects. NELA is a great source for local knowledge on funding for art projects. Step 4: Select Artist Selecting an artist is very exciting, but also fraught with possible conflicts. The decision is inherently subjective and following the community’s preference for local artists also means walking a 36
careful line to avoid conflicts of interest and bruised relationships. To navigate these waters, Americans for the Arts provides a guide to artist selection available at http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/networks/pan/issue_paper.pdf.
Step 5: Seek City Approval of Project The City has a very specific public art approval process. The details and forms are in the Work Plan Tools section. The process requires detailed submittals and presentations, but is very well organized and transparent. At the time of this writing, the City is developing an amendment to the municipal sign ordinance that will define murals and specifically allow them if they meet certain criteria and are approved as public art. Whether you are planning a mural or other art project, review the entire approval process before you start your project, so that you can develop the right materials as you go and plan for the amount of time involved.
Art
Step 6: Installation with Community Involvement Don’t miss the opportunity to involve community members, even if the actual “art piece� itself is being created by an individual fine artist. Community members can help with installation, creating the base or context for the art (maybe a garden?) and, in some cases, actually create parts of the art itself.
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Bike Parking The Community’s Vision for Parking Equality for Bicyclists From the first kickoff event onward, community members included bike parking in every list of elements and every drawing of their vision. That parking always included on-sidewalk bike racks. In most cases, it also included in-street bike corrals, inspired by the York and Ave. 50 bike corral that the City installed during the community planning process.
Next Steps in Installing Bike Racks Throughout the District The City bike parking program makes installing bike racks across York Blvd. the easiest project in the entire plan:
Step 1: Choose Locations Walk the blocks you want to cover and find best locations for bike racks. For each location, note the address of the adjacent home or 39
Sunset Blvd. Bike Corral
Bi c yc le Pa rk i n g
York Blvd. / Ave. 50 Bike Corral
In the planning process, community members recognized that each type of bike parking serves a distinct purpose and that York Blvd. needs both to be a truly living street. “U” racks are like individual vehicle parking spaces—they are best spread out on each block so shoppers and visitors can park conveniently next to their destination (and also keep an eye on their bikes). Bike Corrals are analogous to small parking lots, appropriately located next to destinations that attract many cyclists at one time—like Café de Leche at York and Ave. 50. Bike Corrals also have the added impact of raising the visibility of LA DOT Bike Parking bicycling as an alternative form of transportation.
business and the location in relation to a fixed landmark, like a pole or tree (e.g. 3’ south of street light). The City has several broad criteria for approving racks: avoid conflicts with pedestrians, parked vehicles and bus loading, stay away from building entrance ways or crosswalks. Given how broad these guidelines are, your best approach is to select the locations that make most sense to you as people who use the street and then allow the City inspectors to make any refinements. Also take a look at the next step. It may be best to look for locations and seek support from the local business at the same time because you don’t really know if you have a location you can count on until you have support of the adjacent business.
Step 2: Signing Up Each Adjacent Business for a Bike Rack The rack program is set up with the expectation that individual business people will be applying for a rack in front of their store. So, to organize bike rack installation for the York Blvd. district, your next step would be going business-to-business asking businesses to complete the simple request form, which is included in the Work Plan Tools section. You can explain to business people that the City will install and maintain the rack at no expense, bringing them more customers at no cost. If they want more information, you can refer them to bicyclela.org/Parking.htm#Sidewalk. Step 3: Submit Requests and Track Progress As you collect rack request forms, submit them for fulfillment at bicyclela.org/RackRequest.htm. Then track the installation. If any questions or problems arise, call City Bike Services at 213-972-4962.
Next Steps in Installing More Bike Corrals Happily, the City is also actively promoting bike corrals. The bike corral pilot program is set up as a public/private partnership. The City will install the corral and repair or replace the racks if they are damaged. In exchange, the adjacent business does weekly basic maintenance, like removing trash and graffiti and maintains any extras installed with the corral—such as landscaping. Currently, there are more requests for corrals than can be fulfilled with funding, so unlike bike racks getting one or more corrals installed may be a medium to long term project.
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Step 1: Read Up on the Program and Visit Existing Bike Corrals Since getting corrals installed is dependent on you recruiting businesses to maintain them, you want to be fully prepared to explain the program to business owners and make the case for them taking on the maintenance responsibility. Read up on the program at http://ladotbikeblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/bike-corral-pilotexpansion/ . Visit one or more existing corrals and talk to the adjacent business people. Nothing will be more effective than being able to recount how a corral increased customer satisfaction and revenue at adjacent businesses.
Step 3: Fill Out the Interest Form and Follow-up with Bicycle Program Staff Once you have a business signed up, fill out the official interest form at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dDB MX0hUYVRwRjdDR2JKWTN2dnBkYnc6MQ. Then follow-up with Bike Program staff to let them know that you have a completed maintenance agreement and that the project is being advocated by local community members as well as the particular business. Again, since there are more requests for corrals than funding available, you want to make your case for why your corral location would be particularly effective. And as always, a letter of support from the Council Office can be a big help.
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Bi c yc le Pa rk i n g
Step 2: Recruit a Business Owner to Sign the Maintenance Agreement Make a list of the businesses that are most frequented by bicyclists. Visit each one with a copy of the Bike Corral Brochure and Maintenance Form in the Work Plan Tools section. Ask to speak to the manager or owner. Explain the benefits they can receive at no cost except performing weekly maintenance. You will likely have most success with businesses that already have maintenance staff—like eateries and grocery stores. Expect that you might have to return a couple times to find the right person and then to give them a chance to read the material and think about it.
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This section contains Tools for Action. These are the nuts and bolts of moving forward on all of the elements in the previous sections. Here you will find worksheets for planning, resources and documents necessary to make your favorite improvement a reality.
Action Resources List Improvement Area Base Map Sidewalk Base Map Non Objection Letter Street Furniture Links Maintenance Agreement for Community-Based Projects on Private Property Raising Funds for York Blvd. Improvement Projects
City of Los Angeles Applications, Forms & Agreements: Sidewalk Improvement Projects Adopt-a-Median Application Packet Maintenance Agreement for Community-Based Projects in the Public Right-of-Way
Bicycle Parking Bike Corral Brochure Bike Corral Maintenance Agreement Art Public Art Division Approval Process
Sidewalk Seating Street Furniture Placement Regulations
Trash Receptacles Adopt a Basket Letter of Understanding Trash Liner Request Form
Street Trees Application for Site Permit Approval & City Permit Tree Planting Permission Form - CD 14
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Wo rk Pl a n To ols
Work Plan Tools
Action Resources List Below is a listing of many of the local and citywide organizations that can assist you with your projects. Each listing is preceded by a series of boxes letting you know what the organization can offer. Don’t be bashful in calling these groups. In one way or another, they exist to support projects like your’s. Some of the organizations can be hard to reach, but don’t take that as a sign they are not interested or can’t help—they are just very busy trying to do a lot with limited resources. Keep calling and emailing to reach them…and when you make contact, you will find them very helpful.
Key to Resource Codes
?
general information and assistance with improvement projects
$ funding projects $/?
?
information about funding sources
$
$/?
Prm
Frn
Dgn designing projects
Frn furniture projects
Prm obtaining city permits PM managing projects Con building projects
Trs tree and landscape projects
?
Art
Board of Public Works’ Office of Community Beautification laobc.org (213) 978-0228 200 North Spring Street, Room 356 Los Angeles, CA 90012
?
$
$/?
Prm
$/?
Prm
Art art projects
PM
Con
Bicycle Services— Department of Transportation 100 S. Main St., 9th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 Telephone: 213-972-4962
?
Art
Prm
Bureau of Engineering— Sidewalk and Street Improvement “R” Permit Desk Eng.lacity.org (213) 482-7055 201 North Figueroa Street 3rd Floor, Counter 20 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2601
Department of Cultural Affairs culturela.org 201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 1400 Los Angeles, CA 90012 213.202.5500
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$
?
$/?
Highland Park Chamber of Commerce 5000 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 Neighborhood: Highland Park (323) 256-3151
$
$/?
Prm
Frn
?
$/?
Dgn
Trs
?
Art
Dgn
PM
Frn
Dgn
PM
$
Prm
Neighborhood Council— Historic Highland Park HighlandParkNC.com (323) 256-8921 Post Office Box 50791 Los Angeles, CA 90050 Meeting: 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7p.m Highland Park Senior Center 6152 N. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042
Prm
?
