Traffic tests refocus Talaria worries

Burbank City Council members endured another round of criticism over their approval of the Talaria at Burbank project this week as they prepared to consider a planned traffic mitigation test in the area near the proposed mixed-use development.

Some complaints came from residents living near the proposed project site who spoke in favor of the test, which will simulate cul-de-sacs they had requested in October, during a series of public hearings on the proposed 241-unit apartment building atop a Whole Foods store in the city’s Media District.

Other residents — some claiming to have been “blindsided” by the proposed development — came to voice opposition to the test, arguing it would force more traffic onto streets where they live.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the temporary closures, which will block the ends of Cordova, Avon, Lima and California streets north of Alameda Avenue as well as the east and west ends of an alley parallel to Alameda for six weeks beginning the week of Jan. 26.

Noting the concerns of nearby residents, they also directed city staff to monitor traffic impacts on adjacent streets.

The closures are meant to restore tranquillity in the Alameda North neighborhood, where residents have complained that traffic is already bad and bound to get worse thanks to proposed developments, including Talaria.

The streets will be blocked by temporary barriers, but police and fire officials will be able to move them in the case of an emergency.

Ken Johnson, the city’s traffic engineer, said the city is collecting traffic data both before and after the streets are barricaded.

Johnson said the city will measure traffic volume at 35 locations, car speeds at 15 locations and turning data at seven intersections in a wider area between Verdugo and Alameda avenues from Hollywood Way to Buena Vista Street.

City Manager Mark Scott said the test will provide the City Council the data to make a final decision about installing permanent dead ends — as it has done elsewhere in the past to curb traffic — or making other changes to the area’s streets.

Anthony Bonde, who said he owns a three-unit apartment building in the area, said he opposes the cul-de-sacs. He said he could lose tenants if the measures become permanent and urged the council to “leave things as they are.”

Ernie Sheesley, who lives on Fairview Street, said he had been “blindsided” by news of the Talaria project, however he didn’t see how the street closures would make things better.

But Mary Ann Christ, another resident of the area, said some people “started fighting early” against the development. She asked where the opponents of the test were months ago.

Alice Howell, a resident who worked with the city on its plans for the proposed test, said representatives had considered their neighbors’ interests but had to make the best of the situation.

“We have to put up with the council that we have,” Howell said. “The council that passed this huge project and has put this in our neighborhood and put this on our backs.”

Mayor David Gordon, who had been the lone dissent on the Talaria vote, encouraged the residents’ continued engagement with the city government.

“It is part of the process for you folks to come down and get engaged,” Gordon said. “Get involved. Vote. Talk to your neighbors.”