HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacific-Electric Right-of-Way 1974 Specific PlanSPECIFIC PLAN
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
PACIFIC ELECTRIC RIGHT - ®F -WAY
Prepared by the
City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Robert S. Neprud, Planning Director
Spring, 1974
Page 2 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
Resolution No. 2362
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH ADOPTING A
SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
THE PACIFIC ELECTRIC RIGHT -OF -WAY
WHEREAS, in October of 1973 the City Council of the City of Seal Beach adopted a
revised Land Use Element to the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, as an implementation measure of said Plan, a Specific Plan has been
prepared for the Pacific Electric right -of -way prescribing that the area be
developed as an open space greenbelt with limited public facilities and
parking; and
WHEREAS, the Specific Plan has been reviewed and approved by both the
Redevelopment Agency and Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of the Specific Plan will enhance the quality of the
environment and contribute to the general welfare of the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Seal Beach does
hereby adopt the Specific Plan for the Development of the Pacific Electric right -of -way subject to
the following conditions:
I. That the intersection at Main Street and Electric Avenue form a
typical four -way intersection described as Intersection "B" in the
Plan.
2. That thirty -nine (39) parking spaces be provided at the intersection
of Main Street and Electric Avenue.
3. That tennis courts not be constructed on the right -of -way.
4. That the bike lanes be placed on the roadbeds as in Concept #3 of the
Specific Plan.
5. That the greenbelt be 100 feet wide and the roadbeds of both Electric
Avenues be 30 feet wide each.
6. That the triangular parcel of land, presently bounded by 5th Street,
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Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
Marina Drive, and Electric Avenue be landscaped and included as
part of the plan, once a lease is negotiated with the owner of the
parcel.
7. That the balance of the Plan, not covered by items 1 through 6
above, be adopted as proposed.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Seal Beach at a
meeting held on the 4th day of October, 1974, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmen Blackman, Holden, McKnew
NOES: Councilmen Kemplon
ABSENT: Councilman Sales
Glenn I. McKnew
Chairman
Page 4 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
May 17, 1974
MEMORANDUM
To: City Council and Planning Commission, c/o Dennis Courtemarche, City Manager
From: Bob Neprud, Planning Director
Subject: Specific Plan for the Development of the Pacific Electric Right -of -Way
A Specific Plan has been prepared for the development of the Pacific Electric Right -of -Way and is
presented for your consideration at this time.
On June 5th, the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of this
Plan. The Planning Commission's recommendations will be forwarded to the Redevelopment
Agency and the City Council. The Plan may be modified during the adoption process.
The following procedure should be used in the adoption of a Specific Plan.
1. The Planning Commission shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed Plan.
Notice shall be given ten days prior to the public hearing. (The public hearing may be
continued).
2. Approval of the Planning Commission shall be by resolution of the Commission carried by
the affirmative votes of not less than a majority of the total voting members.
3. The proposed Plan shall be transmitted to the Redevelopment Agency for their review.
4. The proposed Plan shall be transmitted to the City Council. The City Council shall hold a
public hearing on the proposed Plan. Notice shall be given ten days prior to said hearing.
(The public hearing may be continued).
5. The City Council shall adopt the Plan by resolution. If any part of the Plan is to be changed
by the City Council, said change or changes shall be referred back to the Planning
Commission for a report. Said report shall be made within 40 days of the referral. The
Planning Commission need not hold additional public hearings on the changes.
Bob Neprud
Bob Neprud
Page 5 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Description
History
Specific Plan
Development Plan
Implementation
Commercial Parking Study
Main Street Intersection Study
Tennis Court Study
3
18
Page
2
5
0
12
14
ILI
Bike Lane Study 21
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Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to provide a Specific Plan for the development of a portion of the
abandoned Pacific Electric right -of -way which is located in the Coastal District of the City of Seal
Beach. (See vicinity map). It is the intent of the City that this area be developed as a greenbelt with
some public facilities and limited parking. The direction provided in this report was obtained from
input furnished by the City Council, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission,
resident of the community and the City staff.
This report is divided into three major sections. These concerns (1) a history and background of the
project area, (2) a development plan, and (3) related studies that address several unresolved issues.
Page 8 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
DESCRIPTION
The portion of the abandoned Pacific Electric right -of -way proposed to be developed is a linear
strip of land 100 feet wide and approximately 3600 feet long. This project area is slightly over 8
acres in size and is bounded by Electric Avenue (north), Seal Beach Boulevard, Electric Avenue
(south), and Marina Drive. Currently, the right -of -way is relatively flat and is unimproved with the
exception of 28 paved parking spaces and some landscaping adjacent to the intersection with Main
Street. Main Street and 12th Street are the only streets that presently intersect the right -of -way.
