Accident Revives Debate Over Street’s Safety

The death of a motorcyclist last month on a residential street in Studio City has intensified a decade-old debate over ways to control the traffic that jams the road.

The fatal crash June 3 on Laurel Terrace Drive, a narrow street running diagonally south of the intersection of Ventura and Laurel Canyon boulevards, was similar to a collision at the same spot in 1984 and another fatal accident on the street in 1976.

Although the city installed stop signs at the site of the two most recent crashes and restricted access to the area during the morning commute, some residents say tougher action is needed.

Joe Rinella, a member of the Studio City Residents’ Assn., wants the city to block his neighborhood off from outside traffic.

City officials say Rinella’s plan would increase traffic on Ventura and Laurel Canyon boulevards, both of which now are operating at what the city considers to be capacity.