Pedestrian crossings in Encino are stuck in the 1950s

A few years ago there was a move by some residents to landscape a dozen pedestrian crossings on Ventura Boulevard in Encino. It was a good idea although they never clarified for the public if it meant median islands or curb extensions or what (for a list of options click here). It fell victim to the usual problem of “Too much democracy.” Translation: when the most powerful stakeholders are asked for their opinion, no one else’s opinion matters.

So who do you think killed the pedestrian crossing improvements?

I have it on good authority that it was the landlords. If this is indeed true, and I am happy for someone to prove me wrong, then this seems to be against their best interests. Why would they protect the rights of motorists who speed down Ventura Boulevard without stopping, when they could look out for the retailers and medical/dental companies who lease from them by slowing traffic, building pedestrian walkways and thus turning Encino into more of a commercial hub just as Studio City and to a lesser degree Sherman Oaks are doing? If they didn’t like the original proposal, did they suggest improvements?

The issue of safe pedestrian crossings will become more critical in the years ahead because of the growing elderly population in Encino, many of whom are opting for assisted living and apartments along Ventura. They can’t scoot across intersections that fast and urban planners worry that fatalities will rise. And it is not just the elderly. In Encino many Orthodox walk to temple and parents worry when their kids cross the street to catch buses to school.

You would think landlords might take a more sympathetic and entrepreneurial approach to this, no? Isn’t that what they pride themselves on – being forward-thinking?

The photo shows a mid-block median island in Canada – credit Richard Drdul/Wikipedia.