20240710 - WHITTIER RESPONDS TO GREENLEAF PROMENADE DESIGN INQUIRIES
WHITTIER, CA – Following questions raised during the Whittier City Council meeting on July 9, 2024, about the City’s ability to implement a previously considered “Pedestrian Promenade” concept for Greenleaf Avenue as opposed to the currently approved design, City staff requested that the project consultants reevaluate the pedestrian-focused concept which would close the street permanently to vehicular traffic.
During public comments, the assertion was made that earlier iterations of the 2019 Streetscape Plan and Greenleaf Promenade project, which included a walkable, open-street concept featuring turf, would allow for preservation of existing trees within the project area. SWA, the City’s design firm responsible for establishing and refining both concepts, has issued a response further addressing construction methodology and indicating that both the “Pedestrian Promenade” and the current Promenade designs would inevitably require the removal of existing trees due to necessary excavations that would infringe upon the established Tree Protection Zones.
SWA’s analysis noted that “the required excavation and construction activities for the pedestrian study is very similar to that of the current proposed design and it can be concluded that a similar number of trees would need to be removed to construct it.” This includes the same scope of work for ADA compliance and drainage improvements, making tree preservation infeasible under any proposed design variant.
Additionally, a small number of comments called for implementation of the prior open-street design citing local favorability based on a City survey administered in August 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community feedback initially supported a pedestrian-friendly, car-free Promenade concept as Uptown Whittier grappled with outdoor dining requirements, masking, and business recovery. However, as normal business operations resumed, business owners and community members continued to address the City Council highlighting significant issues with the closed street including reduced foot traffic and concerns over skateboarding, increased vagrancy, and safety, leading to a reevaluation of the permanent street closure. In response, the City Council adapted the Promenade design to accommodate both vehicular traffic and pedestrian activity, keeping the street open Monday through Thursday and transforming it into a pedestrian-focused gathering space through the weekend. This hybrid approach aims to balance business needs and accessibility with overall community enjoyment.
The City Council voted 3-1 in June 2024 to approve enhancements to the current Promenade design including planting larger replacement trees, adding shade structures, and other special features that help to address community concerns about the removal of the aged Ficus trees and underscores the City’s commitment to a revitalized Uptown Whittier.
For further information, please visit www.cityofwhittier.org or contact (562) 567-9301.