Page 9 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
HISTORY
In 1904 the Pacific Electric Railroad constructed a line through the project area in the Coastal
District of Seal Beach. During that same year, passenger service was initiated to the beach cites in
Orange County. Seal Beach was located on the route which connected Los Angeles and Newport
Beach. People initially came to Seal Beach from Los Angeles for weekends at the beach. For many
years the City was dependent on tourist trade as a major source of income. The presence of the
railroad accelerated the growth of Seal Beach during the early 1900s.
In the early 1940s, the Federal Government acquired Anaheim Bay and a large portion of the
surrounding countryside and constructed the Ammunition and Net Depot. This Naval facility
opened in the summer of 1944. As a result of the Navy's use of Anaheim Bay, a portion of the
railroad track in the project area had to be rerouted. A new line was constructed to the northeast,
and its tracks cut across a residential portion of Seal Beach between 15th Street and Seal Beach
Boulevard.
The Pacific Electric Railroad discontinued passenger service to the Seal Beach area in 1948.
However, the tracks were not removed until 1966. Since that time the railroad right -of -way has
remained vacant and unimproved.
In 1971, the City of Seal Beach Redevelopment Agency purchased approximately two acres of the
right -of -way between 15th Street and the Naval Weapons Station after an unsuccessful attempt by a
developer to build residential units on that land. The Redevelopment Agency is in the process of
purchasing the remainder of the right -of -way between 15th Street and Marina Drive. The
Redevelopment Agency should take title to this land by the end of 1974.
Page 10 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
A SPECIFIC PLAN
Under the provisions of the State Government Code, cities may adopt Specific Plans for the
development of areas within their jurisdictions that require special planning consideration. Specific
Plans provide a valuable tool for the implementation of General Plans. They address such subjects
as the location and extent of various land uses, intensity of development and the location and width
of existing and proposed streets.
In October of 1973, the City of Seal Beach adopted a revised Land Use Element to the City's
General Plan. At that time it was determined that a Specific Plan should be prepared for the Pacific
Electric right -of -way and that this area should be developed as a part with some public uses and
limited commercial and residential parking.
This Plan has been prepared by the City staff under direction of the City Council, Planning
Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and residents of the community. A number of
public meetings have been held to obtain necessary input prior to the preparation of this plan.
Page 11 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The Pacific Electric right -of -way will be developed as an open space greenbelt with limited public
facilities and parking. the proposed improvements to be placed on the right -of -way consist of two
mini- plazas, focal point developments, a bus shelter, parking at Main Street, a library- senior
citizen's building, a Red Car historical museum, a shaded conversation area, a bicycle rest area and
a pedestrian walkway. the rest of the right -of -way will be landscaped and the area will assume a
passive recreational character.
The right -of -way will retain its present width of 100 feet. The two Electric Avenue roadways
which flank the right -of -way will maintain their current roadbed widths of 30 feet. These two
streets will be modified and Electric Avenue (north) will be restricted to one -way traffic in a
westerly direction and Electric Avenue (south) will be confined to one -way traffic in an easterly
direction. Bicycle lands are proposed to be located in the two Electric Avenue roadbeds.
Fourteenth Street, which currently does not intersect the right -of -way, is proposed to be cut through
to improve traffic circulation.
Improvements
The following is a brief description of the major improvements to be placed on the right -of -way.
The improvements are described from Marina Drive to Seal Beach Boulevard. (See map No. 1).
1. The intersection of Electric Avenue and Marina Drive will be modified to form a "T"
intersection. This change will improve traffic circulation and should reduce the accident
rate at this intersection.
2. A mini -plaza is proposed to be developed at the west end of the greenbelt. This area is
considered a focal point and will be attractively landscaped. The improvements at this site
will consist of a textured Portland cement concrete slab, benches, and extensive
landscaping. The plants selected for this area will be located in such a manner that there
will be adequate sight clearance for motorists. (See Illustration No. 1).
3. A mini -plaza is proposed to be developed at the west end of the greenbelt. This area is
considered a focal point and will be attractively landscaped. The improvements at this site
will consist of a textured Portland cement concrete slab, benches, and extensive
landscaping. The plants selected for this area will be located in such a manner that there
will be adequate sight clearance for motorists. (See Illustration No. 1).