Los Angeles Community Garden Council lagardencouncil.org 4470 W. Sunset Blvd. #381 Los Angeles, CA 90027 (818) 252-9081
?
PM
Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust lanlt.org (213) 572-0188 315 W 9th St # 1002 Los Angeles, CA 90015
Jose Huizar, 14th District City Council Representative cd14.lacity.org City Hall Office: (213)-473-7014 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 465 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Northeast Field Office: (323) 254-5295 2035 Colorado Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90041 Phone: (323) 254-5295
?
Dgn
Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative Lani.org (213) 627-1822 800 Figueroa Street, Suite 970 Los Angeles, CA 90017
? $/? PM Frn Living Streets—Green LA greenlacoalition.org (213) 346-3274 1000 North Alameda Street #240 Los Angeles, CA 90012 ?
$/?
Con
Frn
$/?
Art
Northeast Los Angeles Arts—NELA nelaart.org
?
Art
Los Angeles Conservation Corp--LACC lacorps.org Conservation and Community Project Division Bo Savage, bsavage@lacorps.org or (213) 362-9000 ext. 238 605 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 450 Los Angeles, CA 90015 45
Dgn
PM
Con
Northeast Trees northeasttrees.org (323)441-8634 570 W. Ave. 26, Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90065
Trs
Wo rk Pl a n To ols
?
Bureau of Sanitation —Free Mulch Program 1903 Humboldt St Los Angeles, CA 90031 (818) 834 - 5122
$/? Dgn Prm PM Frn ? Shared Spaces Community Based Landscape Architecture Steve Rasmussen Canican canciansteve@gmail.com (213) 400-5426 318 S. Alavardo Los Angeles, CA 90057 ?
Prm
Bureau of Street Lighting bsl.lacity.org Requests for new lighting—Fabian Cheng (213) 847-1459 fabian.cheng@lacity.org
?
Prm
Frn
Bureau of Street Services—Special Project Division bss.lacity.org 1149 South Broadway, 4th floor Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 847-2966 or 3-1-1
?
Prm
Trs
Urban Forestry Division—Bureau of Street Services bss.lacity.org/UrbanForestry 1149 South Broadway Street, 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 847-3077
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Happily, the internet gives you quick access to an amazing array of street furniture. First, take a little time to check out all the sites below—it is really worth getting a overview of the options before making any choices. And then, if you have more time try Googling “street furniture,” “outdoor furniture, “ or the particular piece you are looking for--“bench” “trash receptacle”—and you might find additional inspiring options. Be aware that street furniture takes a beating once it is installed and you generally get what you pay for—so if two companies have a bench that looks just alike, but one costs half as much, it probably will last half as long or less. One exception to this rule is finding reasonably priced knock-offs of high style furniture. High style benches can cost $2000-4000 and their $1000-$1500 knock-off cousins are just as durable. Just avoid the $500 version that will cause you problems for years to come. Below is a sampling of furnishing vendor in rough order of price and target market from basic but good to top quality and design without going overboard (we’ve left out the real vogue stuff ): http://belson.com/ http://www.theparkcatalog.com/ http://www.columbia-cascade.com/ http://www.keystoneridgedesigns.com/ http://www.landscapeforms.com/
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Wo rk Pl a n To ols
Street Furniture Links
Improvement Area Base Map
48
49
Wo rk Pl a n To ols
50
6” 1’
1/2”=1’
Parallel Parking
York Blvd.
Curb
Sidewalk Improvement Base Map
Parallel Parking
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Step Two: Sketch your design elements using the guidelines below to help you decide the best elements and locations to place new elements.
Step One: Draw the existing site elements on your sidewalk plan including existing trees, parking meters, street lights, pedestrian crossing and street corners, and names of adjacent businesses and unique building features (i.e. built in planters, etc.)
Use the sidewalk base map on the facing page to sketch your sidewalk design.
Sidewalk Base Map Design Tips:
Pedestrian Crossing
Wo rk Pl a n To ols
Tree (20’)
Street Light
Parking Meter
Bicycle Rack
Bench (5’)
Example Sidewalk Improvement Map
12’6”’
Bench with Planter
6” 18”18” 5’
18”
Bench (no back) with Trash Can
5’
5’ 2’
18”18” 6’ 2’5”
Fusion Performing Dance Academy
Bench with Planter
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Bicycle Rack
Letter of Non-Objection to Street Furniture Project from Adjacent Business or Residence
Wo rk Pl a n To ols
Date______________________________
City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works 200 North Spring Street, Room 356 Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works, I am the owner/leaseholder/tenant of __________________________________________ (address). Members of my community are proposing to install street furniture on the sidewalk adjacent to my property. I do not object to the furniture being installed next to my property and I appreciate all hard work my neighbors are doing to improve our community. Yo soy el propietario / arrendatario / inquilino de ______________________________ (direcci贸n). Los miembros de mi comunidad se propone la instalaci贸n de mobiliario urbano en la acera al lado de mi propiedad. No me opongo a los muebles que se instal贸 al lado de mi propiedad y yo aprecia todo el trabajo duro de mis vecinos est谩n haciendo para mejorar nuestra comunidad.
Sincerely,
___________________________________ Name
____________________________________ _________ Signature Date
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MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FORCOMMUNITY-BASEDPROJECTS
ON PRIVATE PROPERTY DATE: _____________
PROJECT SPONSOR THAT WILL BUILD AND MAINTAIN PROJECT ORGANIZATION:______________________________________________________________________________ CONTACT PERSON:_ __________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS, CITY, ZIP CODE:_____________________________________________________________________ CELL PHONE #: _______________________________ OFFICE PHONE #:________________________________
PROJECT SITE/STREET FURNITURE ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
SITE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY): STREET SEATING
TRASH RECEPTACLE
PLANTER
OTHER
___________________________________________________________________________________________
TERMS: THE PROJECT SPONSOR HEREBY PLEDGES TO: ASSURE ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT COMPLY WITH MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS MAINTAIN THE PROJECT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: regularly cleaning the furniture and site, emptying trash receptacles, watering and nurturing plants, monitoring for graffiti and arranging for removal; monitoring for damage and arranging for repair. COMPLY WITH ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS LISTED BELOW: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
The sponsor agrees to maintain the site improvements in perpetuity. If the sponsor fails to maintain the project, the sponsor will remedy the problem or remove the project within in 30 days. ______________________________________________ Name and Title of Person Signing for Sponsor ______________________________________________ Signature
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This Action Plan focuses on the low cost improvements that can have a big impact on improving York Blvd. Still, completing almost any street improvement requires some money. Below we have listed the most accessible general funding sources that match the improvements prioritized by the Highland Park community. Some of the sections of the Action Plan also list additional sources that are particular to that kind of improvement. Beyond the sources we have included in the Plan and below, there is a great array of foundations, grants and programs that might fit your specific proposal. As part of your fundraising effort, contact the 14th District Council Office (323-254-5295) and the Office of Community Beautification (213-978-0226) to get advice and referrals on additional possible sources.
Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council Neighborhood Councils receive annual budgets to support community projects, events, services and their own operations. A funding application for any of the improvements in this plan would be very competitive. The Action Plan fulfills the Highland Park Council’s local improvement vision and each project in it provides the Council with an opportunity to demonstrate its impact in a permanent and visible way. To get the details on how to apply for funding, call the Council at (323) 256-8921.
The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce Members of the Highland Park Chamber have been active in creating this Action Plan from day one. The Chamber also clearly shares the vision of an improved York Blvd. and its member businesses would benefit from each of the projects in this plan. The Chamber is not in the business of giving grants, so it is best to approach the organization to ask them to partner with you on a project and explore how they can help—it might be funding or it might be donated materials, refreshments or volunteers. You can contact the Chamber at (323) 256-3151.
