BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS MEMBERS

CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

KEVIN JAMES PRESIDENT

MONICA RODRIGUEZ VICE PRESIDENT

MATT SZABO PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

MICHAEL R. DAVIS COMMISSIONER

BARBARA ROMERO COMMISSIONER

ARLEEN P. TAYLOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CALIFORNIA

ERIC GARCETTI MAYOR

BUREAU OF ENGINEERING

GARY LEE MOORE, P.E. CITY ENGINEER

1149 S. BROADWAY, SUITE 700 LOS ANGELES, CA 90015"2213

http:/feng.lacity. org

To the Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee Of the Honorable City Council

JAN 1 7 2014

Council File No. 12-0912 Council District: 9 Of the City of Los Angeles Contact Person: Dale Williams Phone: (213) 202-3491

Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee

Transmittal:

Transmitted herewith, is the City Engineer's report dated JAN 1 7 2014 approval of:

for Council review and

VACATION APPROVAL- VAC- E1401202- Council File No. 12-0912- 33rd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I. That the Council:

2.

I. Consider the Negative Declaration WO E1401202, prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which finds that the project will not cause significant impacts to the environment.

2. Find that, on the basis of the whole record, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant impact on the environment.

3. Find that the Negative Declaration reflects the City's independent judgement and analysis.

4. Adopt the Negative Declaration WO E1401202, filed with the City Clerk on May 2, 2013

Adopt the City Engineer's report dated JAN 1 7 2014 therein.

with the conditions contained

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

3. Fiscal Impact Statement:

The petitioner has paid a fee of$42,800.00 for the investigation of this request pursuant to Section 7.42 of the Administrative Code. Any deficit fee to recover the cost pursuant to Section 7.44 of the Administrative Code may be required of the petitioner.

4. That there is a public benefit to this vacation. Upon vacation of the street, the City is relieved of its ongoing obligation to maintain the right-of-way. In addition, the City is relieved of any potential liability that might result from continued ownership of the involved street easement.

5. Juliet Arroyo, owner of a business located at 3021 S Flower Street, in a letter dated June 10, 2013 in response to the Negative Declaration indicated concern about the Joss of parking, and various concerns about neighborhood safety, beautification, blight, pedestrian friendliness, and historic preservation. Joyce Dillard, in a communication dated June I 0, 20 I 3 in response to the Negative Declaration commented on potential effects to be analyzed in the environmental study.

Attachment:

EY!DW/ H:\

MmoodY~.~ Land Development Group Bureau of Engineering

Office of the City Engineer

Los Angeles, California

To the Public Works Conunittee

Of the Honorable Council JAN 1 7 Z014

Of the City of Los Angeles

Honorable Members: C.D.No. 9

SUBJECT:

VACATION APPROVAL- VAC- E1401202- Council File No. 12-0912 33rd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street

RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. That street vacation proceedings pursuant to the Public Streets, Highways and Service Easements Vacation Law be instituted for the vacation of the public right-of-way indicated below and shown colored blue on the attached Exhibit "B" and that the exact limits of the vacation area be permitted to be adjusted based on the final approved design of the adjoining public walk:

33rd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street

B. That the vacation of the area shown colored orange on Exhibit "B", be denied.

C. That the Council:

I. Consider the Negative Declaration WO E1401202, prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which finds that the project will not cause significant impacts to the environment.

2. Find that, on the basis of the whole record, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant impact on the environment.

3. Find that the Negative Declaration reflects the City's independent judgement and analysis.

Public Works Committee -2- C. D. No.9

4. Adopt the Negative Declaration WO El401202, filed with the City Clerk on May 2, 2013

D. That the City Council fmd that there is a public benefit to this street vacation. Upon vacation of the street, the City is relieved of its ongoing obligation to maintain the street. In addition, the City is relieved of any potential liability that might result from continued ownership of the involved street easements.

E. That, in conformance with Section 556 of the City Charter, the Council make the finding that the vacation is in substantial conformance with the purposes, intent and provisions of the General Plan.

F. That, in conformance with Section 892 of the California Streets and Highways Code, the Council determine that the vacation area is not necessary for non­motorized transportation facilities.

G. That, in conformance with Section 8324 of the California Streets and Highways Code, the Council determine that the vacation area is not necessary for present or prospective public use.

