Lawndale OKs Making 5 Streets One-Way in 3-Month Study

Five Lawndale streets will become one-way in a three-month experiment aimed at improving traffic flow and creating more parking spaces.

The City Council approved the change last week in a 4-1 vote. Councilman Harold Hofmann, who dissented, said the council should have notified residents before making the changes.

“I have a problem with not letting the people know, to get their input,” Hofmann said. He also expressed concern that one-way streets might prompt drivers to go faster.

Several residents at the meeting spoke against one-way streets or urged the council to hold a hearing.

Supported by Majority

But the majority on the council supported the one-way streets. Councilman Dan McKenzie said he agreed that “the people in the area should have been told this was taking place,” but he voted for the change, saying: “This will give us a chance to have more parking.”

In a report, consultant Jack Cunningham said making the five streets one-way would provide 190 new street parking spaces. He estimated that street work and sign installation would cost $12,450.

The council approved these street changes:

Firmona Avenue between Artesia Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard will become one-way northbound.

Grevillea Avenue between Artesia Boulevard and 159th Street will be one-way southbound.

159th Street between Grevillea and Firmona will be one-way eastbound.

169th Street between Grevillea and Hawthorne Boulevard will be one-way eastbound.

168th Street between Firmona and Grevillea also will be one-way eastbound.

Cunningham said he considered 170th Street for one-way designation westbound, but decided there were too many disadvantages, including a possible increase in commercial vehicles.

He said one-way designations make better use of narrow streets and reduce traffic congestion. The consultant also noted some drawbacks, including longer trips for some residents, more traffic signs, initial confusion for drivers and a possible increase in car speeds.

Councilman Larry Rudolph said: “This is a reasonable way to go--and a cheap way. If it doesn’t work, we can change it and not be out that much money.”

Mayor Sarann Kruse added: “It’s the only way we’ll solve the problem, if we keep trying different solutions.”

At her suggestion, the council agreed to send letters to residents on the affected streets, notifying them of the three-month trial program. Acting City Manager Paula Cone said the letters will be sent out in one to two weeks. Street work is projected to begin shortly after residents have been notified.

Even without a public hearing, residents will be able to register their feelings next month. All five council members are seeking new terms in the April 12 election, along with seven other candidates.