Local Businesses The businesses immediately adjacent to your project area are likely the most significant and immediate beneficiaries of your work, so approach each one and ask for support. It will help if you ask for discrete, identifiable contribution—like $200 to sponsor a tree or $500 to sponsor a bench—and tie that contribution to the improvement closest to the business. When possible, offer to recognize the sponsorship with a plaque or sign on the improvement. Depending on your other sources of funds, the “sponsorship” doesn’t have to equal the entire cost of the improvement (which is often too big of an ask for one business)—it can just be the gap you need to fill or an amount that seems like a reasonable request. Local businesses are also great sources for donated materials—construction materials from the hardware store, volunteer refreshments from the market or eatery. Again, tie the request to the improvements closest to the business and offer recognition at the volunteer event and permanently on the project where appropriate. 55
Wo rk Pl a n To ols
Raising Funds for York Blvd Improvement Projects
Home Depot Home Depot is one area business with an established grant program for community improvement projects. Home Depot gives grants that cover purchasing materials at their stores—which can really cover almost anything when you consider everything that is available in store, on-line and on special order. For more information, go to: http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/applying-for-a-grant
The Community Beautification Grant Program and the Office of Community Beautification For over a decade, the Community Beautification Grant Program was the go-to source for improvement projects like those featured in this Action Plan. Unfortunately in 2010, the program was suspended because of the City’s major fiscal deficit. While the grant program is currently on hiatus, the staff of the Office of Community Beautification is an unmatched resource for advice and referrals. As part of your search for funding, you should call OCB at (213)978-0226 and ask if they can point you in the direction of the best funding sources.
The 14th District City Council Office The 14th District City Council Office demonstrated its commitment to improving York Blvd. by sponsoring this Action Plan, all the community gatherings that created it and the immediate projects that have kicked-off it’s implementation. The District Office can help you raise funds from the sources above by providing a letter of support. And, if you don’t succeed with these sources, the Council Office can provide advice and referrals to other sources. As a last resort, the Council Office can sometimes access City funding, but these resources are very limited, so it is always best to first apply to all the other possible sources. You can call the Northeast 14th District Field Office at (323) 254-5295 or the City Hall Office at (213) 473-7014.
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ADOPT-A-MEDIAN APPLICATION PACKET The Adopt-A-Median program is designed to encourage community groups to adopt medians or parkways, for purposes of planting and beautifying. To qualify for this program, the project must be: 1. Sponsored and submitted by a neighborhood-based organization such as Homeowners Associations, Neighborhood Councils, Improvement Associations, Block Clubs, Neighborhood Watch Groups, Chambers of Commerce and Beautification Committees. 2. Under $100,000 in total cost. 3. Below 36� in height from road surface for freestanding objects such as street furniture or signage. Acceptable exceptions to this requirement include but are not limited to murals on existing walls and/or new trees. 4. Free of improvements that require extensive technical review such as: alterations to the horizontal alignment of the street (i.e. changes to the street width, curbs, gutters, median locations/shapes, or traffic lanes), alterations to the water drainage patterns on the street, alterations to traffic lane alignment(s) or street parking, high voltage (120V) electrical equipment drawing in excess of 330 watts, fountains/water features requiring pump equipment, etc. If you do not meet the above criteria, please see the resource list and contact the Bureau of Engineering office in your district for information on the permitting process. Please read the guidelines following the application pages before you submit your package. Be sure that your plans follow all of the standards listed in the guidelines. Three (3) sets of the Application packet including attachments must be submitted to consider the application complete. The attachments include: 1. Completed one page application; 2. A letter of support from the Council Member presiding over the project location on City letterhead; 3. A letter of support from the Neighborhood Council (NHC) presiding over the project location on NHC letterhead; 4. A maintenance agreement and schedule (Determined in consultation with the Bureau of Street Services); 5. A photograph of the project site; 6. A listing of the materials that will be used for the proposed improvement, i.e. plant listing for a landscaping project including plant species, quantities, container sizes and spacing, irrigation equipment/system components, decorative paving materials, street furniture, community signage, etc.; and 57
7. Scaled (measurable) project plans showing the proposed encroachments/improvements in relation to property lines and existing infrastructure such as power poles, light poles, traffic signals, utility boxes, sidewalks, curbs, storm drains, trees, etc. Proposed improvements such as decorative paving, community signage, or furniture will require additional detail drawings or instructions that show or note how these proposed elements will be secured to the site. If any of the above mentioned items are missing from the application at time of submittal, applications will be returned to sender. All projects will require a revocable permit and either an A-or B-permit. The revocable permit and an A-permit shall be obtained on your behalf by Board Of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification (OCB) staff. All fees associated with a revocable permit and an A-permit shall be waived. For projects requiring a B-permit, your organization is required to apply for a B-permit and pay all applicable permit fees. Please allow 3 months or more for permit processing. Once you receive permits and all conditions are met, contact the Bureau of Contract Administration prior to commencing work for inspection. If the improvements involve digging, please contact DIG-Alert prior to digging. Please refer to the reverse side of the A permit for further instructions.
58
“ADOPT-A-MEDIAN” NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
This agreement between the City of Los Angeles and
(Community Group)
is to provide a means of improving, beautifying and maintaining City owned property (median strip or other public area) located at
(Location)
Please attach a plan or sketch and describe the proposal, including means to complete the project and expected completion time. If additional space is required, continue on reverse side of paper.
The Community Group agrees to:
Provide the labor and materials required to improve the adopted area, and further to maintain and water the area following completion of the project. Follow the plan as approved by the City with any special conditions or requirements.
The City of Los Angeles/Department of Public Works agrees to:
Help the Community Groups with the process of obtaining approval of this proposal. Pay for costs incurred by the City to investigate this proposal. Waive any associated Public Works permit fees for revocable permit and A-permit. Loan hand tools to the group working on the beautification project. Such items may include rakes, brooms, shovels, hoes, etc. Provide liability coverage through the City of Los Angeles SPARTA INSURANCE PROGRAM: Commercial general liability-Hazard 2. Coverage applies to all facets of the project approved by the City of Los Angeles. Consider performing such jobs as the situation may require, to the extent that resources are available.
For Community Group
(Title)
For City of Los Angeles
(Title)
Date
59
Date
ATTACHMENT I CITY OF LOS ANGELES AGREEMENT ASSUMING RISK OF INJURY OR DAMAGE WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS BY PARTICIPANTS In consideration of the City of Los Angeles (hereinafter “City”) permitting me, (Name of participant) to participate in the Board of Public Works, Adopt-A-Median Program, I do hereby agree for myself, my heirs, executors, assigns and administrators: That the City, its officers, agents and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss or expense either to me or my property incurred while I am cleaning, raking, shoveling, planting, or otherwise improving and beautifying public parkways and median strips, or engaged in similar activities. I further agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees from all injuries, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) that may arise out of, result from, or in any way be connected with the issuance of this permit for purposes described above. This waiver does not apply to injuries and damages that are solely due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the City or its officers, agents or employees. I hereby represent that I have carefully read and understand the contents of this document and sign the same of my own free will. Signature:
Dated:
(Signature of Parent or Guardian if Participant is under18 years of age)
Cognizant City Department: Department Contact:
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LANDSCAPE/STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES FOR ADOPT-A-MEDIAN PROGRAM I.
Drawings submitted to the City for approval should contain the following: 1. Site Plan drawn at 1/4” or 1/8”: min. scale showing what you want to do. a. Identify plants with symbols plus botanical and common names (use Sunset Western Garden Book). b. Label Materials: Boulders, stepping stones, stamped concrete, brick, gravel, benches, etc. c. Show mound limits and heights. d. Indicate plant sizes. We recommend: Trees Shrubs Accent or Flowering Plants Ground Covers
15 gal. min. size 5 gal. min. size 1 gal. min. size Flats
2. Identify the project in the Title Block (i.e., “Landscape Traffic Median on La Brea between Coliseum Street and Veronica Street). Also, list “submitted by” with name, address and phone number of contact person and date. 3. Include a small scale vicinity or location map (see illustration). 4. Plant and material list (see illustration). 5. Required Notes: See “Note Sheet” for common notation for use as necessary. II.
Technical Considerations: 1. All planting will require soil amendments (fertilizers ad mulches) refer to “Note Sheet” for our recommendation. 2. Many City medians have been treated over the years with herbicides, so you must test the soil to make sure that plants will grow. Contact the Streetscape Section at (213) 847-0881 for soil testing information and ideas. 61
LANDSCAPE/STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES PAGE 2 3. Where plant life is involved water will be required. Even for “drought-tolerant” and/or “native” plant species, supplemental water will be required for the first on to three growing seasons before the plant materials can survive on just annual rainfall. Give special thought to how plants are to be watered and by whom. We highly recommend an automatic irrigation system with battery or solar operated timer. We strongly advise against running hoses across streets or depending on citizens to cross streets to water. 4. Remember, SAFETY FIRST! Be careful not to obstruct traffic sight lines or distract drivers. Traffic sight lines refer to that area 3 ft. above road surface to 10 ft. to bottom of tree overhang – 50 ft. back from any intersection. Streetscape is best viewed from moving traffic at 30°. III.