Page 12 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
4. At 7th Street, a pedestrian walkway will be constructed across the right -of -way to improve
pedestrian circulation in this area.
5. A combined library and senior citizens' center is proposed between 7th and 8th Streets. An
area of approximately 10,000 square feet has been designated for this use. Depending on
available funding, this joint use building could be constructed as early as fiscal year 1975-
76. This site was selected because (a) it is close to the City Administration Building,
therefore concentrating the civic center functions in one area, (b) the complex is close to
Main Street, (c) parking proposed adjacent to Main Street could also be used by library
patrons, and (d) the site is near the existing library.
6. A Red Car Museum will be located to the east of the proposed library- senior citizens'
facility. The museum will consist of a restored Pacific Electric red car and will display
exhibits related to Seal Beach's history. This site will give the red car excellent exposure to
Main Street and parking near that intersection can be utilized by those wishing to visit the
red car.
7. Parking areas are proposed to be located on both sides of the Main Street intersection. The
exact number of spaces and their location will be decided during the adoption of the
Specific Plan. The number of parking spaces which could be provided range from 14 to 56.
For more information on this subject, please refer to Study No. 1 at the back of this report.
8. Focal point plazas are proposed to be located on the right -of -way on both sides of the
intersection with Main Street. These areas are designed to be points of interest that will
help unite the 200 and 300 blocks of Main Street. Extensive landscaping is proposed for
these areas in addition to a bus stop shelter, informational kiosks, benches, decorative rocks
and textured walkways. (See Illustrations Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7).
9. Two alternative designs are being considered for the intersection with Main Street. The
present configuration could be maintained or it may be modified to create one standard
intersection. The selection of an intersection design will affect the configuration of the
focal points and the location of adjoining parking areas. For more information regarding
this issue, please refer to Study No. 2 at the back of this report.
10. A mounded grass area is proposed directly to the east of the parking lot adjacent to 10th
Street. This area could be used for discussions or the playing of musical instruments, etc.
The mounding would be designed in a manner that would create a favorable setting for
these activities.
11. Between 10th and 11th Street there will be a large open area planted with turf. This area
could be used for unsupervised recreational activities. In addition, if summer concerts were
desired, it would be possible to set up a temporary bandstand at this location.
12. At 11th Street a pedestrian walkway could be constructed across the right -of -way to
Page 13 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
improve pedestrian circulation in this area.
13. A shaded conversation area consisting of a wooden structure and specimen tree is proposed
at 12th Street. This structure would provide shelter from the direct sunlight and would offer
some variation to the development pattern of the right -of -way. (See Illustration No. 10).
14. A large open space area is proposed between 12th and 14th Streets. This location would
accommodate unsupervised recreational activities or tennis courts. For more information
on the question of tennis courts, please refer to Study No. 3 at the back of this report.
15. At approximately 15th Street, a bicycle rest area is proposed. This area would contain a
bike rack, benches, a drinking fountain and extensive landscaping. (See Illustration No.
11).
16. A mini -plaza is proposed to be developed at the east end of the greenbelt. This area is
considered a focal point and will be attractively landscaped. The improvements at this site
will consist of textured Portland cement concrete slab, benches, and extensive landscaping.
The plants selected for this area will be located in such a manner that there will be adequate
sight clearance for motorists. (See Illustration No. 12).
17. The intersection of Electric Avenue and Seal Beach Boulevard will be modified to improve
traffic circulation. The new design will increase the safety of the intersection.
Landscaping
Most of the right -of -way will be planted with turf, ground cover, shrubs and trees. These plans
have been selected based on the geographical location of the site and their adaptability and
tolerance to a coastal environment. approximately 300 trees and shrubs will be planted on the right -
of -way. Of these, approximately 175 will be trees and the remaining 125 will be shrubs. The turf
that has been selected will be a combination of Manhattan rye and bluegrass. (See Map No. 2).
Nearly all of the trees that have been selected are evergreen and were chosen because of their
attractive flowers or colorful foliage. The trees to be planted on the right -of -way will have
moderate or fast growth rates.' At maturity the trees should average 30 to 50 feet in height and
have a variety of shapes.
The trees will be planted in odd - numbered clusters to enhance their appearance. There will be
concentrations of trees and shrubs at focal points.
1 The various trees should grow between 6" to 2' in height per
year.
Page 14 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
Additionally, specific areas may be set aside for cultivation and maintenance by local horticultural
organizations such as the Leisure World Garden Club.