H. That the Council adopt the City Engineer's report with the conditions contained therein.

I. That the City Clerk schedule the vacation for public hearing at least 30 days after the Public Works Committee approval so the City Clerk and Bureau of Engineering can process the Public Notification pursuant to Section 8324 of the California Streets and Highways Code.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT:

The petitioner has paid a fee of$ 42,800.00 for the investigation of this request pursuant to Section 7.42 of the Administrative Code. Any deficit fee to recover the cost pursuant to Section 7.44 of the Administrative Code will be required ofthe petitioner.

Maintenance of the public easement by City forces will be eliminated.

NOTIFICATION:

That notification of the time and place of the Public Works Committee and the City Council meetings to consider this request be sent to:

1. Felix, LLC ATTN: Jeanette Shanunas 3330 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles CA 90007

Public Works Committee - 3 - C.D.No. 9

2. Richard Kayaian 2510 W 237th St Ste 208 Torrance CA 90505

3. Dominick Rubalcava 2115 Main St. Santa Monica CA 90405

4. Juliet Arroyo Studio Arab-esque 3021 S. Flower St. Los Angeles CA 90007

5. Joyce Dillard P.O. Box 31377 Los Angeles CA 90031

6. Bureau of Engineering, Environmental Management Group ATTN: James Tebbetts 1149 S Broadway, 61

h Floor Los Angeles, CA 90015

CONDITIONS:

The Conditions specified in this report are established as the requirements to be complied with by the petitioner for this vacation. Vacation proceedings in which the conditions have not been completed within 2 years of the Council's action on the City Engineer's report shall be terminated, with no further Council action.

1. That any fee deficit under Work Order E1401202 be paid.

2. That a suitable map, approved by the Central District Engineering office, delineating the limits, including bearings and distances, of the area to be vacated be submitted to the Land Development Group prior to the preparation of the Resolution to Vacate.

3. That a suitable legal description describing the area being vacated and all easements to be reserved, including copies of all necessary supporting documentation, be submitted to the Land Development Group of the Bureau of Engineering prior to preparation of the Resolution to Vacate.

4. That a title report indicating the vestee of the underlying fee title interest in the area to be vacated be submitted to the City Engineer.

Public Works Committee -4- C. D. No.9

5. That the following dedications be provided adjoining the petitioner's properties in a manner satisfactory to the City Engineer:

a. Dedicate 2.5 feet as public street along the southeasterly side of Figueroa Street to provide for a 52-foot wide half right-of-way between Jefferson Boulevard and 31" Street. Dedicate a variable width and 7.5 feet as public street along the southeasterly side of Figueroa at the intersection with Jefferson Boulevard, in accordance with the standard flare section. On Lots 5 and 6 of Block 2 of Mason Tract, dedications shall not be required where the existing structure is to remain in place.

b. Dedicate a variable width and 5 feet as public street along the northerly side of Jefferson Boulevard at the intersection with Figueroa Street, in accordance with the standard flare section. On Lot 6 of Block 2 of Mason tract, dedication shall not be required where the existing structure is to remain in place.

c. Dedicate a 20-foot radius property line return or a 15-foot by 15-foot comer cut at the southeast comer of the intersection of 31" Street and Figueroa Street.

d. Dedicate or retain from the vacation area, a 15-foot wide public walk from Flower Street to Figueroa Street.

6. That the following improvements be constructed adjoining the petitioner's properties in a manner satisfactory to the City Engineer:

a. Fill-in the newly dedicated 2.5 feet along the southeasterly side of Figueroa Street with concrete as additional concrete sidewalk.

b. Repair and/or replace all broken/off-grade/missing concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk on 31st Street, Figueroa Street, and Jefferson Boulevard.

c. Close the intersections of 33'd Street with Figueroa Street and Flower Street with standard street improvements including full height curb and gutters, and concrete sidewalks and, if necessary, with a new standard driveway approach.

d. Construct a 35-foot wide half roadway, integral curb and gutter and 10-foot wide sidewalk along the northwesterly side of Flower Street.

e. Construct a new access ramp at the northwest comer of the intersection of Flower Street and Jefferson Boulevard.

f. Close all existing unused driveways with full height curb and gutter, and

Public Works Committee -5- C. D. No.9

concrete sidewalk along 31st Street, Figueroa Street, Flower Street, and Jefferson Boulevard.

g. Provide for 15-foot wide concrete walk within the dedicated or retained pubic walk between Figueroa Street and Flower Street.