Design: 1. Start your design with the selection and placement of trees. Trees are best grouped in odd numbers (3, 5) or they can also be evenly spaced. Trees are always your strongest element especially if they are of the flowering type. Tree species selection shall be in consultation with the Urban Forestry Division (213) 847-3077. Tree spacing in the public right-of-way shall be determined by the Urban Forestry Division. Trees in limited planting areas will require root barriers. 2.
Next, design your ground plane. Whatever you put on the ground can be emphasized with landforms (mounds). Total blanket ground covers will require more water than a combination shrub, tree, and groundcover mix. We recommend limiting the use of lawns or not using lawn as a groundcover altogether because of the required maintenance and water. Since the ground plane requires the most maintenance and water, we highly recommend you consider using textured or patterned concrete, brick or even river run stone. Decomposed granite is an acceptable pavement option, but is not as desirable as the more permanent hard surfaces. Any decorative paving used must be properly secured to the site; use mortar to secure any stone or brick that otherwise might be thrown or come loose and end up in the street. Use of a decorative paving material at ends of medians/to the noses is strongly recommended due to the abuse these areas receive from both pedestrian usage and vehicular accidents alike. Similarly, using decorative paving materials in smaller medians (areas less than 1,000 square fee) or 62
LANDSCAPE/STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES PAGE 3
narrow parts of larger medians (where the median is less than five (5) feet in width) is strongly recommended due to the difficult nature of watering and maintaining plant materials in these situations. 3. Middle height (1ft. to 3ft.) or accent points: A few scattered shrubs such as Raphiolepis, Pittosporum, Oleander, Agapanthus, Day-Lilies, Nandina, Junipers, etc., can work to highlight or accent the landscape. However, the middle heights are the most difficult to maintain and design. That range of plants requires continuous pruning. If you have a strong tree design and the ground plane is acceptable, you will not need to deal with the middle height areas. Boulders, railroad ties, and other decorative landscape materials may be used to provide additional middle height accents; these types of elements must be properly secured to their site and positioned in a manner that will minimize conflicts with pedestrian traffic (in sidewalk areas) as well as minimize vehicular damage (within medians) should an accident occur. A minimum longitudinal set-back of fifty (50) feet from the nose or ends of median islands is required for the placement of these elements. Boulders and other rigid decorative landscape materials must also have a minimum lateral set-back of two (2) feet away from any curb or edge of roadway. Street furniture (benches, trash receptacles, planter pots, bollards, community signage, etc.) are also considered middle height streetscape elements and may be placed within sidewalk areas and in certain limited situations, large medians. We recommend that any and all furniture elements are selected so that they match each other in color and style, as well as any existing street furniture, to provide a unified design statement. Other considerations to be made when selecting these furniture elements include ease of cleaning, replacement, and long-term durability. Street Furniture siting related challenges to consider when developing your project design or proposal are clearances for disabled accessibility, and possible conflicts with existing street elements such as driveways, alleys, business/residence windows, doorways, signage, utility boxes, utility/lighting poles, storm drains, fire hydrants, street trees, etc. All street furniture must be properly secured to their proposed sites with bolts, epoxy adhesives, concrete footings, etc. to prevent them from tipping over, being arbitrarily moved, or stolen. Street furniture installations should not be located within forty five (45) feet of a street corner, nor within existing bus stop zones, and must be located a minimum of 2 feet away from any curb or edge of the street. 4. Finally, overall design must be compatible with the surrounding area—look around! What trees or plants are already in the area or neighborhood? What are types of 63
LANDSCAPE/STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES PAGE 4
materials and colors being used on existing items like street light poles, sidewalks, transit shelters and adjacent buildings? Try to imagine what your new planting and the streetscape environment will look like in three (3) to five (5) years. Can others key off your improvement? Use your imagination by trying to visualize what your project will do for your area. Think, Organize and Commit! And of course, the Streetscape Staff is available to assist you at (213) 847-0881.
64
STREET TREE GUIDELINES FOR ADOPT-A-MEDIAN PROGRAM
BROADHEAD TREES: 1)
The trees shall be trimmed one time per year, sprayed, removed and replaced as needed by Owner to meet the satisfaction of Urban Forestry Division of the City of Los Angeles, the Bureau of Street Services and Board of Public Works.
2)
All trees shall be watered once every twenty (20) days with a minimum of twenty (20) gallons of water per tree in the summer and otherwise in sufficient quantity to maintain proper root moisture.
3)
All trees shall be staked with a “Ready Stake” or equivalent stake and tied properly at all times. Stakes and ties shall be removed within two years or after trees can support themselves, whichever comes first. All tree ties shall be checked regularly to prevent girdling of the tree trunk.
4)
The trees shall be trimmed within 30 calendar days after planting to the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) A300 standards and to International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) guidelines for young trees in order to increase the trunk and root system stability, and to ensure public safety at all times and as required by the Street Tree Division.
5)
If any emergency of any kind should occur, such as the tree uprooting, or a limb falling onto private property or into the street area, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to eliminate all debris at no cost to the City of Los Angeles. This shall also include all damages or injury costs if any should occur.
6)
Any tree removal shall be approved by the Board of Public Works.
7)
All future pruning shall conform to ISA and ANSI A300 standards as well as Los Angeles Municipal Code.
LANDSCAPING: 1)
All costs of said planting and removal, maintenance and/or repair of such landscaping and irrigation system located in the public way shall be at the property owner’s or agent’s expense.
2)
All weeds and debris shall be removed and hauled away as required by the Urban Forestry Division. 65
STREET TREE GUIDELINES PAGE 2
3)
All sprinklers and the irrigation lines shall be maintained as required by the Urban Forestry Division.
4)
All dead plants shall be removed and replaced as required by the Urban Forestry Division.
5)
All vegetation shall be trimmed to provide clearance of the street and sidewalk at all times as required by the Urban Forestry Division.
6)
All vegetation shall be trimmed and maintained to a height of less than 36� above the street at all times as required by the Urban Forestry Division.
7)
All vegetation shall be watered and fertilized to assure survival of all vegetation.
8)
Control pests and disease to provide a healthy environment for plants and public.
9)
Any future modifications to the landscape plan shall be approved by the Urban Forestry Division.
PALM TREES 1)
The Palm trees shall be pruned and once annually. Tree removal shall be performed as necessary with the approval of the Urban Forestry Division, Bureau of Street Services, Department of Public Works.
2)
Palm tree pruning shall NOT be performed during the months March, April, May, or June.
3)
Pruning shall occur during seed head maturity.
4)
The public way shall be maintained in a safe condition at all times.
5)
The public way shall be kept free of seeds, fruit, and flowers at all times.
6)
Palm tree replacements shall be a minimum eight (8) feet brown trunk.
7)
Tree removals require approval by the Board of Public Works. 66
STREET TREE GUIDELINES PAGE 3
OAK TREES 1)
Any paving in the drip line requires prior approval by the Urban Forestry Division and shall be of a permeable type.
2)
Soil excavation in the vicinity of an Oak tree shall be by hand where necessary to avoid excessive damage to the root system. The root protection zone shall be defined as the drip line PLUS ten feet.
3)
Excised roots and exposed roots shall be properly protected until trenches and other excavations are backfilled.
4)
No herbicides shall be used within 100 feet of any Oak trees dripline.
5)
Pruning of Oak trees shall require a pruning permit by the Urban Forestry Division and shall be performed by a Certified Arborist.
6)
Oak trees are fragile when there is a change to their environment. Therefore, a maintenance program shall be established to ensure the trees receive proper care.
7)
No ornamental ground cover shall be placed within the dripline of Oak trees. Planting material within the dripline shall be of a native variety compatible with Oak species and be approved by the Urban Forestry Division.
8)
As per the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 46.01, any Oak tree removal or pruning requires a permit from the Board of Public Works or its agent.
9)
No landscaping or construction shall occur within the Oak trees protected root zone without the approval and permission of the Urban Forestry Division.
