01-18-2000 - City Entry Monument SignsCity of 4Nest Covina
Memorandum
A.
AGENDA
TO: City Council and the City Manager ITEM NO. E-2
DATE January 18, 2000
FROM: Christopher J. Chung, Redevelopment Director ®PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
SUBJECT: CITY ENTRY MONUMENT SIGNS
SUMMARY: The City Council will consider alternatives for implementation of the City
Entry Monument Sign project.
BACKGROUND:
One of the City's economic development goals is to develop a positive image through the
establishment of a strong identity. One way to accomplish this is through the installation of
entry monument signs. Although these signs have been recommended a number of times in the
past, completion of this project has been delayed due to funding constraints. Members of the
City Council have requested the entry monument sign project be brought back for consideration
this fiscal year. There is also interest in displaying' the insignia of active community service
clubs on monument signs. Entry signs are currently incorporated in the five-year capital
improvement program for fiscal year 2003-04.
DISCUSSION:
Staff conducted a monument sign survey of eight local cities. All -but the City of Industry had
installed one or more monument signs. Of those with•monument signs, all but Arcadia displayed
service club logos on one or more signs.
Monument Sign Survey Results
City
Signs
Number
Clubs
Cost
Alhambra
Y
3
Y
$24,333.33/ea
Arcadia
Y
3
N
$15,000/ea .
Baldwin Park
Y
1
Y
Unknown
Covina
Y
3
Y
Unknown
Glendora
Y
2
Y
Unknown
Industry
N
NA
NA
NA
Monrovia
Y
3,
Y
Unknown
Walnut
Y
1
Y
Unknown
Sign Locations
The sign locations recommended in this report are based on a study prepared in the mid-90's
(Attachment No. 1). Although some elements of the report are dated, it provides an excellent
analysis of suitable monument sign locations. Ten locations are identified in the report. Of
these, two potential locations were not recommended. The eight remaining locations also
include recommendations for varying amounts of landscaping and street improvements. For
purposes of this report, the discussion and estimates are based on design and construction of
uniform two-sided entry monument signs. Supplemental landscaping and street improvements
were not included in cost estimates. The following locations are presented for consideration.
1. Sunset Avenue north of I-10. In median near Carlton Avenue.
2. Vincent Avenue. north of the I-10. In median near Louisa Avenue.
3. Azusa Avenue north of the I-10. In median at City boundary.
4. Citrus in the vicinity of Eastland Center. In landscaped median just south of Workman Avenue.
5. Glendora Avenue near the southern City boundary. In median directly north of City boundary.
6. Azusa Avenue in vicinity of Amar Road. In median north of Amar intersection.
7. Amar Avenue west -of Nogales Street. In median adjacent to Paseo Merida.
8. Sunset Avenue north of Fair Grove Avenue. In Sunset median -just north of Devale Street.
City Council and the City Manager
January 18, 2000
Page 2
As the City Council may recall, in the mid-90's, Geographics (former marketing consultant for
the Redevelopment Agency) was retained to design a conceptual monument sign design, which
is shown below. Should the Agency desire to proceed with the implementation of designs and
preparing "plans and specifications" for the monument sign,.the Agency may either direct staff
to finalize the design that was previously presented by Geographics and authorize the production
of plans and specifications, or instruct staff to develop alternative designs and concepts for
Agency Board consideration. Staff estimates the cost to produce a new design at $5,000 to
$10,000.
Designed by Geographics
Service Clubs
The display of service club symbols on entry monument signs or other locations in the public
right of way or owned by the City is allowable. Several approaches are available. For example,
the City of Alhambra displays service club symbols on all their signs. Others have designated
just one sign for service clubs with other monument signs reserved for city identification. Most
cities surveyed fell in this classification. The City of Arcadia was the only city that did not allow
the placement of service club logos. on their monument signs. Where service club logos were
allowed, the service clubs either provided the logo or paid the city's installation cost. If inclusion
of service club signs is desired, it is recommended that the City determine a uniform size and
require participating clubs to pay the accompanying costs. Photographs of sample signs are
included as Attachment No. 2.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of this project is estimated at $185,000. Of this, the conceptual design and the
development of construction . drawings for monument signs is estimated to be $25,000.