IMPLEMENTATION
It is proposed that the right -of -way be developed during fiscal 1974 -75 with the exception of the
library- senior citizen facility. In addition to the development of the right -of -way, a storm drain will
be installed in Electric Avenue between 12th Street and Seal Beach Boulevard and both Electric
Avenues will be resurfaced. The combined cost of the improvements noted above, with the
exception of the library- senior citizen facility, is estimated to be $370,000.
The following is a list of project costs for the improvement of the Pacific Electric right -of -way and
Electric Avenues. These estimates are made without benefit of working drawings and may be
subject to change.
Curb
$ 30,000
Paving
96,000
Storm Drain
120,000
Grading, Sprinkler System, Soil Amendments
and Seeding
55,000
Bus Shelter & Shaded Conversation Area
10,000
Shrubs, Trees, Rocks & Benches
35,000
Sidewalks
15,000
Engineering
9.000
TOTAL
370,000
The improvements to be made on the right -of -way and Electric Avenues are scheduled in the
following order:
Engineering field survey to establish existing conditions and determine what modifications
will be required.
2. Design and construct the storm drain and curbs around the right -of -way.
Grade the right -of -way.
4. Leach mineral salts from the soil on the right -of -way.
5. Install walkways and other paved areas, build bus shelter and shaded conversation area, and
moved Red Car Museum to new location.
6. Add soil amendments to prepare soil for planting.
7. Install sprinkler system.
8. Plant turf, ground cover, shrubs and trees.
Page 15 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
9. Construct a library and senior citizens' facility. This improvement is projected to be
developed about fiscal 1975 -76, depending upon available funds.
STUDY No. 1 - COMMERCIAL PARKING
It has been determined that limited commercial parking should be provided on the Pacific Electric
right-of-way adjacent to Main Street. Presently there are 28 paved parking spaces on the right -of-
way near this intersection.
The number of commercial parking spaces that could be placed on the right -of -way is affected, to
some degree, by the selection of an intersection design at Main Street. If the present intersection
configuration is maintained, between 14 and 56 parking spaces could be provided. If the
intersection were modified, the approximate number of parking spaces would range from 26 to 39.
(See Illustration Nos. 2 and 3).
In an attempt to determine the parking needs for commercial activities, the merchants of the 200
and 300 blocks of Main Street and 900 block of Electric Avenue (north) were contacted. Of the 51
businesses operated in this area, 45 were surveyed; representatives of the remainder were not
available for comment. Thirty-six merchants were of the opinion that additional commercial
parking was needed, while the other nine felt that the existing parking was adequate. Currently,
there are 121 on -street parking spaces in the two blocks on Main Street, the one block face on
Electric Avenue, and the Pacific Electric right -of -way.
More information has been requested concerning the need for additional commercial parking.
Because of seasonal changes in the degree of activity near the beach, the diversity of businesses, the
fact that some businesses close and new ones open, and the variation of hours of operation, it is
extremely difficult to determine how many commercial parking spaces should be provided. As a
result, the following inventory is furnished for your consideration. It should be understood that this
is a summary and that these figures should be considered in general terms. The on -site loading
zones were not considered as contributing to the on -site parking under the column "Code Required
Parking"
No. of On -Site Customers Code Required
Business Name & Address Emnloyees Parkin ¢ Per Day Parkin
Hartwells 4 12 100 11
347 Main Street
Clothesline 2 8 32 4
331 Main Street
Jozine Coiffures 2 0 48 4
333 Main Street
Page 16 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
Harbour Surfboards
2
2
32
329 Main Street
Photo Studio
1
2
16
327 Main Street
Seal Beach Dairy
1
2
25
323 Main Street
Beauty Shop
3
10
50
321 Main Street
Jimmy's Barber
1
1
10
3171/2 Main Street
Beverly Frame Shop
1
0
16
317 Main Street
Commercial Building 6
26 75
311 Main Street
Benny Rapp Chevron 5
15 175
350 Main Street
Bay Theater
5
0
500
350 Main Street
Main St. Medical
4
10
40
330 -332 Main Street
Glen Jones Commercial
8
7
120
325 Main Street
Pet Shoppe
2
4
25
318 Main Street
West Wind
2
0
24
308 Main Street
Wong House
5
0
200
306 Main Street
Corner Drug
5
0
600
26
13
8
8
2
10
4
1
188
5
22
2
5
16
12
Page 17 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
302 Main Street
Cape Code Coiffures 3
0
60
6
907 Electric Avenue
North Sails
30
13
24
27]
909 Electric Avenue
]
Marine Hardware
5
0
40
]
* ]
911 Electric Avenue
]
Red Carpet
8
15
64
11 ]
231 Main Street
]
Shopper
]
]
231 Main Street
]
Print Shop
]
]
814 Electric Avenue
]
Peppermint Play School
5
1
25
7
225 Main Street
Children
Vacant 0
2
?
