Chandler Bikeway Project History | 1999 – 2006

PHOTOS of the Bikeway being built.

CITY OF BURBANK CHANDLER BIKEWAY NEWS
Planning & Transportation

The following Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project Newsletters are posted at the city site:

• August 2004
• April 2004
• January 2004
• September 2003
• May 2003
• June 2002
• April 2002

City of Burbank Council Agenda
Agenda Item - 4
Burbank Staff Report - Community Development Department
MEMORANDUM

August 3, 1999

TO: Robert R. Ovrom, City Manager

FROM: Robert M. Tague, Community Development Director; via: Rick Pruetz, Chief Asst Community Development Director/City Planner, Dennis Mackay, Deputy City Planner, Greg Herrmann, Principal Planner; by: Joy R. Tuncay, Associate Planner

SUBJECT: CHANDLER BIKEWAY PROJECT

BACKGROUND:

In 1991, the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, now the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), purchased the Burbank Branch (Chandler Boulevard) railroad right-of-way from the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. The Cities of Burbank and Los Angeles agreed to jointly purchase the right-of-way with the MTA (Exhibit A). Burbank's share of the three-mile segment of the right-of-way is 41.1% and MTA’s share is 58.9%. The same percentage breakdown exists between the City of Los Angeles and the MTA for the Los Angeles portion of the right-of-way, which is approximately one mile in length. In this purchase agreement, the City of Burbank agreed that the right-of-way would always be used for its "highest and best transportation use" and that the MTA would be involved in the planning and implementation process for any improvement to the right-of-way.

The Southern Pacific Transportation Company has officially abandoned all rail service along Chandler Boulevard, except for a portion of track used by Terry Lumber that extends 300 feet west of Victory Boulevard. Any potential improvement project must necessarily end at Mariposa Street because of this active portion of rail.

On March 30, 1993, the City of Burbank submitted a grant application through the MTA Call for Projects for the design and construction of a proposed bikeway along Chandler Boulevard. This was a joint application with the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency (LACRA) acting on behalf of the City of Los Angeles. The entire four-mile project received MTA approval of $24,000 for preliminary design of several alternatives for the accessway. A local match of $6,000 was appropriated from Proposition A Local Return funds. Using these funds, Boyle Engineering was selected to prepare preliminary design and cost estimates for the project.

On October 26, 1994 a community workshop was held to gauge public interest in the project and to discuss options being considered for the corridor. Many residents were concerned that a transit system was being considered by the MTA for the corridor.

A Mayor's Town Hall Meeting was held on May 25, 1995 to present the alternative preliminary design concepts, receive comments, and solicit community volunteers to participate in a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). On July 11, 1995, the City Council appointed 13 residents to the Chandler Accessway CAC, along with five ex-officio (non-voting) members representing the Transportation Commission, Planning Board, Park and Recreation Board, Advisory Council on Disabilities, and the Magnolia Park Citizens Advisory Committee. The CAC mission was to "Develop a design of the Chandler Accessway which preserves the character of the surrounding neighborhood while implementing a transportation improvement using the railroad right-of-way along Chandler Boulevard." The CAC held its first meeting on August 8, 1995 and continued meeting regularly until October 1996. Throughout their review of the various design alternatives, the CAC received input from various local residents, regional agencies, and advocacy groups, including the MTA, the Human Powered Transit Association, and Safe Moves.

With input from the community, the consultant, Police, Traffic Engineering and Community Development staff, the CAC focused on five concepts. Each was evaluated in terms of traffic impacts, volumes in alleys, safety, grant funding availability and other criteria. Following are the five concepts (Exhibit B):

Concept 1: This concept does not alter the existing right-of-way width of 36 feet. It provides a separate eight-foot wide bi-directional Class I bikepath within the right-of-way. The remaining portion of the right-of-way would be landscaped.

Concept 2: This concept provides five-foot Class II bike lanes on the southern roadway of Chandler by narrowing the right-of-way by 10 feet. The remaining 26-foot wide right-of-way would be landscaped.

Concept 3: This concept widens the right-of-way by 14 feet to a total width of 50 feet. This design provides a Class I bikepath in the right-of-way, separated from on-street traffic. Travel lanes on Chandler would be converted to single, one-way lanes (westbound on the north and eastbound on the south). Cut-through lanes would be provided at specific mid-segment locations to provide access across the landscaped right-of-way to the opposite direction of travel.

Concept 4: This concept provides two Class II bike lanes (one on each side of Chandler) by converting the existing two-way traffic to one-way traffic with one lane in each direction. This would modify the median to add left-turn pockets and three-phase signals to improve traffic flow.

Concept 5: This concept was included by staff, at the request of CAC members, to consider an interim improvement that could be implemented while grant funds are secured for construction of the bike lane components of the Accessway. This concept would not alter the existing roadway or median configurations. Rather, the railroad tracks would be removed, and non-irrigated drought tolerant landscaping would be planted along the periphery of the median. This concept was later modified by the Council to include an irrigated, landscaped right-of-way with no bikeway project.

Staff ranked Concept 4 as the first choice because it was the best for bicycle movement and it corrected existing problems with traffic flow at the six intersections. The CAC ranked Concept 2 as the preferred design because it was the best for vehicular traffic flow and the community would most likely not support a one-way street option. They voted unanimously to move forward with the design of Concept 2.

The preliminary designs were presented on the February 28, 1996 episode of "Ask the Mayor" and on March 20, 1996, a community meeting was held to present them to the public. The majority of those in attendance (70% of 78 people) were in favor of a bikeway on the southern roadway of Chandler. There were also 20% in favor of a bike path in the right-of-way.

In April 1996, the CAC finalized their recommendations for the bikeway design (Exhibit C). The CAC voted in favor of a narrowed and improved median and Class II bike lanes on the southern roadway of Chandler Boulevard.

On May 13, 1996, staff presented the alternatives to the Planning Board. The Board unanimously voted in favor of Concept 1, which places a mixed-use Class I bikepath in the right-of-way. They did not want a design which narrowed the right-of-way.

After receiving public input in July 1996 on the two recommended design concepts, the City Council requested that the CAC reconvene to develop additional designs for the former railroad right-of-way. The Council wanted to look into designs to place the bicycles in the median, but also had concerns about getting the bicycles across the intersections. They felt additional designs could be developed to correct these problems.

A City Council Workshop was held on October 17, 1996 for the community to review design concepts and to provide comments and ideas to the City Council. The Planning Board, Transportation Commission and CAC also participated in this workshop. At this meeting, staff presented other design alternatives for the bikeway (Exhibit D). At the conclusion of the workshop, Council directed staff to move forward with environmental review of Concept 2 (Class II bike lanes) and Concept 5 (permanent landscaping, no bikeway), looking at both an irrigated and non-irrigated median, and also to consider including a pedestrian path. Staff was not directed to continue consideration of Concepts 1, 3 or 4.

The Cities of Burbank and Los Angeles received a $150,000 grant through the 1995 MTA Call for Projects to complete a final design of the bikeway.

On January 6, 1998 the City Council held a public hearing and adopted a mitigated negative declaration of Concept 2 and 5 (Exhibit E). Council also directed staff to circulate Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for final design of the Class II bikeway project and pedestrian path in the right-of-way. Ultimately, David Evans and Associates was selected in December 1998 to prepare the final design and cost estimates.

At this time, David Evans and Associates has informed staff that they cannot continue with final landscaping design until a final decision is made regarding the type of landscaping desired.

In February of 1997, Burbank and the LACRA jointly submitted an application through the MTA Call for Projects for construction funding of the Chandler Bikeway project. The Cities received a $1,000,000 grant ($750,000 is Burbank’s portion), which will be available in September of 1999. This grant is to be matched with $600,000 ($450,000 from Burbank and $150,000 from Los Angeles).

A Community meeting was held on June 28, 1999. Approximately 100 residents attended the meeting. Many were unaware of the progress made on the project and the Council direction that has been given. Several members of the public simply wanted an improved right-of-way and no bike lanes. Others wanted to use the grant funding to improve the median with landscaping and a Class I bikeway.

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION: LINK TO COMPLETE TEXT

NOTE: This Staff Report is no longer available on the city of Burbank' website. The report is very long and the page has been uploaded from an archive and saved to this site. Here is a link to the full text of this staff report.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, March. 4, 2000

Chandler Parkway target of Plant-A-Tree efforts
by Robert Blechl

CIVIC CENTER – The Burbank Civic Pride Committee is encouraging citizens, businesses and organizations to participate in the 45th annual Plant-A-Tree Month.