7. That arrangements be made with all utilities agencies maintaining facilities in the area including but not limited to the Department of Water and Power, AT&T, Southern California Gas Company for the removal of affected facilities or the providing of easements or rights for the protection of affected facilities to remain in place.

8. That satisfactory arrangements be made with the City Engineer for the relocation or abandonment of the existing sewer and storm drain facilities located within the area to be vacated, unless easements are reserved from the vacation for its protection.

9. That upon the reviews of the title report identifying the underlying fee title interest of the vacation area, an agreement be recorded satisfactory to the Bureau of Engineering to hold each parcel of land under the same ownership and its adjoining portions of the area to be vacated, as one parcel to preclude the creation of landlocked parcels. This is to remain effective until such time as a new subdivision map is recorded over said area, a parcel map exemption is permitted or until released by the authority of the City of Los Angeles.

10. That plot plans be submitted to the Fire Department for their review and approval.

11. That street lighting facilities be installed or removed as may be required by the Bureau of Street Lighting.

12. That street trees be planted and tree wells to be installed as may be required by the Urban Forestry Division of the Bureau of Street Services.

13. That sufficient arrangements be made with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority to allow for relocation of the bus layover location away from the street vacation area.

14. That satisfactory arrangements be made with the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the relocation or abandonment of the existing Caltrans storm drain facilities located within the area to be vacated, uuless easements are reserved from the vacation for their protection.

15. That satisfactory funds be deposited in the Special Parking Revenue Fund to pay for the loss of parking meter revenues associated with the removal of the parking

Public Works Committee -6- C.D.No. 9

meters on 33'd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street, to the satisfaction of the Department of Transportation.

16. That the owners of the property record a covenant and agreement acknowledging that if this site is to be redeveloped in the future, additional street dedication and improvement may be required at that time.

TRANSMITTAL:

Application dated April25, 2012, from Jeanette Shanunas, owner of Felix, LLC.

DISCUSSION:

Request: The petitioner, Felix LLC, owners of the properties shown outlined in yellow on Exhibit "B", is requesting the vacation of the public street area shown colored blue and orange. The purpose of the vacation request is to consolidate the area to be vacated with the adjoining properties to provide for an integrated and centralized auto dealership currently occupying both sides ofthe proposed vacated street.

This vacation procedure is being processed under procedures established by Council File No. 01-1459 adopted by the Los Angeles City Council on March 5, 2002.

Resolution to Vacate: The Resolution to Vacate will be recorded upon compliance with the conditions established for this vacation.

Previous Council Action: The City Council on April25, 2012, under Council File No. 12-0912 adopted a Rule 16 Motion initiating street vacation proceedings.

Zoning and Land Use: The properties adjoining the area to be vacated to the northeast and to the southwest are both zoned C2-1 L and are developed with automobile dealerships.

Description of Area to be Vacated: The area sought to be vacated is 33'd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street. The street is a Local Street dedicated 72 feet wide with a 24-foot half roadway and a 12-foot wide concrete sidewalk on both sides.

Adjoining Streets: Figueroa Street is a Major Highway Class II dedicated 99 feet wide with a 79-foot wide roadway, curbs, gutters and 10- foot wide sidewalks. Flower Street is a Secondary Highway (southbound one-way street) dedicated 90 feet wide with a 60-foot wide roadway, curbs, gutters and 15- foot wide sidewalks. Jefferson Boulevard is a Secondary Highway dedicated 90 feet wide with a 70-foot wide roadway, curbs, gutters and 10- foot wide sidewalks. 31" Street is a Local Street dedicated 60 feet wide with a 40-foot wide roadway, curbs, gutters and 10- foot wide sidewalks. 33'd Street is a Local Street dedicated 72 feet wide with a 48-foot wide roadway, curbs, gutters and 12- foot wide sidewalks.

Public Works Committee -7- C. D. No.9

Surrounding Properties: The owners of lots adjoining the vacation area have been notified of the proposed vacation.

