GLENDALE : 6 Panels to Examine City’s Problem Area

Increased street lighting, fewer street parking spaces, more Neighborhood Watch groups, speed bumps and cul-de-sacs are among the recommendations the city may consider as it searches for ways to improve southern Glendale.

Last week, the city’s Neighborhood Task Force announced that it has formed six subcommittees to examine specific neighborhood problems and issues.

The 48-member task force, formed in September, includes officials from the city’s Housing Authority and local businesses, residents and property managers. Its goal is to reverse discouraging trends in southern Glendale, which is lagging economically and suffering from overpopulation, increased crime and traffic, among other problems.

The task force developed from a study of the area--located generally from the Verdugo Wash south--begun by the Housing Authority more than a year ago. The authority first examined ways to improve housing, but broadened its study to encompass a range of community concerns.

The newly formed subcommittees will examine issues including zoning and development standards, traffic and parking, crime and public safety, neighborhood compatibility, neighborhood associations, and community centers and services.

“The idea is to get the real members of the neighborhoods in southern Glendale involved in the process,” said Sam Engel, neighborhood services administrator for Glendale. “Traditionally, they’ve not been included in groups that influence community issues, like homeowners associations.”

That’s because a majority of southern Glendale’s estimated population of 40,000 are renters or apartment dwellers.

Although the results of the subcommittees won’t be presented to the City Council until September, major changes will probably include traffic alteration to reduce the flow of heavy traffic through residential streets, reducing excessive amounts of parking on residential streets, or possibly establishing a master plan for traffic circulation.

To combat crime, ideas already proposed include installing more street lights and organizing Neighborhood Watch groups. “The main thing we’re working toward is increasing participation,” Engel said.

The next meeting of the Neighborhood Task Force will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the assembly room of Fire Station 21, 421 W. Oak St.

For information or to participate in the study, contact Maria Martinez at (818) 548-3700.