To sign up, donations in increments of $5 must be submitted by March 21 to Plant-A-Tree Program, Burbank Civic Pride Committee, 275 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91502. Make checks payable to the City of Burbank.

Contributions will help raise funds for new trees to be planted along the Chandler Boulevard Parkway Corridor.

Donor certificates will be awarded at a Plant-A-Tree ceremony at 2 p.m. March 30 at Verdugo Park, 3201 W. Verdugo Ave.

Call 845-2335 for more information.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, June 10, 2000

MTA derails Chandler bikeway
by Paul Clinton

CIVIC CENTER – Spurred by residents who want a bicycle path, Burbank officials will continue pushing for the Chandler bikeway project even though the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has rejected the city's latest design plans.

Instead of rewriting the landscaping plan, Burbank will appeal to MTA Chief Executive Officer Julian Barnes for approval in a letter from Mayor Bill Wiggins, officials said.

In the letter, which could be sent as early as Monday, Wiggins will ask the MTA to approve the Chandler project with a number of elements that don't conform to the agency's design guidelines, said Joy Tuncay, Burbank's Chandler project manager. The 3-mile long bike path would replace rusted railroad tracks running down the center of Chandler Boulevard.

Already six years in the planning, the $2.2-million project hit another snag in April when the 11-member MTA board – which includes the five Los Angeles County Supervisors and Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan – approved a change in the agency's design guidelines. Though Burbank's plan, which was submitted in December, runs askew of those guidelines, city officials said they don't intend to revise the proposal.

"They didn't clearly look at the plans we have," Tuncay said. "We really feel that the design we have is consistent with the overall intent of the guidelines."

Burbank must secure MTA approval for the project since the parties co-own the railway property. The MTA owns 59% of the 3-mile Chandler transit corridor from Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Street. Burbank's share is 41%.

MTA Chandler project manager Lynne Goldsmith said she told city officials about the landscaping guidelines during several fall 1999 meetings.

"I try to get together with the project manager, so they don't fully design something ahead of the game," Goldsmith said. "We thought we had been communicating with them."

The MTA leveled several complaints at Burbank's landscaping scheme, Goldsmith said. The agency bristled at plans to install trees and low brush close to the center of the Chandler median instead of along the edges of the 36-foot wide median.

The MTA and Burbank bought the Chandler corridor in 1991, the transportation agency using money raised from state rail bonds. The MTA has said it wants to install a transit project on Chandler to connect the North Hollywood Red Line depot with Burbank's Metrolink station. By 2020, whether the bike path is built or not, the property is likely to be used for a San Fernando Valley east-west transportation corridor, Goldsmith said.

With that in mind, a Burbank citizens advisory committee recommended on Oct. 19 a plan placing the bike path just off the median on the south side of Chandler. But after angry objections from south side residents, the City Council approved a center-line bike path. Michael Bandiera, a Niagara Street resident who sat that committee, said he has been frustrated by the lack of progress. As the delays drag on, the vacant railroad tracks continue to blight the neighborhood, he said.

"It's just an eyesore," Bandiera said. "I always describe it as a Berlin Wall that separates one side of Chandler from another."

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, September 20, 2000

City pushing Chandler bikeway project
by Paul Clinton

CIVIC CENTER – If they come, Burbank may be allowed to build it. As part of the effort to lobby Metropolitan Transportation Authority board members to accept Burbank's design for a bicycle path along Chandler Boulevard, city planning officials are trying to schedule a joint excursion to the project site.

Besides asking MTA representatives to meet with them in the next week or so, city officials are encouraging residents who want the path to write letters to the board and voice their opinions at the Sept. 28 meeting where the 11-member board is scheduled to decide the issue. "This will be the final decision," Associate Planner Joy Tuncay said. "We're just trying to get the word out there."

Tuncay said Mayor Bill Wiggins and Councilwoman Stacey Murphy would be willing to meet with MTA board members – including Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, County Supervisor Gloria Molina and other heavy hitters – to pitch the city's plan.

At the Sept. 28 meeting, which is set for 9:30 a.m. at the transit agency's downtown headquarters, MTA staff members are expected to recommend that the board either reject the bikeway's current design or require Burbank to make several changes. An MTA subcommittee will consider the design plan Sept. 21.

Burbank is asking the MTA to approve the $2.2 million bikeway project with several elements that don't conform to a recently approved set of MTA landscaping guidelines. Burbank would split the cost of the project with the MTA. Burbank would like to plant grass as well as California pepper trees and purple orchid trees along the bike path. The MTA objects because the pepper trees are brittle and shed branches while purple orchids litter the ground with pods. As for the grass, the MTA said planting it would constitute establishing a park, which they would be prohibited from removing. The MTA wants to keep the option of using the Chandler railway as a Valleywide transit corridor in the future.

The MTA and Burbank bought the three-mile-long corridor in 1991. Burbank owns 41% and MTA owns 59% of the section of Chandler that stretches from Clybourn Avenue in the west to Mariposa Street in the east.

City officials hope to begin construction of the bikeway, which would replace rusted railroad tracks, in March 2001. The project could be completed by August 2001, according to a city staff report.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, October 28, 2000

Cycle path is still off track
by Paul Clinton

BURBANK – A plan to install a bikeway on Chandler Boulevard hasn't fallen by the wayside, despite objections about the project's design by the transit agency that must grant final approval.

At its Thursday board meeting, the Metropolitan Transit Authority board decided to delay approval of the project until staff from Burbank and that agency can iron out their differences.

Burbank must secure MTA approval for the project since the parties co-own the three miles of railroad track that would be torn out between Clybourn Avenue and Mariposa Avenue. The MTA owns 59%, the city 41%. The board gave the two parties until Nov. 30 to find common ground on several landscaping issues that have held up the start of the project. "Staff needs to sit down with the city of Burbank," MTA spokesman Rick Jager said. "It's a plant issue now."

The project stalled in June when the transit agency rejected the city's design plan because it contained several trees that would be difficult to remove in the future. The MTA said it wants to install a transit project on Chandler in 2020 to connect the North Hollywood Red Line depot with Burbank's MetroLink station. City officials are hopeful the new round of talks with the MTA will kick-start the stalled $2.2-million project.

"We're going to sit down and talk with them about compromising on the landscaping," Assistant City Manager Mary Alvord said. "It doesn't sound like the project is in jeopardy."

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, December 9, 2000

MTA approves bikeway for Chandler
by Paul Clinton

MAGNOLIA PARK – By approving Burbank's proposal to build a bikeway on Chandler Boulevard, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ended a six-month stalemate with the city stemming from the landscaping plan. The agency backed off earlier restrictions on the amount of ground cover, as well as the number and location of certain trees. The project was unanimously approved at the agency's May 30 meeting. Nearly seven years in the planning, the $2.2-million project is scheduled to begin construction in August, more than a year behind schedule.

"We like to work with the communities we serve," MTA spokesman Mark Littman said. "We worked out a compromise." Burbank needed to secure MTA approval for the project since the parties co-own the railway property. The MTA owns 59% of the three-mile Chandler transit corridor from Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Street. Burbank owns the remainder.

City officials praised the agency for agreeing to variations in its landscaping guidelines, since it probably will give residents who live and walk around the neighborhood more green space. "It's a huge plus for us," Park, Recreation and Community Services Director Mike Flad said. "It gives us a more landscaped park feel." MTA Chandler project manager Lynne Goldsmith initially rejected the project in June because it didn't conform to the agency's stricter landscaping guidelines, which were passed while the design process was underway.

The MTA, which with the city bought the Chandler corridor in 1991 using state rail bonds, has said it wants to install a transit project on the city street to connect the North Hollywood Red Line depot with Burbank's MetroLink station.

By 2020, the property probably will be used for that purpose.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, June 30, 2001

City to submit bike path plans to Caltrans
by Lolita Harper

MAGNOLIA PARK DISTRICT – After finally compromising with the Metropolitan Transit Authority on various aspects of the Chandler Boulevard bikeway project, Burbank city officials will complete final design plans next month and submit them to the California Department of Transportation for the go ahead on the project, officials said. Caltrans will review the project to make sure the city is using its grant funds correctly and adhering to their landscaping agreement with the MTA, said Greg Herrmann, Burbank assistant community development director. Once Caltrans has approved it, the plan can be sent out for bid, he said.

"This should be the last step," Councilwoman Stacey Murphy said. "It seems like everything is in place to go for it, and we should be breaking ground on this next year." Although it took years to compromise, Murphy said no radical changes were made, and the community will still be thrilled with the final product.