Effects of Vacation on Circulation and Access: The vacation of the 33'd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street will have a certain effect on circulation since traffic would be diverted to either 31" Street or to Jefferson Boulevard. However, the effect would be minimal as 33'd street is non-continuous. A traffic study was prepared by Gibson Transportation Consulting Inc., on behalf of the applicant that indicated that the vacation would not result in any significant traffic impacts resulting from the future closure of the street. The Department of Transportation found the study assumptions and results to be acceptable. The area to be vacated currently serves as a bus layover station for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). MTA stated in its communication dated June 4, 2013 that its layover station could be relocated in the same general area without significant impact. Access should not be affected since the applicant owns all of the properties adjoining the proposed street to be vacated.

Objections to the vacation: Juliet Arroyo, owner of a business located at 3021 S Flower Street, in a letter dated June 10,2013 in response to the Negative Declaration indicated concern about the loss of parking, and various concerns about neighborhood safety, beautification, blight, pedestrian friendliness, and historic preservation. Joyce Dillard, in a communication dated June 10,2013 in response to the Negative Declaration commented on potential effects to be analyzed in the environmental study.

Reversionary Interest: No determination of the underlying fee interest ofthe vacation area has been made as to title or reversionary interest.

Dedications and Improvements: It will be necessary that the petitioner provide for the dedications and improvements as outlined in the conditions of this report.

Sewers and Storm Drains: There are existing sewer and storm drain facilities within the area proposed to be vacated.

Public Utilities: The Department of Water and Power maintains facilities within the area to be vacated. The Southern California Gas Company and AT&T did not respond to the Bureau of Engineering's referral letter dated May 8, 2012.

Tract Map: Since the required dedications can be acquired by separate instruments and the necessary improvements can be constructed under separate permit processes, the requirement for the recordation of a new tract map could be waived. However, it will be necessary that the petitioner record an agreement satisfactory to the Bureau of Engineering to hold each parcel ofland under the same ownership and its adjoining portion of the area to be vacated, as one parcel to preclude the creation of landlocked parcels. This is to remain effective until such time as a new subdivision map is recorded over the area, a parcel map exemption is permitted or until released by authority of the City of Los Angeles.

Public Works Committee -8- C. D. No.9

State Department of Transportation: The State of California Department of Transportation did not respond to the Bureau of Engineering's referral letter dated January 31, 2013.

City Department of Transportation: The Department of Transportation stated in its communication dated April9, 2013 that a traffic study dated March 26, 2013 was prepared by Gibson Transportation Consulting Inc., on behalf of the applicant. The study indicated that the vacation of 33'd Street would not result in any significant traffic impacts resulting from the future closure ofthe street. The study assumptions and results are acceptable to DOT.

The Department of Transportation further stated that it does not oppose the requested vacation provided that all abutting property owners are in agreement with the proposed vacation and that provisions are made for lot consolidation, driveway and access approval by DOT, and any additional dedications and improvements necessary to bring all adjacent streets into conformance with the City's Standard Street Dimensions. Also, the applicant should pay DOT a fee of $80,000 for the loss of parking meter revenues associated with the removal of eight (8) parking meters on 33'd Street between Figueroa Street and Flower Street. These funds should be deposited in the Special Parking Revenue Fund. In addition, the applicant should coordinate with the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) regarding the relocation of Metro Bus layover that currently utilizes 33'd Street.

City Fire Department: The Fire Department in its letter dated May 31, 2012 stated that it has no objection to this Street Vacation and provides the following recommendations:

1. Submit plot plans for Fire Department approval and review prior to recordation of Street Vacation.

2. Construction of public or private roadway in the proposed development shall not exceed 15 percent in grade.

3. Private development shall conform to the standard street dimensions shown on Department of Public Works Standard Plan S-470-0.

4. The width of private roadways for general access use and fire lanes shall not be less than 20 feet, and the fire lane must be clear to the sky. When a fire lane must accommodate the operation of Fire Department aerial ladder apparatus or where fire hydrants are installed, those portions shall not be less than 28 feet in width.

5. No building or portion of a building and the entrance or exit of all ground dwelling units shall be constructed more than 150 feet from the edge of a roadway of an improved street, access road, or designated fire lane.

6. Where access for a given development requires accommodation of Fire

Public Works Committee -9- C.D.No. 9

Department apparatus, overhead clearance shall not be less than 14 feet.

7. Any required fire hydrants to be installed shall be fully operational and accepted by the Fire Department prior to any building construction and no building or portion of a building shall be constructed more than 300 feet from an approved fire hydrant.

8. Private streets shall be recorded as Private Streets, AND Fire Lane. All private street plans shall show the words " Private Street and Fire Lane" within the private street easement.