67
TRAFFIC-RELATED GUIDELINES FOR ADOPT-A-MEDIAN PROGRAM
Landscaping - Plantings on an island are to be limited to a maximum mature height of 3 feet when driver visibility is required, particularly near traffic signals or other traffic controls. A minimum 3 foot walking path on an island is required for pedestrians to access the existing crosswalks. All planting proposals require the approval of the Department of Transportation to ensure that minimum visibility requirements are met. Tree Installations - Trees shall be located to minimize the potential for being struck by errant vehicles. When islands are near intersections, trees shall be planted no closer than 50 feet to the nose of the island. Islands that are located downstream from an intersection shall have trees planted no closer than 25 feet from the nose of an island. Trees should be planted centered between the two sides of an island. All trees shall be located so that the visibility of traffic signals meet minimum required distanced when mature. Sight lines between drivers and signal heads shall be assured in the planting plans for island installations. For purposes of illustration, a driver is required to have continuous visibility of traffic signal heads for a minimum distance of 325 feet to the stop line at that intersection for speeds of 25 mph. Fixed object installations other than trees - Median projects which propose fixed object installations, such as monument signs, architectural enhancements, etc. shall have these objects located in the same manner as described for trees. Whenever practical, the object shall be breakaway or crushable, to minimize risk to a driver of an errant vehicle. The fixed object shall be a maximum height of 3 feet and shall have a minimum 2-foot distance from the side to the adjacent island curb. Lighting - It is preferred that fixed objects on islands be illuminated by permanent, ground mounted, upward lighting. Lighting shall be steady when used on the median, with no repeating on/off operation which could distract motorists.
68
NOTE SHEET Topsoil: Shall be of a uniform composition and structure, fertile and friable sandy loam containing an amount of organic matter normal to the region, and be free of roots, clods and stones larger than 1” greatest dimension, pockets of coarse sand, noxious weed, sticks, brush and other litter. It shall not be infested with nematodes or other undesirable insects and plant disease organisms. Topsoil shall be capable of sustaining healthy plant life. Soil Amendments: Fill into the top 6” of topsoil the following amounts of organic soil amendments per 1,000 square feet of planting area: a. 3 cu. Yards of Nitrohumus b. 2 cu. Yards of Nitrogen Fortified Redwood Mulch c. 100 lbs. Of Agricultural Gypsum d. 30 lbs. Of an All-Purpose 8-8-4 Commercial Fertilizer Planting Hole Backfill Shall Consist Of: a. 33% Specified Topsoil b. 33% Nitrohumus c. 33% Nitrogen Fortified Redwood Mulch d. Plus the following amounts of an All-Purpose 8-8-4 Commercial Fertilizer: 1. 1 gal. can – 2 tablespoons 2. 5 gal. can – 1/2 cup 3. 15 gal. can – 1-1/4 cups 4. 24” box – 1 coffee can (1 lb.) 5. 36” box – 3 coffee cans (1 lb.) 6. 48” box – 5-3/4 coffee cans (1 lb.)
69
NOTE SHEET PAGE 2 Contour Mounds: Construct with specified topsoil and soil amendments. Mounds shall be placed and water settled to the satisfaction of the owner/Landscape Architect, and shall be constructed in a manner to minimize settlement and/or erosion and to provide adequate footing for placement of boulders when specified. Mound contour dimension refers to height above finish grade. Boulders: Boulders shall be characteristic of local native materials or river run granite with black strata throughout unless otherwise indicated. Natural irregularities in boulder shapes are desirable. Boulder selection shall be approved by the Landscape Architect prior to purchase. Boulder placement shall be under the supervision of the Landscape Architect/owner. Plant Materials: a. Quantities and Types: Provide quantities, and spacing as shown or noted for each location. Provide plants of the species, kinds, sizes, etc., as noted on the drawings. b. Plants shall be symmetrical, typical for variety and species, sound healthy, vigorous, free from plant disease, insect pests or their eggs, and shall have healthy, normal root systems, well filling their containers, but not to the point of being rootbound. c. Watering Basins: Construct a mound of soil around each tree and plant to form a watering basin 3” above finish grade. d. Replace as soon as possible, plants that show signs of failure to grow or those plants so injured or damaged so as to render them unsuitable for the purpose intended. Furnish plant and fertilizer as specified. Tree Stakes: Tree stakes shall be 2” diameter x 10’ long lodgepoles capable of standing in the ground at least two years, located on the windward side of the tree 30” into the ground unless otherwise indicated. Tree Ties: Tree ties shall be Cinch Tie or approved equal, located in two places. If irrigation does not exist at project location and is needed, irrigation plans should be included with package. Contact the Department of Water and Power (DWP) at (213) 367-2130 for information on installing a water meter if there is not currently one at the site. The approximate cost will range between $1,200 and $2,160 depending on the size of the pipe. Please consider the use of xeriscape or drought tolerant plants to conserve water. For projects proposing signage, signs must have a collapsible base and must not be over 3 feet in height. 70
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
FOR COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTS
ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
DATE: _____________
COUNCIL DISTRICT: _____________
AGREEMENT#: _____________
PROJECT INITIATED/SPONSORED BY: NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ORGANIZATION: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS, CITY, ZIP CODE: _______________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE #: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
PROJECT SITE/STREET FURNITURE ADDRESS:
(If there is to be more than one site maintained by the same entity, include one copy of the Maintenance Agreement and attach an extra page with a list of all locations)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ENTITY MAINTAINING PROJECT SITE/STREET FURNITURE: BUSINESS NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ CONTACT PERSON & POSITION: ___________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE #: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SITE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):
TERMS
TREES
MURAL
VEGETATION
TRASH RECEPTACLE
BENCH
TABLE
PLANTER
OTHER ________________________________________________
TREES: To be watered on a regular basis. MURAL: Applying anti-graffiti coating after completion and as needed. If graffiti occurs, call 311 to have the graffiti removed. VEGETATION: Maintenance of the vegetation and keeping the site free from weeds and debris. TRASH RECEPTACLE: Emptying the trash receptacle as needed and replacing the plastic liner. BENCHES: Cleaning periodically. TABLE: Cleaning periodically. PLANTERS: To be watered on a regular basis. Cleaning periodically.
The City of Los Angeles/Department of Public Works/Office of Community Beautification agrees to: Help the community group through the process of obtaining approval and permits for this proposal. Waive the fees for the Revocable Permit and the A Permit. Provide liners upon request for the trash receptacles. Loan hand tools to the group working on the beautification project. Items available include rakes, brooms, shovels, and hoes. Provide limited liability coverage through the City of Los Angeles: Commercial general liability-Hazard 2. Coverage applies to all facets of the project approved by the City of Los Angeles.