The project, which will run three miles in Burbank, will include a meandering bike path in the center of the Chandler Boulevard right of way, with a pedestrian path next to it, Herrmann said. It will be landscaped with grass, low shrubbery and staggered trees, he said.

Herrmann said the MTA wanted all trees to be pushed to the perimeter of the pathway, while the city wanted to avoid the look of a corridor. It was little differences in opinion that took the project so long to iron out, officials said.

"It's a good compromise and should look really nice," Herrmann said.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, July 31, 2001
Agenda Item - 07

DATE: July 31, 2001

TO: Robert R. Ovrom, City Manager
FROM: Susan Georgino, Community Development Director
via: Greg Herrmann, Asst. Community Development Director Transportation
by: Joy R. Tuncay, Principal Planner

SUBJECT: CHANDLER BOULEVARD BIKEWAY PROJECT

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to update Council on the Chandler Bikeway project. Because a report was recently given to Council (Exhibit A) describing the entire history of the project, this memorandum describes only the recent progress on the project.

BACKGROUND:
On June 26, 2001, staff reported to Council the following anticipated schedule for the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project:

• July 2001 Submit construction documents to Caltrans
• August 2001 Complete License Agreement with MTA
• September 2001 "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin bid process
• October 2001 Advertise for bids
• November 2001 Open bids, staff select contractor
• December 2001 Council award bid
• January 2002 Pre-construction meeting, notice to residents on construction schedule, begin construction
• June 2002 Tree planting with community
• July 2002 Construction complete

This schedule has not changed. Staff has since submitted documents to Caltrans for review. Staff has also sent an amended License Agreement to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The MTA, however, has still not given final approval of the changes that we have requested to the License Agreement; therefore, staff is continuing to work with the MTA on this matter. We still anticipate the License Agreement being completed before Caltrans completes their review of the project.

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council note and file this update. Staff will continue to provide monthly updates to Council to ensure that the project remains on-track.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, September 18, 2001
Agenda Item - 17

CITY OF BURBANK

DATE: September 11, 2001

TO: Robert R. Ovrom, City Manager
FROM: Susan Georgino, Community Development Director
via: Greg Herrmann, Asst. Community Development Director Transportation
by: Joy R. Tuncay, Principal Planner

SUBJECT: CHANDLER BOULEVARD BIKEWAY PROJECT UPDATE

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to update Council on the Chandler Bikeway project. Because a report was recently given to Council describing the entire history of the project, this memorandum describes only the recent progress on the project.

BACKGROUND:
On July 31, 2001, staff reported to Council the following anticipated schedule for the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project:

• August 2001 Complete License Agreement with MTA
• September 2001 "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin bid process
• October 2001 Advertise for bids
• November 2001 Open bids, staff select contractor
• December 2001 Council award bid
• January 2002 Pre-construction meeting, notice to residents on construction schedule, begin construction
• June 2002 Tree planting with community
• July 2002 Construction complete

Staff has been progressing on this project and the schedule remains relatively the same. Specifically, staff has provided Caltrans with additional documentation that they have requested. The City?s design consultants have made changes to the plans as necessary before they can go to final bid. Unfortunately, staff still does not have comments from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on the License Agreement that was sent to them, but we will continue to follow-up on this item to bring it to a resolution by the end of the month. Because Burbank attorneys have requested language specific to our project, MTA attorneys must review and approve this language.

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council note and file this update. Staff will continue to provide monthly updates to Council to keep them informed of the project.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, November 13, 2001
Agenda Item - 11

DATE: November 13, 2001

TO: Robert R. Ovrom, City Manager
FROM: Susan Georgino, Community Development Director
via: Greg Herrmann, Asst. Community Development Director Transportation
by: Joy R. Forbes, Principal Planner

SUBJECT: CHANDLER BOULEVARD BIKEWAY PROJECT UPDATE

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to update Council on the Chandler Bikeway project. Because a report was recently given to Council describing the entire history of the project, this memorandum describes only the recent progress on the project.

BACKGROUND:
The anticipated schedule for the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project has changed. We have not completed the License Agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and therefore have not received the "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin the bid process.

Staff attempted to set up meetings with MTA Real Estate Division, but they informed staff that the Planning Division of MTA has comments on the License Agreement and needed to finalize those before they would meet with us. We have been disappointed that the comments from MTA have taken so long, without knowing the reason. However, we are pleased that MTA has finally made their comments on the License Agreement, which we are told will arrive November 6, 2001. The comments were not available by printing of this agenda; a verbal report of the comments will be given at the Council meeting. Staff has been told by MTA that the comments are minor and should not cause additional delays.

The anticipated schedule is amended as follows (a three month delay):

• December 2001 Complete License Agreement with MTA
• January 2002 "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin bid process
• February 2002 Advertise for bids
• March 2002 Open bids, staff select contractor
• April 2002 Council award bid
• Pre-construction meeting, notice to residents on construction schedule, begin construction
• September 2002 Tree planting with community
• October 2002 Construction complete

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council note and file this update. Staff will continue to provide monthly updates to Council to keep them informed of the project.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, February 19, 2002
Agenda Item - 04

DATE: February 19, 2002

TO: Robert R. Ovrom, City Manager
FROM: Susan Georgino, Community Development Director
via: Greg Herrmann, Asst. Community Development Director Transportation
by: Joy R. Forbes, Principal Planner

SUBJECT: CHANDLER BOULEVARD BIKEWAY PROJECT UPDATE

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to update Council on the Chandler Bikeway project. Because a report was recently given to Council describing the entire history of the project, this memorandum describes only the recent progress on the project.

BACKGROUND:
Forward progress has been made on the project. Planning and Public Works staff have met to discuss the project in an effort to improve the transition from final design to construction as it will be Public Works staff who will have to work with the plans and coordinate with Caltrans engineers.

The City has also identified an in-house staff member who will be processing the grant paperwork. Previously, it was determined that this would have to be done by an outside consultant. Not only would that have been an additional cost, but staff was unable to find a suitable firm to provide such services. This will ultimately save time and money and put one person in charge of grant administration. As this is a TEA grant (Transportation Enhancement Activities), it involves several documents (over 50) be submitted to Caltrans by the end of the project. It will be important to have staff working on this administration rather than an outside consultant.

The anticipated schedule for the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project has changed. We have not completed the License Agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and therefore have not received the "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin the bid process.

In mid-November, the MTA Real Estate Division sent an amended draft License Agreement to the City of Burbank. They did not incorporate all the changes that City Planning and Attorney?s office staff requested. In fact, the agreement was only a slight modification of the previous draft. Attorney?s office staff has sent another modified draft to MTA staff and a meeting is being set up with all parties. A verbal report of this meeting will be discussed at the Council meeting. If necessary, staff will make some concessions on the agreement that we previously were uncomfortable making. However, at no time will staff compromise the City?s interests.

The anticipated schedule is amended as follows (a four month delay):

• March 2002 Complete License Agreement with MTA
• April 2002 "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin bid process
• May 2002 Advertise for bids
• June 2002 Open bids, staff select contractor
• July 2002 Council award bid
• Pre-construction meeting, notice to residents on construction schedule
• August 2002 Begin construction
• January 2003 Tree planting with community
• February 2003 Construction complete

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council note and file this update. Staff will continue to provide updates to Council to keep them informed of the project.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, February 27, 2002

Bikeway still on its way
by Laura Sturza

BURBANK – Whittling down the bargaining points with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 40 to the final three, Burbank officials say they are closer than ever to breaking ground on the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project.

Discussions about the project started about 10 years ago, principal planner Joy Forbes said.

"The community has been great and very supportive," Forbes said. "Everyone has been understanding about the delays and we're anxious to get them a bike path."

Burbank must receive MTA approval because the parties co-own the property. However, MTA holds fee title, which mean it has the final say, Forbes said. At an MTA meeting Thursday, the last three points were nearly ironed out. The city expects to receive a final draft of the license agreement in time to make a presentation to the City Council in late March, Forbes said.

The path will run three miles in Burbank, from Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Avenue, and will include a meandering bike path, a pedestrian walkway and landscaping.

The city of Los Angeles also is scheduled to build a section of the path so that the combined routes will go to the North Hollywood Metro Station.

