SMC to Discuss Parking Woes With City, Schools

The Santa Monica College board of trustees has directed college officials to contact city and school district officials for responses to proposals made by an advisory committee on how to solve the college’s parking problems.

The board on Monday received recommendations made by the 19-member Ad Hoc Parking Committee after months of deliberations on the parking shortage at the college, 1900 Pico Blvd.

Officials estimate the school needs 1,360 more spaces in the daytime and 2,120 at night.

Some of the committee’s suggestions, such as closing Pearl Street between 16th and 17th streets for restriping to provide more parking, would require city approval.

Others, such as the construction of a subterranean garage under the college’s softball field, might require cooperation from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which might be able to provide athletic facilities while the garage is under construction.

Meanwhile, residents met Tuesday night to organize a petition drive to establish permit parking within a three-block area of the college.

Spokesman Duke Kelso said residents believe that student parking should be banned on residential streets in the immediate area of the college, and that a shuttle service should be provided to bring students from outlying parking lots.

College officials say the problem with the shuttle plan is that few sites are available in Santa Monica where a park-and-ride system could be established.

The college board has asked that the advisory committee report and comments from the city and school district be put on its agenda for discussion as soon as possible.

The board also will consider a dissenting report from committee member Joseph M. Hartley, who said the committee’s focus on providing more parking did not place sufficient emphasis on safety problems created by the heavy traffic at the college.