8 -252
221 Main Street
Shoe Store
1
2
16
5
219 %2 Main Street
TV Repair
2
0
16
3
219 Main Street
Rattan Land
4
2
25
5
217 Main Street
Hardware Store
31/2
5
200
6
215 Main Street
Book Store
1
2
64
3
213 Main Street
2 Would vary with use, 15 spaces computed in summary.
Page 18 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
Cricket Antiques
1
2
21 11/2 Main Street
Gatsby Gallery 2
0 ?
209 %2 Main Street
Green Pepper
5
0
209 Main Street
Idell's Ideas
1
5
205 Main Street
Walt's Wharf
7
2
201 Main Street
Bank of America
14
21
208 Main Street
Putnam Plumbing
3
4
210 Main Street
Masonic Temple
7
0
212 Main Street
Health Food Store
1
3
214 Main Street
Potter's Wheel 1
3 25
216 Main Street
Gold Mine
1
6
218 Main Street
Frames By Don
1
4
220 Main Street
Howard Brief, Esq.
2
2
222 Main Street
Total - 51 Businesses 161
193 4114
65
3
2
180
16
300
776
30
10
50
20
10
10
0
.1•
24
3
44
28
6
28
9
3
4
17
Page 19 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right- of -NVay 1974
STUDY No. 2 - MAIN STREET INTERSECTION
Two street alignments are being considered for the intersection of Electric Avenue and Main Street.
The intersection could be maintained in its present configuration or be modified to create one
standard intersection. If the intersection were modified, traffic circulation would be improved.
However, this concept would divide the right -of -way into a number of parcels, therefore limiting
the usability of some of the parcels.
Recently, two additional stop signs were installed on Main Street at Electric Avenue (north) and
Electric Avenue (south). Indications are that the additional stop signs have improved traffic safety
at these intersections.
At the joint session of the City Council, Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation
Commission, some confusion arose regarding the movement of pedestrians and bicycles across the
intersection. The accompanying sheet illustrates the sidewalks and crosswalks for both alignments.
(See Illustrations Nos. 8 and 9).
Page 20 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
STUDY No. 3 - TENNIS COURTS
Recently a number of residents have expressed an interest in having tennis courts constructed on the
right -of -way in conjunction with the greenbelt development. If courts were to be installed, each
would require an area of 60' x 120'. Tennis courts should be enclosed by at 12' high fence, and if
lighting were desired for evening play, the light standards should be a minimum of 25' in height.
Presently there are seven tennis courts in the City which are open to the public at least during
portions of the day and evening. Two additional courts are currently under construction and three
more are tentatively proposed for development in the near future. Of the seven tennis courts, six
are located at school sites and three of these are multi - purpose courts, which are used for both
tennis and basketball.
The following is an inventory of existing and proposed tennis courts within the City:
Location Area
McGaugh Intermediate School Marina Hill
Zoeter Elementary School Coastal District
Marina Community Center Coastal District
Heather /Lampson Park
Edison Park
College Park East
College Park West
Number of Courts
3 Existing
3 Existing
1 Existing
1 Proposed in 74 -75
2 Under construction
2 Proposed in 75 -76
If tennis courts were to be placed on the right -of -way there would be several benefits. The
additional courts would partially fulfill the need for more courts for instruction, as well as increase
the number of courts available for general recreational play.
In January, various uses were considered to be included in the right -of -way development plan. At
that time there was little support for locating tennis courts on the greenbelt. Three reasons why
tennis courts were not considered desirable were (1) that fences around the tennis courts would not
compliment the development of the right -of -way, (2) the linear configuration of the right -of -way
would require that tennis courts be placed end -to -end, and (3) this use is not consistent with the
passive development theme which is proposed for the right -of -way.
Since that time, further analysis has revealed that these courts could not be constructed in the
desirable north -south direction and constructing courts end -to -end is not well situated for the
Page 21 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
purpose of instruction.
The determination as to whether or not tennis courts should be developed on the right -of -way will
have to be made by the Planning Commission and City Council in their consideration of the
Specific Plan.