The city plans to update residents with a newsletter in early March, Forbes said. She projected that groundbreaking would take place in August and people would be cycling by February 2003.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Agenda Item - 6

DATE: June 11, 2002

TO: Robert R. Ovrom, City Manager
FROM: Susan Georgino, Community Development Director
via: Greg Herrmann, Asst. Community Development Director Transportation
by: Joy R. Forbes, Principal Planner

SUBJECT: AGREEMENTS FOR CHANDLER BOULEVARD BIKEWAY PROJECT

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to request that Council approve entering into agreements with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). One agreement would be a license allowing the City to construct and maintain a bikeway on the Chandler right-of-way that is owned in fee by MTA. The other agreement would allow the City to install a conduit into the right-of-way that MTA could later use to install fiber optics. The agreement would require reimbursement from MTA for all costs associated with this installation as the fiber optics would be used for MTA?s transportation purposes outside of Burbank.

BACKGROUND:
Although the City of Burbank has a 41.1% interest in the Chandler right-of-way (according to a Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies), MTA maintains fee ownership of the right-of-way and before construction of the bikeway can begin (and before the City can receive grant funding), a license agreement must be completed between the two agencies. MTA and Burbank staff have finally come to an agreement on the language for the proposed license agreement. There were several delays in coming to an agreement because of language that left the City open to liability and other problems. Staff is now prepared to request Council approval of the document.

Recently, MTA stated their need to install a fiber optic line in the Chandler right-of-way, adjacent to the bikepath. They state that this line is necessary for communications for their bus lines in both the north and west valleys (outside Burbank). As the fiber optic line would not impede the bikeway, it is an acceptable use for the right-of-way. However, MTA does not anticipate installing the fiber optic line until 2003 or 2004. This would mean that the bikeway, after construction, would undergo at least a two month closure while MTA installed their line, not to mention the destruction of landscaping and the interruption to traffic along Chandler Boulevard. Rather than go through this disturbance, staff recommends that we have our contractor install the conduits necessary for the fiber optic line while they are installing the irrigation and constructing the bikepath. In this case, the MTA may install their fiber optic line through pull boxes in the future without a disruption to the bikeway or landscaping.

In order to insure that MTA will be held responsible for the installation and payment, the City and MTA staff drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU requires MTA to reimburse the City for any costs paid up front for both the design and construction of their fiber optic line.

To provide an update on the project, the City received yet another request from MTA staff to change some tree types on the proposed plans. They felt these changes were important given that their fiber optics were now going to be installed on the right-of-way. Staff explained to MTA that the tree types and locations had already been approved by the MTA Board and that no changes would be made that would contradict that approval. However, in an effort to compromise yet again, the design consultant has replaced the camphor trees with other trees on the approved plant palette.

Adding installation of the fiber optic system will cause a one month delay for the start of construction and will cause an approximate one month delay during construction. The anticipated schedule as reported to the community in a newsletter is as follows:

• June 2002 Complete License Agreement with MTA
• July 2002 "Notice to Proceed" from Caltrans to begin bid process
• August 2002 Advertise for bids
• September 2002 Open bids, staff select contractor
• October 2002 Council award bid
• Pre-construction meeting, notice to residents on construction schedule
• December 2002 Begin construction
• June 2003 Tree planting with community
• July 2003 Construction complete

FISCAL IMPACT:
The Chandler Boulevard Bikeway Project is budgeted given current pre-bid estimates. The cost of the work required to install the conduit for MTA?s fiber optic system has been estimated by MTA to be $175,000 and is currently not budgeted within the Chandler Project line item. The MOU would require that Burbank front the costs for the fiber optic line and MTA would be required to reimburse the City for all costs. These costs include changes to the plans and specifications, digging a wider trench, installing a barrier within the trench, installing the conduit and pull boxes (and all costs for materials). Burbank fiber optic staff has verified that one month pre-construction and one month during construction are conservative delay times.

Staff recommends using funds in a holding account of Fund 127 (127 CD33A 70999 1134) to front the costs of the fiber optic conduit system. The MOU will allow the City to bill MTA monthly for all costs to reduce the impact to Burbank?s fund.

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into the License Agreement and the MOU and expend the funds within Fund 127 to be reimbursed by the MTA.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, December 14, 2002

Wheels on bikeway project keep turning
by Laura Sturza

While gears on the Chandler Bikeway Project have needed a steady stream of grease to keep plans moving for the past 10 years, officials hope the new year will signal the start of construction. "We like to think that January is truly breaking ground with the removal of the rails and ties," Burbank Principal Planner Joy Forbes said.

The City Council approved plans at its Tuesday meeting for JDK Railroad Materials to dismantle the track. It's the latest development on a bike path that has posed an uphill climb for city officials who needed the approval of the Metropolitan Transit Authority because the parties co-own the property.

Landscaping design, funding and leasing agreements were all part of negotiations -- with the most recent approval coming in October. The path will run two miles along Chandler Boulevard from Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Avenue, and continue for another mile from Mariposa Avenue to the downtown Burbank MetroLink station. "I've been getting a lot of calls from residents and they're just really excited and they can't wait for the opening," Forbes said. "I think this will be one construction project where we don't get a lot of complaints."

The work by JDK costs the city nothing because the company recycles the materials and is compensated by selling them. Wooden ties from the former Burbank/Chatsworth Branch line that can be salvaged will be reinstalled along the Fillmore & Western Railway Company line, JDK General Manager Dan Huffman said. Forbes expects construction to be underway by July with a grand opening planned for February 2004. The project still needs final approval from Caltrans and one last agreement signed with MTA that calls for the city to install the conduit for fiber optics the MTA will use for its bus communications.

The total cost of the project is $2.7 million, with $1.7 million coming from Burbank and the rest in grant money from the MTA.

CALIFORNIA TRANSIT CORRIDORS
Posts (2003 - 2004) about CHANDLER BIKEWAY PROJECT in Burbank. Several news articles about the progress of the bikeway, published at the time, are included. LINK

Published Los Angeles Daily News
Saturday, January 11, 2003

Neighbors look forward to Chandler Boulevard bikeway
By Susan Abram
Staff Writer

BURBANK -- In a symbolic ceremony, city officials pried four stakes Friday from the century-old Chandler Boulevard railroad tracks where a much-anticipated bike and walking path will be built.

During a brief ceremony at the juncture of Burbank and North Hollywood, residents of Chandler Boulevard snapped photographs and rejoiced at the prospect of a bikeway and pedestrian path lined with 250 trees.

"Hallelujah!" exclaimed Ilayne Lucas, a Chandler Boulevard resident for 15 years.

Lucas said she remembered when the train still passed through her neighborhood. All that's left are yards of rusted, inactive tracks, wild shrubs and broken glass along the rocky median strip of Chandler, a sight residents can't wait to see cleaned up.

"It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so filthy," Lucas said. "This is absolutely one of the best projects Burbank is doing."

The $2.7 million project, funded largely by grants, is expected to be completed by 2004.

The City Council last month approved the demolition of two miles of railroad between Mariposa Street and Clybourn Avenue. Pending final approval from Caltrans next month, construction will begin in July.

The project was launched in 1992 as part of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority master plan to create more bikeways and bike lanes throughout Los Angeles County.

The agency two years ago released an ambitious, multimillion-dollar plan to build 1,800 miles of bike paths and lanes throughout the county.

Although Burbank and the MTA had been working toward the goal of sprucing up the former railroad land and providing alternative forms of transportation for a decade, the two sides spent several years haggling over landscaping.

Plans for the bikeway include the installation of a 14-foot-wide cement bicycle and pedestrian pathway flanked by grass and up to 250 trees.

Eventually, the pathway will connect to others, stretching north toward Warner Center in Woodland Hills and west toward the beach.

Chandler resident Ernie Seiler said he has already made plans to enjoy the the pathway.

"I cleared out my grass in the front yard and replaced it with stone, like a patio, so I can watch the people and their dogs pass by," he said. "The bikeway will improve the area and will motivate me to walk. This is a dream come true."

Other residents gathered around city officials and began spouting ideas of how to decorate the pathway during holidays.

They envisioned a Burbank version of marathons and parades, flags on Memorial Day and candy canes at Christmas.

"This will definitely be a unifying experience for the whole neighborhood," said City Manager Robert "Bud" Ovrom.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, January 11, 2003

Cyclists get back on track

"Out with the rails and in with the wheels" was the cry Friday during removal of train tracks that signaled the groundbreaking on the Chandler Bikeway Project.

The salvageable ties removed from the median that runs along Chandler Boulevard will be reinstalled on the Fillmore Western Railroad.

Plans for the bikeway have been in the works for 10 years, requiring the approval of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which co-owns the property.