Installation and construction of eight signs is estimated to be approximately $160,000 ($20,000
per sign).. As sufficient redevelopment funds are not available, staff is recommending that this
project be included for consideration as part of the 2000-01 Capital Improvement Project Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Direct staff to include city entry monument signs as a project for consideration
in the 2000-01 Capital Improvement Project budget;
2. Approve the eight monument sign locations identified in this report;
3. Approve the previously designed concept sign or direct staff to develop
alternative designs;
4. Provide direction to staff whether service club logos should be included on
monument signs; and
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City Council and the City Manager
January 18, 2000
Page 3
5. If service club logos are to be included, require participating service
clubs to pay for the cost of installing their logo.
Prepared by: Reviewed and approved by:
Christophe J. Ch g . Margie Tuck
Redevelopment Director Finance Director
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ATTACHMENT NO. 1
CrrY of VVEST
WEST Ar
ENTRY MONUMENT
OPPORTUNITIES AND
CONSTRAINTS REPORT
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I. INTRODUCTION
Background
The City of West Covina is a major San Gabriel Valley presence. By a wide range of measures the
city is the dominant civic force at the east end of the valley —population, size, governmental
services, retail sales, among others. But despite these factors, various surveys in past years have
revealed that the majority of Southern California and San Gabriel Valley residents are unsure of
West Covina's precise location, and image.
A number of steps have already been taken toward clarifying West Covina's image and defining its
physical location. Highly visible freeway signage bearing the city name has been refurbished or
newly installed at The Plaza at West Covina and the West Covina Auto Center. The West Covina
Central Business District Streetscape Study has been completed with the aim of providing design
standards for streetscape improvements which will enhance the experience of downtown. An
aggressive, ongoing Economic Development Program continues to both promote and highlight a
wide range of development successes in.the city.
Purpose of This Report
The purpose of this Entry Monument Opportunities and Constraints Report is to commence a
monument program to enhance the public image of the City of West Covina. The following
analysis of all the major entryways to the city was performed in order to establish the possibilities
for successful entry monumentation. This report reports on three initial tasks:
♦ An analysis of entry monument opportunities and constraints throughout the city.
An analysis of locations for simple pole signs demarcating city boundaries.
♦ An analysis of directional signage and monument opportunities and constraints at and
immediately surrounding The Lakes at West Covina.
The Process
The aim of this effort is not simply to devise and design a successful entry monument program for
the city, but to implement it. Consequently, the overall process framework has been kept simple.
It has three basic steps.
1. Findings and recommendations about locations for monument signage and supporting
landscaping are presented in this report
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2. Following comment and direction from the city, conceptual design will be undertaken.
Design alternatives will be presented for both signage and landscaping.
3. Following comment and direction from the city, site specific design and construction
drawings will be produced.
II. OVERALL CITY ENTRY MONUMENTATION SIGNAGE AND
LANDSCAPING
Goals
An analysis was performed on major entryways to the city to establish the possibilities for
successful entry monumentation. The following goals serve to direct the overall design effort for
the entry monumentation:
♦ Create a sense of entry at key locations which present positive images of West Covina;
Enhance existing streetscapes with attractive entry monuments and landscaping; and
♦ Reinforce a unified overall identity for the city.
♦ Demarcate city boundaries.
A number of specific site criteria were used in the evaluation of potential entry monument sites:
♦ High degree of visibility;
♦ Attractiveness of the overall setting;
♦ Use of existing landscaping within the public'right-of-way;
♦ Importance of the roadway as an entry to the city; and
♦ Proximity to the city boundary.
Examination was made of a number of areas of the city. (Several areas were excluded from this
analysis for the following reasons. The Central Business District area was not analyzed because
the recent Streetscape Study identifies locations for entry monuments signs and fountains in the
area.)
♦ Entries from points north of the city
-Sunset Avenue
-Vincent Avenue
-Azusa Avenue
-Citrus Avenue
-Grand Avenue
-Pacific Avenue
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Entries from points south of the city
-Glendora Avenue
-Azusa Avenue
Nogales Street
-Sunset Avenue
A number of other entry roads initially were considered for entry mounments but were discarded
as of lesser importance. They include Barranca Street, Willow Avenue, Orange Avenue, Valinda
Avenue, and La Puente Road.
The use of simple pole signs is recommended to demarcate city boundaries at lesser city entrances.