STUDY No. 4 - BIKE LANES
It has been determined that it would be more desirable to designate bike lanes on the Electric
Avenues than to place a 10' wide bike path on the right -of -way greenbelt. The staff has reviewed
four feasible alternative locations for bike lanes and would recommend Concept No. 1 described
below. The concepts are numerically ranked according to the preference of the staff. All of the
alternatives are viable, but Concept No. 1 appears to be the most advantageous for this particular
situation. (See Illustration No. 13).
The following is a description of the four concepts and the major advantages and disadvantages of
each alternative.
Concept No. 1
Under this alternative the configuration of both Electric Avenues would be the same. A typical
cross section from the sidewalk and parkway across the roadbed to the Pacific Electric right -of -way
would contain an 8' one -way bike land, a 14' travel lane and an 8' parking lane.
The major advantages of this concept are:
1. Bicycle traffic would be located on the right -hand side of automobile traffic, which
is the side of the street where bicycles are traditionally ridden. This concept would
create minimal confusion for motorists and bicyclists at street intersections.
2. During times of peak traffic and high parking demand, the bike lane could be
utilized for additional automobile parking. When this occurred, bicyclists would
continue to ride on the right -hand side of moving traffic.
The major disadvantages of this concept are:
1. Motorists would have to park on the left -hand side of the street (adjacent to the
right -of -way) which is more awkward for the average driver than parking on the
right -hand side of the streets.
2. Motorists leaving their cars would have to cross Electric Avenue in order to reach
their residences.
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Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
Concept No. 2
Under this plan the configuration of both Electric Avenues would be the same. A typical cross
section from the sidewalk and parkway across the roadbed to the Pacific Electric right -of -way
would contain an T parking lane, a 14' travel lane and an Tone-way bike path.
The major advantages of this plan are:
During times of peak traffic and high parking demand, the bike lane could be
utilized for additional automobile parking.
2. Bikes would be ridden adjacent to the greenbelt and the bike lane would create a
buffer between the right -of -way and the automobile travel lane.
The major disadvantages of this plan are:
1. Bicycles would be ridden on the left -hand side of automobile traffic, which is not in
compliance with the traditional pattern. The concept would create confusion for
motorists and bicyclists at street intersections.
2. During times when the bike lanes were used for automobile parking some confusion
would be created regarding where bicycles should be ridden (on the left or right of
moving traffic).
Concept No. 3
Under this alternative the configuration of both Electric Avenues would be the same. A typical
cross section from the sidewalk and parkway across the roadbed to the Pacific Electric right -of -way
would contain an 8' parking lane, an 8' one -way bike lane and a 14' travel lane.
The major advantages of this plan are:
Bikes would be ridden in the traditional location on the right--hand side of moving
traffic. confusion at intersections would be minimized under this alternative.
2. The roadbed would be wide enough to allow occasional parking adjacent to the
Pacific Electric right -of -way, but there would be some confusion for both motorists
and bicyclists.
The major disadvantages of this alternative are:
Motorists who had parked their cards would open their car doors into the area that
would be striped as a bike lane. This would be a hazard to bike riders.
Page 23 - City of Seal Beach Planning Department
Specific Plan for the Development of Pacific Electric Right -of -Way 1974
2. When parking was permitted adjacent to the right -of -way the area available for bike
riding would be reduced and motorists would have to drive in a portion of the bike
lane. This situation would be confusing because bike riders and motorists would be
sharing an area that was designated as a bike lane.
Concept No. 4
Under this plan the uses of the two Electric Avenue roadbeds would differ. A cross section of
Electric Avenue (north) from the sidewalk and parkway across the roadbed to the Pacific Electric
right -of -way would contain an 8' parking lane, a 12' travel lane and a 10' two -way bike lane. The
roadbed of Electric Avenue (south) from the existing sidewalk and parkway would contain an 8'
parking lane, a 14' travel lane and an 8' parking lane.
The major advantages of this concept would be that approximately 85 additional parking spaces
could be provided on Electric Avenue (south) adjacent to the Pacific Electric right -of -way while
still providing a bicycle route which would not be located in the right -of -way.
The major disadvantages of this concept are:
Two way bicycle traffic would be located on the left -hand side of automobile traffic,
which does not follow the traditional pattern. This plan would create considerable
confusion for motorists and bicyclists at street intersections.
2. Bikes traveling in an easterly direction would be ridden in the opposite direction of
vehicular traffic. Bicyclists are not encouraged to ride against the traffic in Seal
Beach except in a few limited locations.
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