Oppose City's Participation in Metro TCN Program

Oppose City’s Participation in Metro TCN Program

Proposed by Chris Spitz and Barbara Broide/WRAC LUPC and MTC on August 21, 2023

Formally adopted by WRAC in September 2023 | Download the WRAC position letter

Passed by

Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council (modified version)
Brentwood Community Council (modified version)
Mar Vista Community Council (modified version)
Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa
Pacific Palisades Community Council (modified version)
Venice Neighborhood Council (modified version)
West LA-Sawtelle Neighborhood Council (modified version)
Westside Neighborhood Council (modified version)
Westwood Community Council
Westwood Neighborhood Council (modified version)

Motion

Refers to City Council file 22-0392

Referencing Council File 22-0392:

____ NC/CC, a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), has significant concerns about process and substance related to the Metro Transportation Communication Network (TCN) program, including the fact that:

the program moved forward without notice to or substantive community input from stakeholders prior to implementation of an EIR process; this is in contravention of expected norms as well as WRAC’s Statement of Principles (Standing Rule 4 of the WRAC Bylaws), which calls for advance notice and ample time to review and comment by WRAC’s member councils on all proposed public infrastructure or other public property developments;
the City ceded its power as lead agency for EIR purposes to the Metro board, which approved the EIR for Metro TCN on consent overriding considerations with impacts on City resources;
Metro TCN is a digital billboard advertising program with moving images that will: (1) distract drivers and create dangerous situations which will undermine the City’s Vision Zero goals, and (2) blight the visual environment of 22 Community Plan areas in Los Angeles;
Metro TCN in substance contravenes longstanding WRAC positions opposed to digital billboards (outside of sign districts in areas already zoned as regional/commercial) and to digital advertising in the public right of way (proposed “IKE” kiosks);

Therefore, ____ NC/CC opposes the City’s participation in the Metro TCN program and specifically opposes adoption of the proposed City ordinances that would fast track implementation of the Metro TCN program within the City of Los Angeles.

Background

Background Information

Updated DCP Metro TCN Webpage

Recent Action Alert (from Coalition for a Beautiful Los Angeles)

CPC Staff Report (released on Friday 9/1/23)

Note: Per the DCP FAQ (linked on the webpage above), Metro TCN digital billboards are proposed for 22 community plan areas in Los Angeles, including 10 billboard structures with 17 digital display sign faces proposed for WRAC member council areas (in Palms/Mar Vista/Del Rey, West Los Angeles and Westchester/Playa del Rey). See map of Westside locations here.

The Metro TCN program/proposed City ordinance/s (necessary to permit these digital billboards to be erected) will be heard by the City Planning Commission on September 14; initial substantive written comment is due September 5; other comment is due on September 12. WRAC has also requested postponement of the hearing (see letter linked below in Notes).

if approved, the matter must then be heard and voted on by the City Council. A companion WRAC-recommended motion calls for the program to be referred to the City Council Transportation Committee and LADOT for further review and research as to impacts on roadway user distraction, before any final decision by the City Council. See 12/13/23 WRAC letter linked in Notes below.

UPDATE as of 12/13/23: program approved (with modifications) by the CPC on 9/14/23; program heard in City Council PLUM Cmtee and approved with amendments; then heard in City Council 12/8/23 and failed to pass unanimously (No votes by Park, Raman, Yaroslavksy); to be heard again in Council 12/15/23.

Contact Barbara Broide, Chris Spitz or Maryam Zar for more information