The Ultimate Measure R2 Fantasy Map

Image Credit: Move LA

Transportation advocacy group Move LA, one of the driving forces behind the transformative Measure R, has cooked up a mouth watering fantasy map for a sequel ballot initiative in 2016.  Measure R2, as per its most recent draft proposal, could fund a slew of transportation improvements throughout Los Angeles County via a 45-year, half-cent sales tax.  As reported this past April by Streetsblog LA, the tentative plan allots revenue as follows:

• 30% for new Metro Rail and BRT Capital
• 20% for Transit Operations
• 20% for Highways
• 15% for Local Return
• 6% for Clean Goods Movement
• 5% for Metrolink Capital
• 4% for Active Transportation

LA City Councilmembers Want Blue Line Extension to San Pedro

A Long Beach-bound Blue Line Train.  Image Credit: Los Angeles Times

Despite being home to the United States' busiest container port, the waterfront community of San Pedro has long been isolated from Los Angeles County's Metro Rail network.  Two members of the LA City Council are trying to change that.  Yesterday, Councilmemembers Tom LaBonge (4th District) and Jose Buscaino (15th District) introduced a motion which requests that Metro report on the feasibility of a new light rail line connecting the Wilmington/San Pedro area to the Blue Line.  Known as the Harbor Line, the expansion concept has existed for well over two decades, appearing in several past visions of the Metro Rail system.  Although there are no immediate plans or funding available to construct the Harbor Line, the project could be incorporated into a future transportation ballot measure.  Notably, the light rail line was included in transit advocacy group MoveLA's "strawman," proposal for Measure R2.  In MoveLA's tentative plan, the Harbor Line would function as an extension of the Green and Crenshaw Lines, running south towards Wilmington before turning east to meet the Blue Line in Long Beach.

Redondo Beach's 405 Adjacent Hotel Development

If you've ever wanted to stay at a 405 adjacent hotel built over a defunct miniature golf course, you may get your chance within the next year.  According to the Daily Breeze, TRCF Development broke ground on a two hotel development at Marine Avenue back in Spring.  As of today, construction is up to the fourth floor on both buildings.  Scheduled to open in 2014, the project will create a 147 room Hilton Garden Inn and a 172 room Marriott Residence Inn.  The hotels are conveniently located next to Redondo Beach Station, current western terminus of the Metro Green Line.

Image from Taag Architects via the Daily Breeze

• Hotel Project in Redondo Beach to Move Forward on Freeway-Adjacent Lot (Daily Breeze)