Letters: Gridlock in Santa Monica

Re “Lament of an ‘urban villager,’” Opinion, Jan. 26

Santa Monica resident Bruce R. Feldman was spot on in his assessment of the potential unintended consequences, including overcrowded road conditions, if Pasadena narrows Colorado Boulevard, the main drag through Old Town.

My family and I have lived in the San Gabriel Valley for 17-plus years, and we frequently shopped, dined and attended movies, plays or concerts in Old Town. We watched in dismay and bewilderment as Pasadena approved several building projects that have resulted in a dramatic density increase near Old Town. We have spent less and less time there due to the increased crowds, lack of parking and traffic congestion. Traffic on Colorado is often at a complete standstill.

I can only imagine that such a scenario would worsen with fewer lanes for cars. Traffic will likely back up even farther along Colorado.

We have taken our business elsewhere and found alternative places to spend our discretionary income.

Patricia Doyle

San Gabriel

One question for Feldman: Does he know that Santa Monica has the Big Blue Bus system?

Nearly every single person in Santa Monica lives within a quarter-mile of a bus stop, so if he doesn’t like walking or riding a bike, there are other great options. And in 2015, we’ll have the Expo Line light rail to transport commuters to downtown.

Santa Monica’s “urban village” concept has definite traffic consequences that haven’t been adequately addressed, and downtown could benefit from car-free zones. But the city is on the cutting edge of viable transportation options.

Mark Gold

Santa Monica

The writer chairs Santa Monica’s Task Force on the Environment.

“Lament” is indeed the word for what has happened to Santa Monica.

Living in the Grove/Fairfax area of L.A., we were frequent visitors to Santa Monica. Now, apart from the occasional lunch, Santa Monica is a no-go for all the reasons stated by Feldman.

The road to urban Hades is being paved by urban planners, cyclomania and dubious farmers markets. Luxury apartments near the Grove rent for thousands of dollars a month.

Having lived on our street for close to 40 years, we just watch the carnival. It’s sad, but kudos to Feldman for articulating what his fellow long-term residents have observed for many years now.

Thomas Reynolds

Los Angeles

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