"By seeing the railroad tracks come out, [residents] are going to believe what we've been telling them -- that they're actually going to get a bikeway," Burbank Principal Planner Joy Forbes said. The path will run three miles in Burbank, from Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Street, and will connect to the downtown Metrolink station. It will include a meandering bike path, a pedestrian walkway and landscaping.

Construction is expected to be in high gear by July with a grand opening planned for February 2004.

Published Burbank Leader
Wedneday, August 13, 2003

On the right track
by Ben Godar, Photos by Scott Roby.

Some local historians want to preserve parts of rail line being removed for the Chandler Bikeway Project.

Burbank - As the railroad tracks along Chandler Boulevard are cleared away to make room for a bike path, some local historians are hoping to hold onto a small piece of the old rail line.

JDK Railroad Materials began dismantling the track in January, and since then, Joy Forbes, the city's principal planner of the Chandler Bikeway Project, said she has received about 20 calls from people interested in what would happen to the old equipment. She said the level of interest on this project has been much higher than on a typical development.

"People have more of a historical bond with the railroad than they might with a building," she said.

Burbank Historical Society Founder Mary Jane Strickland contacted JDK, seeking to get a piece of the rail for the society's collection, but has not received anything.

Burbank Aviation Museum Director Ron Dickson is hoping to get one of the signal lights still standing along the tracks for the museum's collection.
"I think it's a fit for the aviation museum because Lockheed used the tracks to ship raw materials into the plant," he said.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority owns the signal lights, according to city officials. MTA officials said they were unsure when they will be removed and what would be done with them.

The railroad ties have already been removed, and Forbes said she believes construction of the bike path will begin in November. Completion of the 3-mile path is expected sometime in June.

The path, which was originally conceived about a decade ago, will run along the old rail line from Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Avenue, and then continue on to the Metrolink station. The city of Burbank is paying about $1.7 million toward the $2.7-million project, with the rest coming from the MTA, which jointly owns the land the tracks are on.

The track was built in the late 1930s and regular rail traffic there ended in the 1950s, city officials said. Because it was a branch line, it was built with materials left over from the main line, and Forbes said some of the materials date back as far as the 1910s.

Other than the age of the line, Strickland said there was little that tied it strongly to the history of Burbank.

"We had someone walk along the length of the track, but they couldn't find anything that said 'Burbank' on it," she said.

J. Ron Dickson, director of the Burbank Aviation Museum, leans against one of the railroad signal lights on the tracks at Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard. He wants to preserve the lights, which will be taken out when the bike path is constructed.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, February 7, 2004

Pulling up pieces of rail history

Workers this week removed railroad tracks to make way for the Chandler Bikeway Project, a bike and recreation path that will run parallel to Chandler Boulevard. The 3-mile path will begin at Clybourn Avenue and end at the Metrolink station at 201 N. Front St. The path will intersect Mariposa Street along the way. The project was conceived about a decade ago, and is expected to be complete by June. The city of Burbank is paying about $1.7 million toward the $2.7-million project, with the rest coming from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The authority jointly owns the land the tracks are on. The tracks were built in the late 1930s, and regular rail traffic ended in the 1950s. Since it was a branch line, it was built with materials left over from the main line. City officials said some of the materials date back as far as the 1920s. Several local historians have contacted city officials, expressing interest in obtaining pieces of the tracks.

City of Burbank
NEWS RELEASE
April 23, 2004

Tree Planting Set at Chandler Bikeway

Construction of the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway is almost complete. Throughout the months of May and June, the contractor will be finishing the concrete bikepath and installing the irrigation and landscaping. The grand opening will be held in July 2004.

May 1st Tree Planting

The City of Burbank will hold a Tree Planting Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 1st, honoring the generous residents of Burbank who donated money for the trees that will be installed along the bikeway. The City Council will ceremonially plant one tree and various community volunteers will have the opportunity to plant another 28 trees. The remainder of the trees will be planted by the contractor throughout the completion of construction.

The ceremony will be held within the southern roadway of Chandler Boulevard at Valley Street. That morning the south portion of Chandler will closed to vehicles between Clybourn and Pass. Besides the actual tree planting, there will be other fun activities that morning: the City’s Kids At Play van, a caricature artist, refreshments. In addition, the City will be conducting training on bicycle safety for children ages 8 to 14 (and their parents). To participate in this fun training, children should bring their bicycle, helmet and a parent.

Do Not Enter the Right-of-Way

Although the bikeway looks nearly complete, there can still be many hazards within the construction site and therefore it is imperative that only construction workers be permitted on site. People will be allowed to enter the right-of-way for the tree planting ceremony, but only after waivers are signed. Entering a construction site is a misdemeanor violation. Therefore, residents are urged to please be safe and stay off of the former railroad right of way for the duration of construction. The Bikeway will be open to be used and enjoyed after the grand opening in July.

For questions or general information about the project, please contact Joy Forbes with the City of Burbank Planning Division by telephone at (818) 238-5250 or by e-mail at jforbes@ci.burbank.ca.us

If you have specific concerns or questions about the construction, you may contact Project Manager Adam Salehi at (818) 238-3946 or the Construction Manager, Steve Walton, at (818) 834-1000.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Magnolia Park got a little greener Saturday as City Council members and several residents participated in a tree-planting ceremony for the Chandler Bikeway Project. Led by Councilwoman Mayor Stacey Murphy and newly appointed Vice Mayor Jef Vander Borght, an estimated 400 people helped to plant 29 purple orchid, golden rain and tipu trees to line Chandler Boulevard near Valley Street, City Planner Joy Forbes said. "People in the neighborhood, people who donated trees, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts – whoever signed up got to join the fun," Forbes said. Also, children and adults were allowed to put their mark on two 20-foot murals, which will be displayed when the bikeway opens this summer. The event also included the city's Kids at Play van, a caricature artist and bicycle-safety training for children presented by the nonprofit organization Safe Moves.

Published Los Angeles Daily News
Friday, July 9, 2004

Burbank path gets early use
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Staff Writer

BURBANK — Construction on a $2.6 million bikeway on Chandler Boulevard is nearly done, and although the official opening date is not until next month, the long awaited tree-lined path is already in use.

The two-mile Chandler bikeway, which will also be used by pedestrians, goes from Mariposa Avenue to Clybourne Street, at the North Hollywood border. The former rail-line path was bought by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Burbank in 1991.

"I'm planning on coming here every day now," said Jan McQuaide, 56, a registered nurse and homemaker from Sylmar. The bikeway is a great place to exercise, she said.

Workers planted 244 trees along the path. The city plans to create dedicated bike lanes in the street to connect the eastern end of the bikeway with the Burbank Metrolink station.

"I would like to go the whole thing with my bike, because it would be very safe," McQuaide said.

Several other pedestrians were also seen walking along the bikeway's eastern portion Thursday afternoon. The city, however, has tried to discourage use of the bikeway until its official opening by placing folding barriers at intersections.

The work remaining to be done on the project includes installing traffic signals, striping the paths and installing signs. Most of that is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

An opening ceremony is planned for mid-August, when members of the City Council and city management officials are expected to have time in their schedule, officials said.

"Technically, it's still an area that is under construction. But it's almost a two-mile stretch of property and it's difficult to cordon off, so it's being enjoyed in progress," said Jan Bartolo, deputy parks director.

Once the bikeway is striped, it will have a path for bikers and a smaller path for pedestrians. Dogs will be allowed on it, but motorized vehicles, such as scooters, will be banned.

"It'll be a wonderful place to go for a walk or ride a bike. ... It's aesthetically a significant improvement in the community," Bartolo said.

Construction of the project was originally planned to begin in 1999, but it was delayed to redesign the project when residents objected to having the bike path in the street, said Joy Forbes, principal planner.

In December 2002, the City Council approved the demolition of the railroad tracks and the project had been expected to be finished in February this year, but further delays pushed back the project again.

The bikeway is planned to extend along Chandler Boulevard into Los Angeles and that city's segment was expected to be finished when the Burbank side opened. But the Los Angeles segment was delayed as city officials worked out issues such as signaling with the MTA, said Michelle Banks-Ordona, assistant project manager for the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.

The nearly one-mile Los Angeles segment, which goes to Vineland Avenue and feeds into a dedicated bike lane to the MTA's North Hollywood Red Line station, is expected to cost $917,000 and should be finished in November, she said.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Bikeway ribbon-cutting Friday

The city will have a ribbon-cutting at 6 p.m. Friday for the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway at Chandler Boulevard and Lima Street. The three-mile path will begin at Clybourn Avenue and end at the Metrolink station at 201 N. Front St.

