Meeting Mondays: Parking, Construction and Taxes

Where to park? Those who love the free parking options in Culver City could be frustrated in the near future. On Monday, Walker Parking Consultants will present the results of an in-depth study conducted to determine solutions for overcrowded parking structures in the downtown area. 

 Walker Parking Consultants' recommendations include: eliminating the two-hour free parking at the Watseka and Cardiff Parking structures and replacing it with a $1 per hour fee; eliminating the two-hour free period at the Ince parking Structure and replacing it with a $.50 per hour fee; eliminating the "additional two-hour free" parking with movie validation and substituting it with a maximum charge of $2.50, and changing metered parking rules in the city in addition to implementing new permit parking rules for residential areas.

Upon conclusion of the discussion, the City Council will make any necessary recommendations, and the council and Walker Parking will work on a plan that will be presented to the City Council and Agency Board at a future date.

Yet more parking … Business owners who use the Hayden Parking Tract will have a second opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposition to allow tandem parking with reduced stall widths at 8511 Warner Drive. This measure will increase the much-coveted lot by 54 spaces. The council wishes to approve a measure granting an administrative use permit and administrative modification to Samitaur Constructs, who wants to provide more parking for nearby businesses. 

Improvements, improvements:  To help the growth of West Washington Boulevard, the Redevelopment Agency has proposed that three new medians be added to "West Washington Boulevard Assessment District No. 2," a stretch along Washington Boulevard between Centinela and Boise Avenues. This area is part of a three-phase revitalization of West Washington that includes facade improvement in addition to matching grant assistance for local businesses.

The results of an assessment district formation ballot will be announced on Monday. 

"We want to enhance the vitality of this business district, to make it a better place for nearby residents to enjoy," Councilman Scott Malsin said. 

Absent a majority protest, the City Council will adopt a resolution confirming the geographical diagram, improvements, services, and an annual levy for those owning property in the area; the levy will be tabulated based on street frontage and building size, in addition to other factors, according to Malsin.  

A similar measure will be enacted for the area between Wade and Beetoven Avenues on Washington Boulevard and Wasatch and Wade Avenues. 

Construction of the first phase of the median project will begin during the week of July 19.

Construction for West Los Angeles College: Neighbors of West Los Angeles College should know that there will be a discussion of a settlement agreement between Culver City and the Community College District regarding campus improvements. The City Council opposes the current Supplemental Environmental Impact Report proposed by the Community College District, due to the possibility of negative impacts to surrounding residents--including traffic, construction hours and parking.

For hotels and their visitors: Visitors to Culver City could notice a higher tab upon their hotel checkout. On Monday, the Council will consider placing an increase in the city's Transient Occupancy Tax on the November 2 ballot. Culver City's TOT is 12 percent while the City of LA's is 14 percent.  Concern: How will the increased tax will impact hotels and their business?

What is your take on these issues? Comment below.