The Verdugo Wash Project: Whose Voice Matters in Glendale’s Future?
The Verdugo Wash project has sparked intense debate in Glendale. At the heart of this issue are key questions about influence, priorities, and the future of our neighborhoods. As a major urban development project, it’s poised to impact residents, businesses, cyclists, and the overall fabric of the community. But who should have the most say in what happens next?
Should Cyclists Outside of the Impacted Area Sway the Decision?
One prominent supporter of the Verdugo Wash project is the Walk Bike Glendale Association, a member of the more significant association CalBike, with over 30,000 dues-paying members across California. While cycling advocacy is essential for promoting sustainable transportation, it raises a substantial question: Should cyclists, many of whom don’t live near the impacted areas, have as much influence as they do in determining the future of this project?
Cycling advocates, including those from other parts of Los Angeles, have been vocal about pushing for the completion of the Verdugo Wash project and the Master Bike plan for Glendale. But should their voices be given more weight than those who live along the path of the proposed developments? Property owners and residents who have built their lives in these neighborhoods are the ones who will experience the day-to-day impacts of construction, increased noise, traffic, and potential changes to the character of their community.
Do Property Owners Deserve More Influence?
The residents and property owners near the Verdugo Wash project arguably have the most at stake. From noise and disruption during construction to the potential for increased foot and bike traffic once the project is complete, the consequences are more immediate for them. Yet, their concerns may not receive the attention they deserve from the City of Glendale.
Regarding a project like this, should those most directly affected have a more significant say? These residents aren’t against development—they’re against development that could harm their way of life without offering enough benefits. Why is the City of Glendale not giving more voice to these homeowners, who will see their property values, peace, and local environment impacted by decisions they didn’t fully support?
The Role of the Bike Coalition: Influence vs. Representation
The Bike Coalition is a well-organized advocacy group that often presents surveys, petitions, and even Reddit discussions to city officials as evidence of public support for cycling infrastructure. But does the group’s well-coordinated nature mean it should have more influence over the project than the general community?
Organized advocacy groups play a crucial role in public policy. However, when decisions affect the broader community, the voices of those not organized in coalitions must also be heard. Why should a select group’s agenda outweigh the opinions of the entire city? Shouldn’t the City Council prioritize local interests over outside pressures and organized advocacy for example Save the Wash?
Why Is Glendale Ignoring Local Businesses and Residents?
Another point of frustration is how the City of Glendale seems to be ignoring feedback from local businesses and residents. Hundreds of community emails have expressed concern about the Verdugo Wash project and the proposed bike lanes, yet they seem sidelined in favor of outside interests. Local companies, which could be directly affected by changes to traffic patterns, parking, and customer flow, should be involved in the conversation. Why has the city overlooked their input?
Moreover, why does the City Council Brotman, when receiving pushback, often dismiss legitimate concerns as being driven by a so-called “MAGA-fiction”? Shouldn’t the council engage in constructive dialogue instead of resorting to divisive rhetoric and fearmongering?
The Bigger Picture: Vision Zero and Glendale’s Master Bike Lane Plan
This debate extends beyond the Verdugo Wash Vision Plan project. Glendale’s Master Bike Lane Plan are also central to these discussions. The city has already eliminated lanes from major thoroughfares and reduced parking, hoping people will switch to bicycles. But is this a realistic solution for Glendale, where the terrain is hilly, and the public transportation system is limited?
How much money has the city spent on bike lanes over the past decade, and what are the results? City officials often claim that grant money covers these projects, but in the end, they still use city resources. Shouldn’t we focus on improving public transportation and infrastructure for everyone instead of pushing a narrow agenda that benefits a select group?
What’s the Real Motive Behind the Push for Bike Lanes?
According to Assemblymember Laura Friedman, the goal is to get people out of their cars—even if it means forcing them out. Is this the right attitude, especially in a city where many families rely on their vehicles to navigate the hilly terrain and reach schools and businesses tucked away in remote areas? Does Friedman expect parents to bike their toddlers up and down steep streets to school? Assemblymember Laura Friedman allocated $6 Million dollars to this project.
Furthermore, the Verdugo Wash Vision Plan’s questionnaire asks residents which designs are most appealing, offering beautiful renderings of concrete trails, steps, and waterfalls. But why are we adding more concrete when the focus should be on preserving green spaces, wildlife, and natural habitats? Don’t forget to mention the water. The City of LA won’t let the Crescenta Valley Water District divert some water from this wash to help fill their wells without charging them. The city would rather see the water go to the ocean than see a community with water reserves. But by all means, let’s build giant fountains.
Why Import Design from New York for California’s Desert Environment?
Lastly, there’s the matter of the design. Hey, Glendale, have you ever heard of Shop Local? Glendale went to New York City to hire an urban landscape design firm for this project, and this is justified because they also hired Buro Happold’s worldwide consulting firm, which opened an LA office in 2006. While finding the best talent is essential, why wasn’t a local firm from California, familiar with our desert climate and regional needs, chosen? Glendale’s leaders seem more interested in outside perspectives than in supporting local expertise.
The Bigger Question: Who Benefits?
The Verdugo Wash project, at its core, seems to serve a narrow set of interests. With 90 miles of miles of bike lanes already planned throughout Glendale, is this project necessary? The plan touts a 9.4-mile linear park, starting near the far end of Crescenta Valley Park, a 38.42-acre park in our green, tree-filled valley, ending at the 134 and 5 Freeway intersection in South Glendale. The hope is to connect to the LA River Project. But is that enough to justify the disruption to neighborhoods like Whiting Woods, Glenwood Oaks, and Sycamore Woods? Did you realize it’s only 3.2 miles from CV Park to Oakmont Country Club? But they will dig and pollute these charming hillside neighborhoods for the sake of a vision to urbanize. CV park has trails and unique gathering places, the first Dog Park in LA County, a skate Park, a community center, baseball, basketball, and playgrounds. Is this project going through Oakmont Country Club? And why is La Crescenta Ave being reduced by two lanes to add bike lanes to have the Verdugo Wash project traverse along the side? Perhaps residents do not want to have an urban design in their community.
The City of Glendale should listen to its residents, not outsiders pushing their agendas. Before moving forward, the council must seriously consider the concerns of property owners, local businesses, and everyday citizens who will be directly affected. It’s time for a more balanced and inclusive conversation about Glendale’s future—one that prioritizes the people who live here, not just those who advocate for cycling.