The path will intersect Mariposa Street along the way. The project was conceived about a decade ago with the city paying about $1.7 million toward the $2.7-million project, with the rest coming from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Mark R. Madler

City of Burbank
NEWS RELEASE
August 20, 2004

Chandler Bikeway Grand Opening August 20

The landscaping is planted, the signs are installed, and the long-awaited Chandler Boulevard Bikeway will officially open on Friday, August 20th. On Friday afternoon and evening, the northern roadway on Chandler Blvd. will be closed to vehicles between Avon and California streets. The community is invited to the ceremony which will be held at 6 p.m. within the northern roadway of Chandler Boulevard at Lima Street.

Speakers included Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos, City Manager Mary Alvord, MTA Board Chair (and Burbank representative) Frank Roberts.

The City Council members will "cut" the ribbon across the bikeway by riding their bicycles through it. Luther Burbank Middle School cheerleaders will do a special cheer. Burbank Police bike detail officers will be present. There will be lots of free give-aways and free food. The Kids-At-Play van will be there with fun activities for the children.

Special musical entertainment will be provided by The Alley Cats, who are known as America’s premier doo-wop group.

The City will also be initiating a "Friends of the Chandler Bikeway" group to help enforce the rules along the bikeway and keep the area safe. More information will be distributed at the Grand Opening for any residents who are interested.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, August 21, 2004

Chandler bikeway gets its first two-wheeled action

A large crowd turned out Friday evening for the grand opening of the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway. City Council members were present for the celebration that also featured the Luther Burbank Middle School cheerleaders and a doo-wop group.

The $2.7-million, three-mile bike path stretches from Clybourn Avenue to the Metrolink station at 201 N. Front St. The project was conceived about a decade ago with the city paying about $1.7 million toward the $2.7-million project, with the rest coming from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, September 18, 2004

Public pitches in to maintain path
by Mark R. Madler

Ernie Seiler bought his home along Chandler Boulevard five years ago in hopes that a much-talked-about bike path would eventually be built.

Since the Chandler Bikeway opened in August, there has been constant use of the trail, with as many as 100 people using it at peak times.

"After it cools down, and even at 10 o'clock, I see families and people exercising," Seiler said.

Now, the city is looking for interested residents who want to be the eyes and ears of the bikeway to alert the city departments of whatever is going on. Friends of the Chandler Bikeway will have its first meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, on the second floor of the Verdugo Recreation Center, 3201 Verdugo Ave.

"[The bikeway is] a great community asset and the Friends are here to help maintain it," said Seiler, a senior recreation leader with the city's Park, Recreation and Community Services Department. The three-mile path begins at Clybourn Avenue and ends at the Metrolink station at 201 N. Front St. The project was conceived about a decade ago with the city paying $1.7 million toward the $2.7-million project, with the rest coming from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

About 50 people have joined the organization, although more are always welcome, Seiler said. Organization members will receive a T-shirt and a magnet with numbers of the police department, animal control department, and parks and recreation department to pass on suggestions, concerns or comments. The meeting will emphasize that the volunteers should lead by example and not confront people about inappropriate behavior, such as not following rules of the road, Seiler said. Residents who are interested in joining the group can contact Seiler at 238-5390; or call the parks and recreation department at 238-5300.

Council Agenda
City of Burbank
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Agenda Item - 9

City of Burbank
Park, Recreation and Community Services Department
MEMORANDUM

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager

FROM: Eric Hansen, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director

SUBJECT:
COUNCIL MEMBER MURPHY’S REQUEST TO DISCUSS PLACING AN ART INSTALLATION ON THE CHANDLER BIKEWAY

PURPOSE: At the August 10, 2004 City Council meeting, Council Member Stacey Murphy requested that staff place an item on the agenda to discuss the potential of developing a public art installation on the Chandler Bikeway. Prior to extending significant staff effort, this item has been placed on the agenda as the first step, in what is referred to as the “one-step, two-step process”, for additional Council discussion and consideration.

LINK TO COMPLETE TEXT

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, October 30, 2004
(No Headline)

BIKEWAY ART: APPROVED
WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved spending $50,000 for public art for the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway.
WHAT IT MEANS: The city will move ahead with placing of artwork along the new bikeway to enhance its look.
VOTE: The council voted 5-0 to approve the spending.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Railroad stops path expansion in its tracks
by Mark R. Madler

A planned extension of the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway has hit a snag as the Union Pacific Railroad has balked at allowing the bicycle path to cross its tracks near the downtown Metrolink station. But city officials are seeking an accommodation from the railroad so that bikeway users would have a convenient connection to the station and the train and bus lines its serves.

"Our next step is to solicit assistance from regional [elected] representatives to see if we can reach a higher level in the Union Pacific," said Greg Herrmann, the city's transportation director. Union Pacific spokesman John Bromley would not comment on the situation.

The $2.7-million bikeway opened in August on an abandoned rail line extending up the center of Chandler Boulevard from the Los Angeles border at Clybourn Avenue to Mariposa Street. The city is fielding questions about when the bike path will be extended, said Ernie Seiler, a senior recreation leader with the city's Park, Recreation and Community Services Department. As a resident of Chandler Boulevard, he personally sees how much the bikeway is used, Seiler said.

"I've heard nothing but positive comments," he said. "The aesthetics is a great improvement. It's been taken from a broken down railroad track with broken bottles and debris to a beautiful bikeway."

The bikeway is categorized as a Class 1 path separated from the street. The city would prefer to keep the path off the streets to get it to the train station, Herrmann said. But there may not be an alternative if the railroad doesn't give its OK to cross its track, Herrmann said.

He pointed out that the city has been in "off-and-on" discussions with the Union Pacific; the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which owns the railroad right-of-way; and private property owners. The city went as far as to draw up a proposed route of where the path would cross the tracks. While Union Pacific officials at a Los Angeles-area office had no objection, the company's real estate division headquartered in Omaha did, Herrmann said.

"The general rule is they don't allow any crossing of the rail lines," he said. "They don't differentiate between main rail lines and delivery spurs, which is what we want to cross." The track is used about four times a week, primarily in the evening hours, for delivery to two lumber yards, Herrmann said. Bob Andrews, a regular user of the bikeway, looks forward to the path extension. Although he does not see trains regularly on the tracks, he said there could be some safety concerns. "For kids, I'm not sure how they could guarantee a safety factor," Andrews said. "But with adults, I don't see how there could be a problem."

The city has big plans in the works for additional bike paths that will hook up with Chandler Boulevard and other existing paths leading to neighboring communities.

* MARK MADLER covers City Hall and the courts. He may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at mark.madlerlatimes.com.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Finding their path to happiness
Mark R. Madler

Twice a day, Bob Andrews travels the Chandler Boulevard bikeway, either walking or riding his bicycle. The long-time Burbank resident considers the bike path "the second best thing" the city has done after the Stough Canyon Nature Center. "A heck of a lot of people are using it," Andrews said. "It's been a big boon for the environs."

Andrews is not only a user of the bikeway but has also joined his neighbors as the eyes and ears of the path as a member of Friends of the Chandler Bikeway.

The 25-member group was formed in the month following the bikeway's opening in August and keeps the city notified of problems they encounter on the path.

It is an opportunity for resident input on the bikeway, said Ernie Seiler, a senior recreation leader with the city's Park, Recreation and Community Services Department and coordinator of the group. The group has met three times since its inception, discussing issues ranging from placing more benches along the bikeway, the choice of landscaping and the timing of traffic signals where the path crosses at Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way. "A lot of people were confused over those [traffic signals]," group member Peter Pontrelli said. "I wish more people would show up and talk about these things."

Guest speakers from the Police Department and city's traffic division have come to meetings to answer and clarify questions or concerns members have, Seiler said.

"We'll go around the room and everyone talks about their experiences and impressions of the bike path," Seiler said. The three-mile path begins at Clybourn Avenue and ends at Mariposa Street.

The project was conceived about a decade ago with the city paying $1.7 million of the $2.7-million project, the rest coming from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

As a homeowner who lives a half-block from the bikeway, Pontrelli joined the Friends group to keep the area clean. When on the path, it is not uncommon for him and his children to pick up the litter others have tossed there, Pontrelli said. Andrews joined the group to have an voice on how it is maintained and used.

One issue Andrews raised at a meeting was the choice of landscaping along the bikeway.

