Proposed Citizen Initiative: Whittier Transit Coordination, Safety, and Access Ordinance

Editorial Disclosure: This content is being published for informational purposes only. The proposed initiative below was drafted by Rebecca Canales in her personal capacity.

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The Goldline Station is a subway station that has been proposed for Whittier.

PROPOSED INITIATIVE ORDINANCE

CITY OF WHITTIER

THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF WHITTIER DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. TITLE

This Ordinance shall be known as the “Whittier Transit Coordination, Safety, and Access Ordinance.”

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Ordinance is to:

• Establish a framework for the City’s coordination with regional transit projects, including the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2;

• Promote public safety in and around transit facilities;

• Ensure adequate access, including parking and mobility options;

• Provide transparency and public engagement;

• Ensure that any decision to oppose such projects is based on clear, documented, and limited conditions.

SECTION 3. CITY COORDINATION POLICY

A. The City shall coordinate with regional transit agencies, including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), regarding transit projects affecting the City.

B. Such coordination shall be consistent with:

• Applicable federal and state law;

• The City’s planning authority;

• The provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. STATION AREA SAFETY PLAN

A. To the extent permitted by law, the City shall require development of a Station Area Safety Plan for any transit station within or affecting the City.

B. The Safety Plan shall include:

• Adequate lighting and visibility design;

• Surveillance systems where appropriate;

• Maintenance and cleanliness standards;

• Coordination with local law enforcement and transit security providers;

• Clearly defined emergency response and reporting procedures.

C. The requirements of this section shall be initiated within 90 days of the City receiving formal written notice from a regional transit agency that the project has entered a planning, environmental review, or design phase affecting the City.

D. The City shall proceed with reasonable diligence and shall not unreasonably delay preparation of the Safety Plan.

SECTION 5. PARKING AND ACCESS PLAN

A. To the extent permitted by law, the City shall require preparation of a Parking and Access Plan for any transit station project within or affecting the City.

B. The Plan shall include:

• Assessment of projected parking demand;

• Evaluation of parking supply, including:

  • On-site parking

  • Structured parking feasibility

  • Shared-use parking opportunities;

• Traffic circulation and neighborhood impact analysis;

• Consideration of alternative access options, including:

  • Transit connections

  • Bicycle and pedestrian access

  • Drop-off and pick-up zones.

C. The requirements of this section shall be initiated within 90 days of the City receiving formal written notice from a regional transit agency that the project has entered a planning, environmental review, or design phase affecting the City.

D. The Plan shall be made publicly available, and the City shall proceed with reasonable diligence without unreasonable delay.

SECTION 6. PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY AND INPUT

A. The City shall provide opportunities for public input regarding transit station planning and related impacts.

B. Prior to taking final action related to station approval or coordination, the City shall:

• Provide public notice;

• Conduct at least one public hearing;

• Make relevant planning documents publicly available.

SECTION 7. LIMITATION ON CITY OPPOSITION

A. The City of Whittier shall not take any official action to oppose, withdraw support from, or materially obstruct the development of a regional transit project within or affecting the City, including the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2, except as provided in this section.

B. The City may take such action only upon making written findings, supported by substantial evidence, that:

1. The project would result in a significant and unavoidable threat to public health or safety that cannot be mitigated, as demonstrated by a written assessment prepared by an independent, qualified professional with relevant expertise and no financial or organizational conflict of interest;

2. The project would result in substantial and unreasonable impacts to City infrastructure or essential services that cannot be mitigated; or

3. The project would require the City to take actions that would violate federal or state law or exceed its legal authority.

C. All findings under this section shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record, including independent professional analysis where applicable.

D. Prior to taking any action described in subsection A, the City shall:

• Provide public notice;

• Conduct at least one public hearing;

• Publish the written findings and supporting evidence.

E. Any action by the City to oppose or materially obstruct the project shall require approval by the voters of the City at a regularly scheduled election.

F. Notwithstanding subsection E, the City may take temporary action to address an immediate and documented threat to public health or safety, provided that:

1. Such action is narrowly tailored and limited in duration; and

2. The City places the matter before the voters at the next regularly scheduled election if continued opposition is proposed.

SECTION 8. LIMITATIONS

Nothing in this Ordinance shall:

A. Require the City to take actions that exceed its legal authority;

B. Interfere with the lawful authority of federal, state, or regional agencies;

C. Require approval of any specific project design, location, or funding commitment.

SECTION 9. IMPLEMENTATION

A. The City Manager or designee shall adopt administrative procedures to implement this Ordinance.

B. Implementation shall be subject to:

• Applicable law;

• Available resources;

• Budgetary appropriations.

SECTION 10. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect in accordance with California law following voter approval.