Published on March 12, 2024
The City Council unanimously approved two static monument signs highlighting businesses located within the Culver Steps promenade. The Steps Owner has offered to donate the one-time capital cost of the fabrication and installation, which will cost approximately $95,000 for the fabrication of two static signs. The total costs would also include installation of the signs, which are estimated to be $20,000.
The preliminary design incorporates wood and concrete elements, with removable business panels. It is proposed that eligibility for the program be limited to those businesses that are located on the ground floor of Town Plaza with obscured visibility from either Culver or Washington Boulevards.
The City will bear the costs of maintaining the signs going forward, but those costs are expected to be offset by the annual maintenance fee paid for by businesses. Businesses that sell products, goods, and services related to adult themes, smoking, firearms, alcohol, or cannabis would not be eligible to obtain a Business Panel. You can read more of the draft sign licensing program on the City’s website.
The City Council agreed to resubmit a joint application under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) that would bring in millions of dollars for several projects in Culver City. If the grant is awarded, it would amount to $35 million for construction of the Jubilo Village affordable housing project located at 4464 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, and $14 million for City Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transmit Infrastructure.
The housing project will be a 100 percent affordable housing development that will provide 95 affordable one, two and three-bedroom apartments to at-risk and low-income households. The development will be service-enriched and provide onsite supportive services through a partnership with Upward Bound House (UBH), a Culver City local emergency shelter for homeless children and their families.
The City Council modified the grant application to propose seeking $4 million for various new bicycle lanes within a 1-mile radius of the project which will not adversely affect the current availability of parking or traffic lanes.
For the pedestrian project, approximately $1.5 million, would have numerous enhancements within the 1-mile radius of the aforementioned housing project, including: sidewalk repairs, upgrading curb ramps to ADA standards, installing high visibility crosswalk markings, and upgrading pedestrian push buttons at signalized intersections to be fully accessible. The grant application includes a proposal for a new sidewalk around the southern perimeter of Lindberg Park, which could be built from concrete or decomposed granite.
The transit project, approximately for $8.5 million, would see improvements for Culver CityBus Line 6 and Rapid 6 which serve Sepulveda Boulevard between UCLA and LAX.
Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Vice Mayor Dan O’Brien, and Council Member Freddy Puza voted in favor. Council Members Albert Vera Jr. and Goran Eriksson abstained from the vote. The application deadline is March 19th and awards will be announced August 2024.
The City Council revisited subchapters in the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) focused on Parks, Public Buildings and Property. In January, the City Council unanimously voted to receive feedback from the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC) on suggested language related to park bathrooms. The process of revisions began back in 2018. While City Council agreed to adopt several revisions in January, including definitions and sections, as well as clarifying procedures and authority for permits and agreements, and a list of prohibited activities, there was concerned voiced about the language regarding gender and bathrooms. In that January meeting, City Council Members unanimously agreed that the current prohibition on use of restrooms and washrooms designated for the opposite sex should be removed. On Monday, after receiving recommendations from EHRAC, City Council unanimously approved the language to add to ensure that people of all types of gender identify felt welcome in park restrooms.
9.10.200 PROHIBITIONS. It shall be unlawful for any person to do any of the following in public buildings or on public property: … F. Within any restroom, shower, changing room, and locker room in a public building or on public property, to fight or challenge another person to fight; to maliciously or willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise; to use offensive words that are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction from another person; or to engage in bullying, as defined by City Council resolution.
Council also agreed to the following additional language:
Section 9.10.205 - Restroom, Shower, Changing Room, and Locker Room Facilities A. This Section shall apply to restroom, shower, changing room, or locker room facilities in a City of Culver City public building or on public property. B. An individual shall not be requested or required to use gender-segregated facilities that are inconsistent with that individual’s gender expression or gender identity, or to use separate or gender-neutral facilities. C. Whenever feasible, the City shall provide options for privacy, such as additional or single-use gender-neutral facilities, that are available to any individual. D. The same standards will be consistently applied to all facility users, regardless of gender expression or gender identity.
Additional items approved by the City Council include:
Additional information about each of the topics heard at the City Council meeting can be found in the staff reports and backup attachments for the items, which are posted along with the agenda to the City’s website. The video of the City Council meeting will be made available on the City’s website for viewing.
The City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 18th.