"I don't know why they picked some deciduous and evergreen plants," Andrews said. "Maybe it was for the variety." Residents who are interested in joining the group can contact Seiler at (818) 238-5390 or call the parks and recreation department at (818) 238-5300.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, December 3, 2005

The Chandler Bikeway gains bronze sculpture
By Lauren Hilgers

BURBANK – The Chandler Bikeway in Burbank is a place of constant action – people running, walking, and riding bikes. A bronze sculpture might seem out of place in the midst of all the activity, but the piece of art that Burbank city officials unveiled on Friday morning fits right in.

"My favorite part is the wagon," said 8-year-old Aaron Sowell, who stood nearly eye-to-eye with the two bronze children pushing a small wagon.

Created by Florida artist Stanley Proctor, the sculpture captures the two children and their two dogs, one of which has been placed in the wagon and is being carted along. The children are leaning against the weight of the wagon, moving with the rest of the walkers and riders using the bike path.

"I think it's a very friendly piece," Proctor said. "It goes well most anywhere -- it's just as comfortable in someone's yard as it is in a public setting."

Proctor explained he often sculpts children, and many of his pieces are intended for the benefit of children.

"I feel very strongly that these things should be accessible to young people," he said. "Most of the time they get to observe art from behind a red hanging rope. I try to do pieces that they can interact with."

The city was of the same mind when it chose to place the sculpture at the intersection of Chandler Boulevard and Kenwood Street, behind Thomas Edison Elementary School.

"We figure we're going to get a lot of students walking by," said Eric Hanson, director of Parks and Recreation, patting one sturdy dog on its nose.

Teresa Valdivieso, a member of the Friends of the Chandler Bikeway, a community group dedicated to maintaining and improving the path, said she thought the subject matter was very appropriate.

"This really reflects what this bike path is about," Valdivieso said. "You see whole families walking along; you see kids riding their bikes; you see ladies sitting on benches watching people go by. People come out here at all times, day or night."

The sturdy figures are also a sign that the city is invested in its future, said Burbank Mayor Jef Vander Borght.

"Public art represents for us as a city and a community ... the optimism that we have for the future," Vander Borght said. "This will be the first of many sculptures along the pathway."

Council Agenda
City of Burbank
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Agenda Item - 7

City of Burbank Community Development Department
MEMORANDUM

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager

FROM: Susan M. Georgino, Community Development Director
via Greg Herrmann, Assistant Community Development Director/City Planner; by David L. Kriske, Senior Planner

SUBJECT: Beachwood Bikeway Alignment Change and Bicycle Master Plan Update

PURPOSE: Staff requests that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing an alignment change of the Beachwood Enhanced Class III Bikeway Project and direct staff to enter into an amended Caltrans Agreement to continue to be eligible for a previously-awarded Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account Grant in the amount of $265,500, with a local match requirement of $29,500 for construction of the project. This report also outlines implementation status of a number of additional bicycle projects outlined in the Bicycle Master Plan. LINK FOR COMPLETE TEXT

("Chandler Extension" is included in this overview of Burbank's Bicycle Master Plan.)

Chandler Boulevard One-Way Issue | 2005-2006
HISTORY OF THE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC PROPOSAL
Reprints of the memorandums, agendas, minutes, Robert G. Phipps position paper, news articles, opinions and editorials that have been published on this issue – chronologically presented.

Chandler Bikeway Connection to LA River Bike Path
Via Sparks Street | 2005-2006
HISTORY OF SPARKS BIKEPATH PROPOSAL
Reprints of news articles, opinions and editorials published on this propsal.

Weekend, September 16-17, 2006
Burbank City Council Meeting Preview
Public Art On Chandler

The council will listen to a report detailing the possibility of installing another public art piece along the Chandler Bikeway. In December 2005, a bronze sculpture was installed on the corner of Chandler Boulevard and Keystone Street. Councilman Jef Vander Borght had asked the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department to examine the process for installing another piece along Chandler.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Though funding is available and the Chandler Bikeway provides numerous sites for public art, a number of other projects could also put the Public Art fund to use, such as development of the Community Services Building and an additional art piece for Lincoln Park. The presentation on Tuesday will be strictly for the purposes of discussion, after which the council will direct staff accordingly.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
September 19, 2006
Agenda Item - 8

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager
FROM: Eric Hansen, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director

SUBJECT: COUNCIL MEMBER VANDER BORGHT’S REQUEST TO DISCUSS PLACING AN ADDITIONAL ART INSTALLATION ON THE CHANDLER BIKEWAY

PURPOSE

At the August 22, 2006 City Council meeting, Council Member Vander Borght requested that staff place an item on the agenda to discuss the potential of developing another public art installation on the Chandler Bikeway. Prior to extending significant staff effort, this item has been placed on the agenda as the first step, in what is referred to as the “one-step, two-step process”, for additional Council discussion and consideration.

BACKGROUND

The City has developed numerous public art installations in conjunction with new capital projects. These would include, but are not limited to, the Police/Fire Headquarters Facility, the Stough Canyon Nature Center, the Buena Vista Library/Lincoln Park, the McCambridge Park renovation and the Burbank Water and Power facility.

The Art in Public Places Ordinance requires that a development project with a construction budget over $500,000 contribute 1% towards an art installation. A development project is any development which requires a building permit. Private developers who do not desire to install on-site art must contribute their 1% obligation to the Art in Public Places fund. Currently, there is approximately $489,095 in the fund.

On October 26, 2004 City Council appropriated $50,000 from the Art in Public Places fund for the development of an art project on the Chandler Bikeway. On December 2, 2005, the Wagon Pull, a bronze sculpture by W. Stanley Proctor was installed on the corner of Chandler and Keystone.

DISCUSSION:

Funding this proposed project can be secured by appropriating a specific amount from the general fund or by utilizing a portion of the Public Art Fund. The current Public Art Fund policies govern the manner in which projects are brought forward by entities other than Council (Attachment I). However, they do not specify a procedure which Council must follow.

For the purpose of discussion, the following “pros” and “cons” are based upon Council directing staff to utilize the Public Art Fund to fund another art project for the Chandler Bikeway.

Pros:

1) Funds are available. Only a portion is set aside for repairs and maintenance ($20,000). Other policies require matching contributions and there is a maximum amount which governs proposals that are forwarded by Boards, Commissions, civic organizations, and individuals. However, neither of these policies are directed toward Council initiated projects.

2) Public involvement could be secured through the creation of a Site Specific Art Committee or it might involve input from the Friends of Chandler, who would make a recommendation to Council.

3) The Chandler Bikeway has definitely improved the quality of life for many Burbank residents. There are individuals of all ages walking, skating and biking along the corridor. Installing another appropriate art piece, at a different location along the path, would enhance this active environment. The bikeway offers numerous additional opportunities for art installations.

Cons:

1) Public Art Fund projects utilize a specific procedure. Once an art piece has been recommended, it will be brought back through the Arts in Public Places Committee to Council for final approval. This process can be time consuming.

2) There are a number of other projects which could utilize the Public Art Fund in the future. They include the Community Services Building and additional art piece for Lincoln Park (sites have previously been designated).

FISCAL IMPACT:

As the first step in a two-step agenda process, this item is being presented for discussion and additional Council direction only.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends that the Council initiate discussion on the possibility of directing staff to initiate the process of developing an art installation for the Chandler Bikeway.

Weekend, September 23-24, 2006
Politics
Council looks for more art for path

City is working toward streamlining the process for commissioning art for the Chandler Bikeway. By Chris Wiebe

BURBANK — A second bronze art piece may soon decorate the Chandler Bikeway, as the City Council has asked the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department to generate several possibilities for council consideration.

Councilman Jef Vander Borght requested in August that city staffers look into the potential for adding another piece on Chandler and the council voted 3-2 on Tuesday to have staffers move forward with that request.

"I think art represents a window to our collective cultural soul, and when you come into Burbank you begin to get glimpses of art pieces and the more we have the more we will be able to enjoy — not only us but future generations to come," Vander Borght said. "Chandler, because of its linear quality, has the ability to support a number of pieces and the first piece that we have at Keystone [Street] and Chandler favors one part of the corridor; it would be nice to bring some art to other parts of the it."

The move puts on the fast track a process in which the council relinquishes control over the types of art pieces that are considered, Assistant City Manager Mike Flad said.

Since the majority of the council has indicated a preference for putting in a sculpture in the same vein as the existing bronze art piece on Chandler, the council wants to avoid a lengthy procedure, he said.

"They have an idea of what they want, so to go through our particular process really doesn't make sense," he said.

Councilman David Golonski asked city staffers to place an item on a future agenda that would allow the council to evaluate the existing process for considering public art projects.

