Michigan Avenue, the Next 'Green' Street

The city is seeking residents' feedback as it redesigns a 3-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue so it's safer and more comfortable to walk, bike, play and relax.

Called the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway, the project boundaries are from Seventh Street at the eastern edge of Santa Monica High School to 20th Street. It also includes the section between 21st Street and the Bergamot Station Arts Center.

Ideas so far are similar those enhancements made recently along Ocean Park Boulevard, including placing benches and public art along the corridor, improving crosswalks and planting more trees and shrubs, according to transportation planner Jason Kligier.

Kligier says he wants input from residents who live along Michigan Avenue and in the Pico Neighborhood, and from the Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica College and Bergamot Station communities.

A public planning workshop is scheduled March 16.

Planners will give an overview of the project, then lead a one-hour walk or bike "audit" along Michigan Avenue. Refreshments, childcare, and Spanish translation will be provided.

The Ocean Park Boulevard improvements took about a year to complete and cost $4 million. Klieger said a budget hasn't been assigned to the Michigan Avenue project. The design work is funded by a Caltrans Environmental Justice Grant.

"We are working on outreach and conceptual design," he said.

The March 16 meeting is 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Thelma Terry Building at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Avenue.

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