9. All parking restrictions for fire lanes shall be posted and/or painted prior to any Temporary Certificate of Occupancy being issued. Plans showing areas to be posted and/or painted, "FIRE LANE NO PARKING" shall be submitted and approved by the Fire Department prior to building permit application sign-off.

10. Any required Fire Annunciator panel or Fire Control Room shall be located within 50ft visual line of site of the main entrance stairwell or to the satisfaction of the Fire Department.

11. Entrance to the main lobby shall be located off the address side of the building.

Department of City Planning: The Department of City Plarming in its letter dated September 9, 2013, found the street vacation to be inconsistent with the present-day Southeast Los Angeles Community Plan policies and objectives because it would eliminate potential pedestrian-oriented street frontages along 33'd Street and because it would double the Figueroa Street frontage to approximately 840 feet, requiring pedestrians to travel a significant distance before being able to traverse to Flower Street and/or the adjacent Metro Expo Line station located at Jefferson Boulevard and Flower Street.

The Department of City Plarming further stated:

"It is worth highlighting that the Southeast Los Angeles Community Plan was adopted in March of2000, prior to the completion of the Metro Expo light rail, prior to the completion of the USC Galen Center located at Jefferson and Figueroa, and prior to the completion of the USC Specific Plan, all of which have and will continue to infuse this location with a high level of pedestrian activity. The Department of City Planning's long range plarming efforts for this area envision it a s a Transit Oriented District, wherein more complete policies will be set in place regarding public rights-of-way that are oriented to all users (automobiles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.), where significant development potential will be allowed for on the adjacent parcels, and where development standards will be imposed to ensure that projects are well suited to a robust pedestrian environment.

Public Works Committee - 10- C.D.No. 9

While the Department of City Planning can foresee that 33'd Street may not represent an essential component of the vehicular circulation network, we view this street as important from a pedestrian circulation standpoint. We can therefore support any potential partial vacation, and/or easement scenario wherein a pedestrian passageway is maintained in generally the same location as the existing 33'd Street right-of-way, that is at minimum 15 feet in width, and that is substantially open to the sky (allowing for potential circulation bridges across the passageway, from one building to the next, affecting no more than I 0% ofthe passageway depth from Figueroa to Flower)."

Conclusion: The vacation of the public street area as shown colored blue on attached Exhibit "B" could be conditionally approved based upon the following:

I. It is unnecessary for present or prospective public use.

2. It is not needed for vehicular circulation or access.

3. It is not needed for non-motorized transportation purposes.

The area shown colored orange should not be vacated because it is needed for public street purposes.

Report prepared by:

LAND DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Dale Williams (213) 202-3491

EY/DW/

R~:zbmitted,

/~tew~ Land Development Group Bureau of Engineering

Q:\LANDDEV\STREET VACATIONS\El401202- 33rd street\Vacation (approval) report. doc

I I

INFORMATION ON THIS MAP IS

PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

TITLE: 33RD STREET BETWEEN FIGUEROA STREET AND FLOWER STREET

WORK ORDER NO. VAC- E1401202

COUNCIL FILE NO. _.:...=.___..:::..::::....!..=. ___ ~

COUNCIL DIST. 9 DIV. INDEX 155 ENG. DIST. CENTRAL T.G. 674-C1

DISTRICT MAP ___:_:12::.::0::.._:_.:A~20:::::3::..._ ___ ---J

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

BUREAU OF ENGINEERING

CITY OF LOS ANGELES

EXHIBIT B Legend: Vacation boundary as shown • • •

APPLICATION FOR VACATION OF PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ORIGINAL- (No copies or faxes}

PROJECT LOCATION AND .DESCRIPTION:

(1) Area proposed to be vacated is:w. 33rd Street, IDs Angeles, CA (Street/ Avenue/Boulevard/alley /walk: N/S/E/W of)

and is located between: south Figuerw~ st. and South Flower St. (Street, Avenue, Boulevard or other limit) (Street, Avenue, Boulevard or other limit) ·

• Attach a map if necessary. (2) The vacation area lies within or is shown on:

(a) Engineering District: {check appropdately)

(b)

(c)

(d)

~ ) Central ( ) Harbor ( ) Valley ( ) West Los Angeles

Council District No. 9:::,_ __

District Map No. 120. A 203

A CRA Redevelopment Area: ----::-=::---OR No (YES) (NO)

