Debate related to vehicular traffic and parking is nothing new for Santa Monica College and the city of Santa Monica, which have delicately danced around the issue since the Northridge Earthquake more than a decade ago.
A city staff proposal coming before the City Council on Tuesday requesting a pedestrian agreement with the college may soon be followed up with broader commitments by the city to help relegate traffic and parking at the college’s new Bundy campus later this year, but some residents question the effectiveness of any proposals which do not spell out the responsibilities for all parties.
“The college’s method of going about its needs is inadequate and places too much burden on the neighborhood, causing tension,” said Ofer Grossman, chair of the city’s airport commission and also a resident of Sunset Park.
Those in the loop said progress has been minimal in securing long-term solutions to SMC’s growing pains since 1994, when two of SMC’s parking structures were deemed unfit for use after the quake.
“This all emanates from the earthquake,” said Councilman Richard Bloom. “When the parking structures were red-tagged, the city stepped in and provided parking to the college.
“It was only supposed to last until the parking lot replacement occurred.”
Bloom said those parking structures have since been replaced, but the college has maintained its shuttle parking lot at the Santa Monica Airport, which accommodates some 600 vehicles for SMC.
Construction for the new Airport Park is set to begin in November. How the college will provide parking for the long-term remains to be answered.
SMC officials said they are aware of the issue and are exploring all options to address the school’s parking needs. In the meantime, one source familiar with the issues, but who preferred to remain unidentified, said there are a variety of groups who have concerns about the satellite campus development and its implications.
He said residents living just north of the airport do not want their neighborhood being used as a thoroughfare for students to and from the main campus. He said those who live near Bundy Drive are primarily concerned with current levels of congestion, which may be exacerbated by any additional traffic related to the campus access.
Although the situation is complicated, some say there is plenty of room for optimism between the college and city in coming months.
Nancy Greenstein, vice chair of SMC’s board of trustees, said considerations in the city staff’s report, to be discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting, are a step in the right direction.
“It’s a good beginning and I’m pleased the college and city are working well together,” Greenstein said.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 10, 2005. Read the original PDF.