• More landscaping and beautification
• High quality image and identity
• Better quality and consistent design
• Defined entry and gateway elements linking the community to the waterfront
• Continuation and expansion of the City’s identification and wayfinding program
• Unification of the area through streetscape improvements
• Coordination with and implementation through new comprehensive zoning requirements

COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND OUTREACH
The City’s landscape and urban design consultants have conducted two community meetings to encourage input and comment on the overall design concepts and specific design elements of proposed streetscape improvements.

The design concepts received very positive support during these meetings.  The consensus was that the designs were simple, elegant and attractive and that they portrayed the quality image which the City seeks to create.

Comments were also received during these meetings that the improvement plans should address the following issues:

1. A substantial entry element or feature at the primary Pier entry on Torrance Boulevard and Catalina Avenue.
2. Better identification of the Pier entry from Pacific Coast Highway and points east along Torrance Boulevard.
3. The potential obstruction of views from the installation of new landscape features at the Torrance Boulevard Circle (Pier entry).
4. The possibility of providing a bicycle lane along Catalina Avenue.
5. Pedestrian and vehicle safety concerns.
6. Maintenance costs and durability of materials used.

RESPONSE TO COMMENTS RECEIVED
The streetscape design consultants have reviewed all public comments received during the public meetings on this project.  Responses to these comments are as follows:

Pier Entry and Identification
 The Pier entry and identification needs should be given further study and consideration.  Appropriate sites for such features will be identified in the streetscape design plan.  The final design of these features will be subject to a separate design and development process.

View Obstruction
Concerns raised regarding obstruction of private views from the installation of landscape have been noted.  An analysis of view obstruction will be undertaken before planting plans are finalized.  However, the plan will continue to retain the planting of mature palm tree features.  These elements are considered critical to accomplish the goal of visually linking the Torrance Boulevard and Catalina Avenue entries to the final waterfront destinations of the Harbor and Pier.  The palm plantings are a foundational element of the design and should be retained.  The planting of palms is considered to enhance rather than obstruct views.  However, the number, spacing and alignment will be evaluated to minimize impacts.

Catalina Avenue Bicycle Lane
The ability to construct a designated bicycle lane along one or both sides of Catalina Avenue from Pacific Coast Highway to a connection at Beryl Street or Pacific Avenue will be investigated.  However, the width of the street cross section is presently insufficient to accommodate two travel lanes each direction and the required bicycle lane width.  Alternatives to the Catalina alignment may need to be investigated.

Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety
The City’s traffic engineer has reviewed the streetscape design plans for pedestrian and vehicle safety and sight distance conflicts.  The final design plans will incorporate all required measures to eliminate any safety concerns.

Maintenance Costs and Durability of Materials
The one-time, on-going and lifecycle replacement costs of all materials used in the streetscape design are being investigated.  Once cost estimates are obtained, this information will be used in the final materials selection.

NEXT STEPS
The streetscape improvement plan will be presented to the City Council on July 18, 2006 at 6:30 pm in the City Hall, City Council Chambers located at 415 Diamond Street (City Hall).  At this same meeting, the City Council will conduct a public hearing on the Torrance Boulevard Corridor zoning amendments.