OTHER MAINTENANCE DETAILS _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I agree to maintain the site improvements in perpetuity. If the items are damaged, destroyed, or become hazardous in any nature, Bureau of Street Services should be contacted at (213) 847-3077 for immediate removal. I understand that the street furniture at this location may be removed and/or relocated at any time without prior notice. _______________________________________________________ Signature of Maintenance Entity
______________________________________________ Date
PLEASE ADDRESS ALL INQUIRIES TO: City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification 200 North Spring Street, Room 356, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: (213) 978-1041 FORM VERSION: 021611
71
DRAFT OF CITY GUIDELINES FOR PLACING STREET FURNITURE DETAIL LEGEND MINIMUM SET BACK CLEARANCES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE PLACEMENT 1. FROM FACE OF CURB: PREFERRED MINIMUM CLEARANCE IS 2’-0”; ABSOLUTE MINIMUM CLEARANCE IS 1'-6” 2. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ROUTE (PAR): PREFERRED MINIMUM CLEARANCE IS 5'-0”; ABSOLUTE MINIMUM CLEARANCE IS 4'-0 ”. PAR SHALL BE KEPT FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL OBSTRUCTIONS. 3. FROM STREETS, ALLEYS & RAILROAD CROSSINGS: 45’ FROM STREET INTERSECTIONS; 20’ FROM ALLEY ENTRANCES; 100’ FROM RAILROAD CROSSINGS. 4. FROM DRIVEWAYS & ACCESS RAMPS: 6’-0” FOR DRIVEWAYS; 5'-0” FOR ACCESS RAMPS TO/FROM CROSSWALKS OR STREET AREAS. 5. FROM BUILDING FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT/STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS: 3’-0” 6. FROM THE EDGES OF BUILDING PEDESTRIAN INGRESS/EGRESS POINTS: 3’-0” (INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO DOORWAYS, GATES, STAIRS, ACCESS RAMPS , ETC. ) 7. FROM SUBGRADE EQUIPMENT: 5’-0” (INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: STORM DRAIN CATCH BASINS, UTILITY VAULTS, GAS/WATER METER BOXES, ELECTRICAL OR TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOXES, BASEMENTS, BASEMENT DELIVERY LIFT DOORS, (SUBWAY) EMERGENCY EXIT STAIRWELLS, ETC.) 8. FROM ABOVE GRADE EQUIPMENT: 5’-0” (INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: UTILITY POLES, STREET LIGHT POLES, FIRE HYDRANTS, TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL BOXES, METER PEDESTALS, TRANSIT SHELTERS, GUY WIRES, ETC.) 9. FROM TREEWELLS & PLANTING AREAS: 4’-0” (UNLESS STREET FURNISHINGS ARE DELIBERATELY INSTALLED AS PART OF A PLANTING AREA. STREET FURNISHINGS DELIBERATELY PLACED IN WITHIN PLANTING AREAS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CONCRETE PAD BENEATH THEM) NOTES: I. ALL SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE INSTALLATIONS REQUIRE BOTH A CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FOR INSTALLATION AND REVOCABLE PERMIT TO FACILITATE ON GOING MAINTENANCE, ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF ENGINEERING. THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DOES NOT MAINTAIN SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNISHINGS. II. SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNISHINGS CAN NOT BE PLACED ON SIDEWALKS THAT ARE LESS THAN 7'-0” IN WIDTH. III. DUE TO THE CITY’S CONTRACTUAL PROGRAM(S) THAT PROVIDE(S) TRANSIT SHELTERS AND BUS BENCHES, SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE IS GENERALLY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLACEMENT WITHIN BUS STOP ZONES. SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE IS OCCASIONALLY ALLOWED WITHIN BUS STOP ZONES AND APPROVED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS; ALL STREET FURNISHINGS WITHIN BUS STOP ZONES ARE SUBJECT TO RELOCATION AND/OR REMOVAL BY THE CITY AT ANY TIME
DRAFT
PREPARED BY :
CHECKED BY :
REVIEWED BY :
DIRECTOR : WILLIAM A. ROBERTSON BY : HUGH S. LEE, DIVISION ENGINEER ENGINEERING DIVISION 20
DATE :
72
CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF STREET SERVICES REFERENCES PLANS
SERIAL/SKETCH NO.
SHEET
OF
2
2
5'-0" PREFERRED 4'-0" MIN.
7
2
1
6'-0"
8
4
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ROUTE
8' TO 10' (VARIES)
1
9
FACE OF CURB TYPICAL
DRIVEWAY
24" PREFERRED 18" MIN.
AREAS WHERE SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE MAY BE SITED/INSTALLED (TYP.) 4'-0" 5'-0"
45' FOR STREET CORNERS 20' FOR ALLEYS 5'-0"
PROPERTY LINE CASE I FURNITURE PLACEMENT FOR SIDEWALK WIDTHS 8'-0" TO 10'-0"
6'-0"
8
4
DRAFT
8
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ROUTE
11' TO 20' (VARIES)
4'-0"
2
9
5'-0" PREFERRED 4'-0" MIN.
AREAS WHERE SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE MAY BE SITED / INSTALLED (TYP.)
5'-0"
1
DRIVEWAY
9
5'-0"
1
4'-0"
7
FACE OF CURB TYPICAL
24" PREFERRED 18" MIN.
45' FOR STREET CORNERS 20' FOR ALLEYS 5'-0"
PROPERTY LINE
GATE, DOORWAY, STAIRS, RAMP, ETC. (TYP.) CASE 2 FURNITURE PLACEMENT FOR SIDEWALK WIDTHS 11'-0" TO 20'-0" + FACE OF CURB TYPICAL
1
4
7
6'-0"
8
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ROUTE
11' TO 20' (VARIES)
2
5'-0"
5'-0" PREFERRED 4'-0" MIN.
9
7
1
DRIVEWAY
24" PREFERRED 18" MIN.
45' FOR STREET CORNERS 20' FOR ALLEYS 5'-0"
AREAS WHERE SUPPLEMENTAL STREET FURNITURE MAY BE SITED/INSTALLED (TYP.) 4'-0" 5'-0"
6'-0"
4 5 3'-0"
VARIES BASED UPON SIGHTLINE CONDITIONS
6
(TYP.)
3'-0" (TYP.)
PROPERTY LINE
CASE 3 GATE, DOORWAY, STAIRS, RAMP, ETC. (TYP.) FURNITURE PLACEMENT FOR SIDEWALK WIDTHS 11'-0" TO 20'-0" +
PREPARED BY :
CHECKED BY :
REVIEWED BY :
DIRECTOR : WILLIAM A. ROBERTSON BY : HUGH S. LEE, DIVISION ENGINEER ENGINEERING DIVISION 20
DATE :
73
CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF STREET SERVICES REFERENCES PLANS
SERIAL/SKETCH NO.
SHEET
OF
1
2
Application for SITE PERMIT APPROVAL & CITY PERMIT 74
THE APPLICATION PROCESS A CHECKLIST
Congratulations on deciding to add trees to your neighborhood! To complete the process you have begun, fill out the application on the attached sheet, which requires the following steps: Determine the location and addresses of all the trees you want to plant. List all these addresses on the application. Obtain permission from each of the property owners (or from the property’s manager if the property owner lives outside of Los Angeles) on whose property you want to plant a tree. List these property owners on the application, and get EACH property owner to sign a “Permission to Plant and/or Care for a Tree” form. (This form is enclosed with the application; you might need to make copies). Organize volunteers who will care for the trees after they are planted. If the person agreeing to care for the tree (water) agreeing to or allowing the tree planting, they must also sign the “Permission to Plant and/or Care for a Tree” form. Make a map, showing clearly the streets where you want to plant trees and the location of each tree to be planted. (You could make a copy of a street map and use colored pencils or a highlighter to mark the streets and the tree locations.) Attach the map to the application. Take 3-4 photographs of the street or streets where you want to plant trees. Mark the photographs to show their locations, and attach the photographs to the application. Make copies of your completed application and all the signed forms you have obtained and, keep for your records. Submit the application, with attached maps and photographs, and all the signed “Permission to Plant and/or Care for a Tree” forms, to: Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services URBAN FORESTRY DIVISION 1149 S. Broadway, 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90015 After you have submitted the application, a City inspector will visit the site. The inspector will determine the kind and exact number of trees to be planted, and will mark the location of each tree. Once the permit is issued you will begin organizing the actual planting. The Los Angeles Conservation Corps and TreePeople can help you with this planning. 75
APPLICATION FOR SITE APPROVAL AND CITY PERMIT
• NAME OF PLANTING:
GROUP
THAT
WILL
OVERSEE
TREE
Address:
Person: Telephone: Signature: Date: Your application will be complete when you have the following: •
This completed form
•
A
signed
“Permission
to
Plant/Care
for
a
Tree”
form
for
EACH
property owner who will have a tree planted on his or her property •
A map of the area where you will plant trees
•
Photograph(s) of the area where you will plant trees
I understand that if an “A” permit is required for cutting concrete, my group will be responsible for providing and installing-within 5 days of the tree planting-standard treewell covers as per city specifications. _________________________________ Signature Submit the Completed application to:
Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services URBAN FORESTRY DIVISION 1149 S. Broadway, 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 847-3077
Be sure to keep a copy of all materials you submit! 76
TREES List the address of each tree to be planted.
PROPERTY OWNERS List the name and phone number of the persons signing the “Permission to Plant and/or Care for a Tree.�
If you have any questions about filling out this form call the Urban Forestry Division at (213) 847-3077.
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Permission to Plant and/or Care for a Street Tree I, ____________________________, give my permission to have a tree planted/ agree Name in print/Nobre del firmante en letras
to care for the tree in front of my house or property in public right-of-way. I understand that the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works manages the City’s street trees and that the Department of Public Works will approve the type of tree and its exact placement. I understand I will be required to water and care for the tree during its establishment period, estimated at 5 years from planting. The Bureau of Street Services of the City of Los Angeles will provide tree care guidelines to each street tree recipient. Signed/Firmado:____________________________
Date/Fecha:___________
Printed name of signer/Nobre del firmante en letras:
Please check one/Por favor marque uno
_______________________________________________
Property owner/Dueno
Street Address to be planted/Direccion donde se plantara el arbol:
Property Manager
________________________________________________________
Tenant/Inquilino
Zip Code/Codigo Postal:_____________________________________ Telephone/Telefono:________________________________________ Name and address of property owner/Nombre del dueno de la propiedad __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ S:Fact Sheets/Permission to Plant and Care for a Street Tree
Mail to:
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.
