Brea : Measure Would Ban Loitering on Medians

Final approval of a law to prohibit loitering on medians of city streets is among the items scheduled for discussion when the City Council meets at 7 tonight. The measure passed unanimously at its first reading Sept. 6.

City Manager Frank Benest has reported to the council that a “proliferation of vendors and panhandlers” occupying center medians is creating a safety hazard for pedestrians and passing motorists.

Benest said the presence of anyone in a median could distract motorists and possibly lead to a fatal accident. He also said that peddlers in the medians are likely to illegally step into traffic and upset the traffic flow.

If the proposed law is enacted, violators would be subject to a $100 fine for the first offense within a year. A second violation within a year would be punishable by a $200 fine, and a $500 fine would be levied for the third and any subsequent violations.

The council will also consider giving final approval to a measure that would formally require development projects valued at $500,000 or higher to follow the requirements of the city’s Art in Public Places program.

Established in 1975, the program is designed to beautify the city by having developers select, buy and install permanent, outdoor artworks that are accessible to the public.

Mayor Glenn G. Parker said developers are being encouraged to work with artists early in the project design phase so that “a creative blending of architecture, landscape architecture and art might occur.”