"Right now there is a specific process that's laid out for how we go about going about getting art for the art in public places," he said. "That includes hiring an art consultant and a lot of other steps that really don't make sense if you're going to by a piece of art that has already been created. The process is really geared toward commissioning an art piece. We want to make sure we have the flexibility that if we just select a piece of artwork that has already been created — we have that ability."

Though the council has taken the reins of the Chandler project, the Art in Public Places Committee will still have the opportunity to provide input as a part of the process, said Marisa Garcia, an analyst with Burbank's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

"The process is still in place," she said. "Ultimately council has the final decision — and the Art in Public Places Committee is council appointed committee … It will still go to art committee members for its approval."

And installing public art on Chandler poses more than aesthetic concerns, Flad said. Some argue that creating a recreational atmosphere can compromise the bikeway's chief function as a transportation route, he said.

"The more amenities we have the more park-like it becomes," he said. "But, in fact, it's a [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] right of way and the MTA's interest is in preserving it as a transportation corridor."

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is researching possible art pieces and will likely return to the council in October with some potential ideas for art pieces, Garcia said.

Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Opinion
LETTER TO THE EDITOR

More art is not what is needed along pathway

I walk the Chandler Bikeway from Beachwood Drive to and from Cahuenga Boulevard on the average of three days per week.

The art is OK, but what we really need is a restroom and a couple of drinking fountains. Most particularly the water ("Council looks for more art for path," Sept. 23). Those, to me, would be better and more meaningful than any piece of bronze art. And I know many other people who feel the same.

I like to walk unencumbered, without a water bottle, and even some who bring their own water need a refill on these warm days. Coming from San Diego, where I was used to walking at Mission Bay with fountains every 100 yards or so, I had my hopes up for the Chandler path, and it is naturally so much hotter here, too.

We accommodate our four-legged friends and provide dog-waste bags and receptacles for owners who would otherwise might not be willing to transport the waste to the nearest trash can. Why can you not run a couple drinking fountains for those of us trying to keep in shape? Besides, I think more people would walk farther if they knew they could get a drink along the way.

As far as the restroom, wouldn't it be possible to install a narrow, park-like restroom somewhere around Hollywood Way?

There are many pregnant women and others who walk many miles who would really appreciate this. and maybe it could be very decorated with murals or something done by local artists or school kids, thereby combining art and function while encouraging the community to get in shape.

CLAIRE BEAUMON, Burbank

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
November 21, 2006
Agenda Item - 14

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager
FROM: Eric Hansen, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director

SUBJECT: ADDITIONAL ART INSTALLATION ON THE CHANDLER BIKEWAY

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval of a proposed Art in Public Places project for the Chandler Bikeway, and authorization to purchase one of the selected bronze sculptures. It is also the recommendation of staff that Council amend the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget to appropriate funding from the Public Art Fund.

BACKGROUND

At the August 22, 2006 City Council meeting, Council Member Vander Borght requested that staff place an item on the agenda to discuss the potential of developing another public art installation on the Chandler Bikeway. This item was brought back to Council on September 19, 2006 as the first step, in what is referred to as the one-step, two-step agenda process, for additional Council discussion and consideration.

At the meeting of September 19, 2006, Council directed staff to look for a realistic, traditional bronze sculpture that was either a one-of-a kind or limited edition art piece, with a cost of approximately $50,000. Council also was interested in a bikeway theme or a person sitting on a bench, maybe with a shade element. Staff was also asked to seek out a local artist, if possible. Also Council directed staff to seek input from the Friends of Chandler, and bring back several options for Council to select a public art installation.

DISCUSSION:

Using various resources, staff researched art sculptures that would meet Council’s criteria. The artwork of numerous artists was carefully reviewed. Staff selected examples that represented Council’s direction. In addition, Council requested that staff contact known local artists whose work meets the previously stated criteria. Staff asked the two local artists who are finalists for the DeBell Clubhouse Art Project if they would be interested in submitting a proposal for the Chandler Bikeway. Both artists submitted original sculpture concepts.

On September 28, 2006 staff met with the Friends of Chandler and presented various examples of bronze sculptures. The Friends of Chandler are excited to see a second art installation on the bikeway. They preferred art installation that was an action oriented piece such as a cyclist, as opposed to an individual seated on a bench. The overwhelming majority of the individuals attending were not interested in a piece depicting a railroad theme. An individual suggested that a plaque detailing the history of the current bikeway would be appropriate.

Staff, with the input of the Friends of Chandler, discussed potential site locations along the two mile stretch of the bikeway. The existing bronze sculpture is at the northwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Keystone Street. Four sites were identified as potential locations for the second sculpture. The locations include the corners of Chandler Boulevard at: Buena Vista Street; California Street, Hollywood Way and Pass Avenue. It is staff’s recommendation that given the location of the initial art installation, the most appropriate site is the northwest corner of Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard. This location would be a number of blocks away from Keystone Street, yet in a highly visible area to Burbank residents. Although the desired location is near a major intersection, it will be installed in an area that is currently landscaped, far enough away to not obstruct the view of drivers, and provides protection from potential accidents. Public Works’ traffic engineer has approved the site for installation.

Based on staff’s research and input from the Friends of Chandler, staff is presenting several bronze sculptures for Council’s consideration.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The base cost of the art sculptures ranges from $24,000 to 90,000. This does not include the additional costs for shipping, installation and sales tax. The total cost for each piece including all applicable costs is as follows:

Funding this proposed project can be secured by appropriating a specific amount from the Public Art Fund. There is currently $489,095 available in the Public Art Fund. Staff recommends that Council appropriate the necessary amount from Account 001.ND000.21016.000 to Account 370.PR46A.70002.0000.17364 to secure and install the selected sculpture.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends that the Council select one of the proposed bronze sculptures and select an appropriate site for its installation on the Chandler Bikeway. Staff also recommends that Council amend the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget to appropriate the necessary funds to secure and install the selected sculpture from the Public Art Fund.

Weekend, December 2-3, 2006
Politics
Chandler bikeway will get sculpture

Second piece of public art probably will installed in the Chandler Bikeway on the corner of Hollywood Way, Chandler Boulevard.

By Chris Wiebe

CITY HALL — A second piece of public art is headed for the Chandler Bikeway after receiving the full support of the City Council.

The art piece, called "Family Outing," was created by Utah-based artist Gary Lee Price and depicts three bronze figures riding bicycles. A young child, with training wheels on his bike, leads the trio, followed by father and his daughter.

The piece is about 11 feet long, 7 feet wide and 5 feet in height, Parks Recreation and Community Services Department Director Eric Hansen said.

The council's choice portrays an ideal subject for the bikeway, said Councilman Jef Vander Borght, who in August posed the possibility of a second art piece for Chandler. The council backed Vander Borght with a unanimous vote at its Nov. 21 meeting.

"I'm elated and ecstatic," he said. "I think that the piece will fit the whole theme of the bike path perfectly. I think it's something that 99.9% of the people will love."

The piece presently is at the artist's studio in Utah and shipping plans have not yet been finalized, but the sculpture's installation probably will take place within three months.

"Family Outing" was chosen from a list of eight other options, which city staffers generated at request of the City Council, Hansen said. As a part of the process, some art concepts and pieces were taken to members of the Friends of Chandler, a community group, members of which were also supportive of the project.

The Parks and Recreation Department is recommending that the piece be installed on the northwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Hollywood Way, which is about a mile away from the first art piece on Chandler and Keystone Street, which was installed in December 2005.

"What we tried to do is spread them out," Hansen said.

The city's Art in Public Places fund will cover the costs of the $65,000 project, which includes installation and shipping from Utah, he said. The fund is comprised of money from developers who chose not to install public art as a part of their own projects, opting to put 1% of their total project cost in a public fund to satisfy the city's public art requirement, he said.

"To meet the Art in Public Places art obligation … their financial obligation then would go to the public art fund," he said. "So all of this is just basically funds that have been provided by developers."

The quick and mounting popularity of Chandler Bikeway has made it a priority location for public art in Burbank, Vander Borght said.

"The success of the Chandler bike path has brought it to the forefront as really a linear park that needs as much attention as possible," he said. "And art is one of those components that brings a personality and brings life to an otherwise somewhat static landscaping."

QUESTION

Does Burbank need more public art? (See story, Page 1) E-mail your responses to burbankleader@latimes.com; mail them to the Burbank Leader, 111 W. Wilson Ave., Glendale, CA 91203. Please spell your name and include your address and phone number for verification purposes only.

Chandler Bikeway News & Commentary — 2006 to present