Urban Forestry Division: 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90015 www.lacity.org/BOSS
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A MAP Make a map, showing clearly the streets where you want to plant trees and the location of each tree to be planted. (You could make a copy of a street map and use colored pencils or a highlighter to mark the streets and the tree locations.) Attach the map here.
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PHOTOGRAPHS Take 3-4 photographs of the street or streets where you want to plant trees. Mark the photographs to show their locations. Attach the photographs here.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS MEMBERS
CITY OF LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF
CYNTHIA M. RUIZ
STREET SERVICES
PRESIDENT
WILLIAM A. ROBERTSON, DIRECTOR 600 SOUTH SPRING STREET SUITE 1200 LOS ANGELES, CA 90014
DAVID SICKLER VICE PRESIDENT
PAULA A. DANIELS
REQUESTS FOR SERVICE (213) 473-8410 Or (800) 996-CITY TDD: (213) 473-6600 FAX: (213) 485-9482
PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE
VALERIE LYNNE SHAW COMMISSIONER
YOLANDA FUENTES COMMISSIONER
ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA MAYOR
Permission to Plant and/or Care for a Street Tree I, ____________________________, give my permission to have a tree planted / agree to Name in print/Nombre del firmante en letras.
care for the tree in front of my house or property in the parkway between the sidewalk and the street. I understand that the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works manages the City street trees and that the Department of Public Works will approve the type of tree and its exact placement. I understand I will be required to water and care for the tree during its establishment period, estimated at 5 years from planting. The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services will provide tree care guidelines to each street tree recipient. Signed/Firmado:____________________________ Printed name of signer/Nobre del firmante en letras:
Date/Fecha:___________ Please check one/Por favor marque
_________________________________________________________
Property owner/Dueno
Street Address to be planted/Direccion donde se plantara el arbol:
Property Manager
_________________________________________________________
Tenant/Inquilino
Zip Code/Codigo Postal:_____________________________________ Telephone/Telefono:________________________________________
Name and address of property owner/Nombre del dueno de la propiedad __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
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York Blvd. and Ave 50
Bike Corral On-Street Bike Parking
What is a Bike Corral? A bike corral is an on-street bicycle parking facility that can accommodate many more bicycles than a typical sidewalk rack. Bike Corrals typically replace an existing single vehicle parking space with up to eight bicycle racks - enough space to accommodate 16 bicycles. In areas with high cycling demand, corrals use space much more efficently than a single car parking stall would. They are also useful in areas with narrow sidewalks where it would be impractical to install sidewalk racks. 82
More Parking: Bike Corrals can accommodate up to 16 bicycles in an existing single vehicle parking space. That means more people can park right in front of your entrance.
www.bicyclela.org
Page 1
Sunset Triangle Plaza
Bike Corral Benefits
What are the Benefits of a Bike Corral?
More Visibility: A Bike Corral can help increase the visibility of your business from the street by eliminating the potential parking of large vehicles.
www.bicyclela.org
• Provides additional parking to serve local businesses • Provides a permanent buffer between pedestrian activities on the sidewalk and motor vehicle traffic on the street • Creates a de-facto curb extension, shortening pedestrian crossing distances at intersections • Increases the visibility of businesses from the street by eliminating the potential parking of large vehicles • Improves sight lines and visibility at intersections for motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists Page 2
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City of Long Beach
Bike Corral Maintenance Agreement
What’s the process? • • • • • •
Just sign a Maintenance Agreement with the City of Los Angeles The City will pay for the installation of the facility Keep the Bike Corral clean and clear of debris Visually inspect the Bike Corral at least once per week Regularly maintain any plantings and landscaping Keep the facility free of graffiti and trash
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Partnership: This Public Private Partnership will require that you sign a Maintenance Agreement and agree to keep the facility clear of trash, debris, graffiti, etc.
www.bicyclela.org
Page 3
Maintenance Agreement On-Street Bicycle Parking Facility Bicycle Corral Name and Location ________________________________________________________________ The City of Los Angeles will install an on-street bicycle parking facility (Bicycle Corral) at name and location. The bicycle corral will be located in the parking stall at name and location. The business owner at name and location the owner(s) at said property enter into an agreement with the City to maintain the Bicycle Corral and any associated maintenance in adjacent parking spaces required due to the installation of the Bicycle Corral to City standards. To facilitate the installation of the Bicycle Corral, it is agreed that: 1. The Bicycle Corral and adjacent impacted parking spaces will be swept and otherwise cleared of all debris at least once per week by Business Owner, Name and Location. All trash will be removed from the facility and disposed of in a proper manner. 2. The Bicycle Corral and associated equipment will be kept free of graffiti and stickers by Business Owner, Name and Location. 3. Business Owner, Name and Location Matt, will regularly maintain any landscaping or plantings added to the facility design. 4. The Bicycle Corral will be visually inspected by Business Owner, Business Name and Location at least once a week for trash, graffiti, proper maintenance of the bicycle parking equipment, landscaping and overall appearance of the facility. The City will regularly inspect the site to determine that Business Owner, owner of Business Name is properly maintaining the site. 5. Should errant motorists, vandalism, or neglect damage the site the City can choose to replace the equipment or remove the Bicycle Corral in its entirety. If funding is not available to replace the equipment or if it is determined the location is underutilized for the purpose of parking bicycles the City reserves the right to remove the Bicycle Corral. 6. Should citizen complaints be received by the City regarding the Bicycle Corral, the following steps will be taken to resolve concerns by the public: a. The City will complete a field inspection of the site and a report will be filed that reviews the condition of the Bicycle Corral to address the concerns of citizen(s). b. If the level of maintenance of the Bicycle Corral is deemed unacceptable by the inspector of the site, Business Owner, Name and Location the will be notified in writing of actions needed to be taken to bring the maintenance of the site to the standard required by the City. 85
c.
Response to the complaint may result in the following action(s) by the City: i. No action; ii. A warning; or iii. Revocation of this permit and removal of the Bicycle Corral by the City.
7. Any changes upgrades or enhancements proposed by Business Owner, owner of Business Name, must be approved, in writing, by the City prior to any change in the design, appearance or equipment. Failure to obtain the City’s permission in writing for any changes, upgrades or enhancements could result in revocation of this permit and removal of the Bicycle Corral by the City. 8. Should the business or property owner change hands or be transferred, the City will retain the right to remove the Bicycle Corral unless the new business or property owner enters into a new agreement with the City. 9. The City reserves the right to remove the Bicycle Corral at any time and to revoke this agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement by the authorized representatives as of the dates indicted below: BUSINESS NAME: By: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Business Owner, Owner, Business Name City of Los Angeles: CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: By:__________________________________ Date: ___________________ Amir Sedadi, General Manager APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: __________________________________ Date:____________________ Deputy, City Attorney
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City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Public Art Division Approval Process All public art projects located on or over City property must be submitted to the Cultural Affairs Commission for approval prior to installation. Public art projects include any artwork placed in, upon or extending over any City building, street, avenue, park or other City-owned or City-controlled location. Following is the application material needed to schedule a presentation to the Cultural Affairs Commission. As part of the approval process, the art project must be presented to the Public Art Committee, an advisory committee to the Commission. The Public Art Committee reviews all public art projects and recommends them for approval by the Cultural Affairs Commission. Any comments made by the Public Art Committee must be addressed before the presentation to the Cultural Affairs Commission. The approval process consists of: 1) Completing the Application for Approval of Public Artwork, and gathering requested supporting materials; 2) Submitting an application to the Public Art Division; 3) Scheduling dates to present the art project to the Public Art Committee and Cultural Affairs Commission; 4) Appearing before the Public Art Committee to receive feedback and be recommended for approval to the Cultural Affairs Commission; and 5) Appearing before the Cultural Affairs Commission to receive a conceptual and/or final approval. If you have any questions please contact the Public Art Division staff at (213) 202-5544.