N

~1: ·< ;;--) "'~~ . .__,,., .,._, :---~

-·{ '···"

(3) Area (in sq. ft.) of the proposed vacation area is approx. 24 ,_ 588 -·sq. eft. If o'E!J;r ~i 10,000 sq. ft. of buildable area, the vacation is not categorically exempt from the ~ Califomia Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and will require a higher level of environmental review. Contact a vacation.staffmember to discuss the effect of

- this on the processing of your· application prior to submittal. lf the applicant is required to have an environmental determination perforri1ed by the Bureau of Enginee1:ing Environmental Management Group, the applicant must submit an additional $30,000 fee deposit. This will also increase the processing time by

· approximately 6 months. ·

~ If the vacation · is located · within a Coastal Development Zone, a Coastal Development Permit will be required for the project. The applicant should be aware that vacations within a Coastal Developmei1t Zone will take longer to process and will be considerably more expensfve. If the applicant is required to have a Coastal Development Permit processed by the Bureau ofEngineering Environmental Management Group, the applicant must si1bmit an additional $30,000 fee deposit. . ·

* Some city agencies, including LADOT, may require additional fees to be . deposited to cover costS during the referral and investigation process. The applicant is responsible for paying the fees to the agency directly. Referral fees paid to other city agencies are separate from the Bureau of Engineering processing fees.

• .If the proposed vacation is only for a portion of the. Right-of-Way or a partial block, contact a vacation statf member prior to submitting application.

(4) Purpose of vacation (future use ofvacatio·n area) is: See attached description of,project.

(5) Vacation is in conjunction with: (Check appropriately)

( ) Revocable Permit ( ) Tract Map ( ) Parcel Map ( ) Zone Change ( ) Other ______________________ _

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Environmental Management Group 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 600

Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 485-5753 Tel. (213) 847-0656 Fax

From: James R Tebbetts, ES II To: Dale Williams, CE

Date: June 17, 2013

Address 201 N Figueroa St., 2"a Floor, Los Angeles, Ca 90012 Tel. (213) 202-3491 Fax ---------------------------------------------------------------

ITEM:

_:...:X_ Enclosed

1

TRANSMITTED:

___ For your use For your review and

___ approval -===-:-::-:::-: Per your request

REMARKS:

cc:

Under separate cover via

Negative Declaration (dated May 2, 2013) with Initial Study with Appendices (dated May 2, 2013) and Comments and responses associated with the public review and comment period (dated June 17, 2013) for Vacation request for 33'd Street, between Figueroa Street and Flower Street.

___ Review, Comment & Return Revise and resubmit

--'-X-'--- Other For inclusion in your report

I

FORM GEN. 160 (Rev. 11-02)

Date: June 17, 2013

CITY OF LOS ANGELES INTERDEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE

To: Dale Williams, CE Land Use Development

From: mes R Tebbetts, ESII · vironmental Management Group

Subject: nvironmental Documents -Vacation of 33'd Street, between Figueroa Street and Flower Street

Here is the suggested Text for the EMG portion of the Report to the Board of Public Works and/or City Council. Should you have any questions, please let me know.

Consideration of Initial Study, Adoption of Negative Declaration, and ..... (Approval of Proposed Street Vacation - 33rd Street, between Figueroa Street and Flower Street, north of Jefferson Boulevard (WO E1401202))

Recommendations:

Consider the Negative Declaration, prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which finds that the project will not cause significant impacts to the environment, adopt this report, and then forward this report and transmittals to City Council with the following recommendations:

1. Review and consider the Negative Declaration.

2. Find that, on the basis of the whole record, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the Negative Declaration reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis.

3. Adopt the Negative Declaration.

Transmittal: Negative Declaration (dated May 2, 2013) with Initial Study with Appendices (dated May 2, 2013) and Comments and responses associated with the public review and comment period (dated June 17, 2013).

Environmental Documents -Vacation of 33'd Street, between Figueroa Street and Flower Street

Discussion

The proposed Negative Declaration and Initial Study (NG-13-125-BE) were circulated for public and agency review and comment from May 81

h to June 101h, 2013. Three (3)

comments were received during this period. The comments and responses to the comments are included as part of the Transmittals. No significant impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures will be implemented for this project.

Should you have any questions, please let me know at either 213-485-5732 or james.tebbetts@lacity.org.