Public Art Division Department of Cultural Affairs 201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 1400 Los Angeles, California 90012 213.202.5544 Phone 213.202.5512 Fax
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City of Los Angeles – Department of Cultural Affairs - Public Art Division Application for Approval of Public Artwork
Applicant: (Individual Name or Organization Name, Address, Phone Number)
Proposed Meeting/Hearing Date: (Refer to Public Art staff for the meeting schedule)
Project Location/Street Address: (Also list major cross street in parentheses)
Location/Project Owner: (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Location Contact Person: (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Council District of Location:
Project Amount/Funding Source(s):
Artist: (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Project Title:
* This completed Application must accompany all materials submitted to the Public Art Division for both the Public Art Committee and Cultural Affairs Commission. 88
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Required Materials for application and presentation to the Public Art Committee and Cultural Affairs Commission – All materials must be completed and submitted to Public Art staff by 12 noon on the Wednesday fifteen (15) days prior to the desired review date/meeting. Public Art Committee – Must be arranged through Public Art staff. The following materials must be submitted to Public Art staff one (1) week prior to the submission deadline date of the Committee Meeting Date: Eleven (11) copies of each of the following: • Completed Application for Approval of Public Artwork • Written narrative (one page maximum), including design concept, materials and dimensions of artwork, and artist selection process • Drawings, renderings, material samples • Construction drawings, architectural site plans and/or color photographs showing location of artwork in building site or from street view • Fabrication & Installation Timeline • Itemized Budget • Evidence of community input, including community meeting date(s) and outcome(s) • Letter of Permission from the Location/Project Owner (if applicable) • Letters of Support from the Community (optional) • Maintenance Plan • Location Map indicating the area of the City in which the project is located • Material and color samples of surrounding architecture (obtain from architect) • Additional supporting documents to contextualize the project (as needed) Cultural Affairs Commission (Conceptual and/or Final Approval) – Must be arranged through the Public Art Division. The following materials must be submitted to the Public Art Project Manager one (1) week prior to the submission deadline date of the Commission Meeting Date: Eleven (11) copies of each of the following: • Completed Application for Approval of Public Artwork • Written narrative (one page maximum), including design concept, materials and dimensions of artwork, and artist selection process • Written response to any conditions or comments made by the Public Art Committee • Final drawings, renderings, material samples • Construction drawings, architectural site plans and/or color photographs showing location of artwork in building site or from street view • Final Fabrication & Installation Timeline • Final Itemized Budget • Evidence of community input, including community meeting date(s) and outcome(s) • Letter of Permission from the Location/Project Owner (if applicable) • Letters of Support from the Community (optional) • Maintenance Plan • Location Map indicating the area of the City in which the project is located • Material and color samples of surrounding architecture (obtain from architect) • Additional supporting documents to contextualize the project (as needed) 89
City Department Fees and Fee Exemption Requirements Submissions presented to the Cultural Affairs Commission from other City departments are exempt from fees if they conform to the conditions provided in L.A.M.C. Section 11.08. To be exempt, submit a letter or call the staff at (213) 202-5544. All City department submissions shall pay a fee if reimbursable from Revolving, Trust, Bond or Capital Improvement Funds. If all or part of the proposed project is being funded in this manner, please state on your fee payment documents the fund number, type and percentage of project that is being used to calculate fees.
Regulation for Submission of Proposals 1) All materials must be completed and submitted before 12 noon on the Wednesday fifteen (15) days prior to the desired review date/meeting. Late packages will not be accepted. Applications will not be processed and scheduled for a hearing/agenda until the Public Art Division receives all required submittal components. 2) The presentation fee, based on the project cost, is required and covers conceptual and final review levels. 3) A presentation by the applicant, artist or community representative is required at each of the two hearings. 4) The Public Art Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 11:00 a.m., except holidays. Unless otherwise noted, all Committee meetings are held at 201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 1400, in downtown Los Angeles. 5) The Cultural Affairs Commission meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month, 1:30 p.m., except holidays. Unless otherwise noted, all Commission meetings are held at 201 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 1400, in downtown Los Angeles. 6) The Commission minutes will be your only official record of Final Approval. Request a copy from Public Art staff. 7) Final approval by the Cultural Affairs Commission is granted for the specific design and one-time production presented. Please note: any changes to the artwork design as approved by the Commission may constitute another community meeting and/or presentation to the Public Art Committee and Cultural Affairs Commission. A “significant change” is considered one that affects the design, color, size, material, texture, installation, site preparation and/or maintenance of the artwork. Significant changes must be presented for another round of review and approval. Helpful Hints for Presentation of Materials in Front of a Review Board 1) Arrive on time and sign in. Find the Public Art Division staff member who is handling your agenda item and let them know you are present and ready. Understand that agenda items may be taken out of order, therefore you may be asked to present earlier or wait patiently to present later. 2) Bring larger/enlarged photocopies of the artist’s rendering or a series of images placed together to make one large display on a board at least two feet tall or wide. Glue or affix your presentation materials to a firm piece of cardboard or foam-core board. When you are called, place your large display(s) on the meeting room easels so the commissioners can view them from six feet away. Avoid passing around small images (unless a board member asks to see something closer), since passing things wastes times, creates confusion and often distracts people from the presentation. 3) Prepare a quick (3 minutes maximum) introduction to your project. A staff person will introduce you, the project, the project location, the artist’s name and selection process, the funding source(s) for the project and summarize the community’s involvement with the project. Therefore you should speak only and directly about the project’s aesthetics, concept, materials and color theory. 4) Stop speaking after the facts are presented. Ask the public board if they have any questions or concerns. Allow the board to direct the remaining 5-10 minutes of dialogue. If they have no questions or concerns, you will receive quick approval. Try to answer as many of their questions with “Yes” or “No”, or very brief descriptions. 5) It is best to remember these public board members of the Public Art Committee and Cultural Affairs Commission are also part of your community and have a great sense of whether your project is excellent, unique and/or safe; therefore, although your project might be ready for approval in the presenter’s opinion, and with the neighborhood and project supporters, be open to changes and compromises and be willing to promise alterations that do not directly contradict the choices and needs of the artist’s style, the community and the project sponsors. 90
4
ADOPT-A-BASKET LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING Complete and return to Bureau of Sanitation via fax 213.485.2961
Name of Basket Recipient:
_______ ______
Telephone Number: Basket Placed At:
_____ ____________________________________________
Date: ___________Direction: n/e
_ n/w
_s/e _ s/w__ mid block ___
I, the undersigned recipient, agree to the placement of a waste basket, identified by a green band at its base, at the location(s) stated above. I understand that: (1) The waste basket is owned by the City of Los Angeles; (2) The waste basket must be emptied by me or my employees, in a legally prescribed manner, on a regular basis; (3) The waste basket will be removed by the Bureau of Sanitation, Solid Resources Support Services Division/SRSSD if it is not emptied as needed; (4) I will contact the Bureau of Sanitation/ LA City contact (South of Mulholland), Joel Zuniga @ 213.847.3069 cell & for Valley contact (North of Mulholland), Jesse Cruz @ 213.840.6162 cell, with 10 business days advance notice, if I decide that I no longer want the waste basket; (5) No language used on any plaques that may be affixed to the basket shall offer for sale or solicit the sale of any animate or inanimate object, any goods, wares or merchandise which the public may purchase at any time. Neither shall said language make reference to any commercial establishment, place of business, event or entertainment. Only the name of the individual/organization responsible for adopting the basket shall be used, and (6) Prior to the time that the basket is returned to the City, all plaques and other attachments shall be removed. _______________________________________ Recipient (Print Name)
_________________________ Email Address
Signature of Recipient
Date
______
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Yard: _____________
Map Page: ____________
Council District: ______________
Date Basket was placed: _______________ Date Basket Removed: ________________ Supervisor Approval: _________________________Supervisor: ___________________ Superintendent Approval: _____________________Superintendent: _______________ Once signed off on return to RenĂŠe to include in Database
CC: Javier Polanco, Acting Division Manager Bureau of Sanitation Solid Resources Support Services Division/SRSSD 91
Adopt-A-Basket Order Form
City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works
200 N. Spring Street Room 356 Los Angeles CA 90012 PHN 213 978 1041 FAX 213 978 0241 salyna.cun@lacity.org www.laocb.org
OCB WAREHOUSE REQUEST
All requests should be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the delivery. Coordinator:
Today’s Date:
Delivery Date:
Phone Number:
Phone Type:
Salyna Cun Contact at Site:
Drop off Site Address and Type (i.e. business, residence, school):
Cross Street:
Special Instructions for Delivery:
Indicate the number of bags needed.
Standard City-issued Trash Bag 22 microns (25 bags per roll)
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Last Revised on 10/8/08
NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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