In addition to the many areas where the city currently has boundary signs, the following locations
are recommended:
♦ Nogales Street at Amanda Street
♦ Grand Avenue north of Cameron Avenue
♦ Grand Avenue north of Interstate 10
♦ Pacific Avenue near Ardilla Avenue
♦ Orange Avenue at Francisquito Avenue
♦ .Willow Avenue at.Francisquito Avenue
♦ Puente Street at La Sena Avenue
♦ Valinda Avenue north of Francisquito Avenue
♦ Lark Ellen Avenue at San Bernardino Road _
♦ Hollenbeck Avenue at Workman Avenue
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1 SUNSET AVENUE NORTH OF THE 1-10
DISCUSSION
Sunset Avenue is clearly a major entry into the city from points to the north. It provides access to
both the Civic Center and The Plaza at West Covina. However, the. northern boundary of the city
along Sunset Avenue is not straightforward. On the west side of Sunset, the city begins at a point
roughly midway between the east -west cross streets of Badillo Street and San Bernardino Road.
On the east side of Sunset, however, the city does not commence until well below Badillo Street. In
addition, Sunset Avenue between Badillo Street, and Puente Street currently has a full asphalt street
section. There are left turn lanes rather than landscaped medians.
South of Puente Street, Sunset Avenue transitions to a pleasant residential neighborhood. It has a
wide median landscaped with well -established Carrotwood trees and grass. Sycamore and mixed
tree species line Sunset on either side of the median south of Puente.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in the Sunset Avenue median in the vicinity'.
of the intersection with Carlton Avenue. Some supplemental landscaping could be added directly
at the monument location to carry forward common landscape themes.
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2 VINCENT AVENUE NORTH OF THE 1-10
DISCUSSION "
Vincent Avenue is a major entry into the city from points to the north. The city boundary is at
Badillo. A pleasant residential neighborhood commences just south of Badillo. Vincent Avenue in
this area has a wide. landscaped median punctuated and narrowed by turn lanes and intersections.
Grass, rock, and reddish stamped concrete alternate along the median, with well -established trees
continuing to the south.
The first entry monument opportunity along Vincent Avenue within the city is within the existing
landscaped median roughly opposite Louisa Avenue. The median in this area is grass and flanked
by trees and the overall setting is pleasant residential.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in the Vincent Avenue median in the vicin-
ity of the intersection with Louisa Avenue.. Some supplemental landscaping could be added di-
rectly at She monument location to carry forward common landscape themes.
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3 AZUSA AVENUE NORTH OF THE 1=10
DISCUSSION
Azusa Avenue is a major north -south traffic artery within the city and area. The northern city
boundary on Azusa Avenue, while slightly staggered on the east and west sides of the street, is
located roughly at mid -block between Badillo Street and Puente Street. The area immediately at
the city boundary is characterized by multiple family residential land uses, but has an increasing
number of commercial land uses farther to the south. South of Puente Street, Azusa Avenue enters
a retail area with the Food 4 Less.center dominating the west side of the street. While the median
width in the area would support an entry monument and landscaping, the visually complex retail
setting provides an inappropriate overall setting and would overwhelm the entry statement.
A wide median exists along Azusa Avenue both at the city boundary and in the retail area south of
Puente Street. Along this entire stretch of Azusa, however, the median is asphalt.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in the Azusa Avenue median directly at the
city boundary. Placing an entry monument in this location would, however, require creating an
appropriate landscaped setting. This would mean removal of the existing asphalt within the me-
dian, provision of water service, and installation of landscaping in the median between the city
boundary and Puente Street.
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4 CITRUS IN THE VICINITY OF
EASTLANU CENTER .
DISCUSSION
Citrus enters the northern portion of the city at Workman Avenue at the northwest corner of the
Eastland Center. The Citrus interchange with Interstate 10 is located one block south of the city
boundary.
Citrus immediately south of Workman (within West Covina) offers a stark contrast with the streetscape
along Citrus in Covina to the north. Within Covina, the streetscape is dominated by a clutter of
large signs and a classic Southern California hodgepodge of small retail and mixed land uses
unsoftened by landscaping or median treatments. South of Workman in West Covina, Citrus is
characterized by commercial, office, and retail land uses, but the tone of the streetscape is trans-
formed by vastly smaller sign sizes, street landscaping, and a landscaped center median immedi-
ately south of Workman. In general, the northerly entry into the City of West Covina along Citrus
provides a flattering contrast with the neighboring city to the north.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in the Citrus median just south of Workman
Avenue. An appropriate location in this setting is immediately north of the existing established
landscaping in the widest part of the median. Some supplemental landscaping could be added
directly at the monument location to carry forward common landscape themes.
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5 GRAND AVENUE IN THE VICINITY OF THE 1-10
DISCUSSION _
The I-10 interchange with Grand Avenue is located at the extreme eastern end of the city. The
interchange, while located in West Covina, also provides access to other communities such as
Covina and Walnut. In fact, a very limited portion of Grand Avenue is wholly within the City of
West Covina. The Covina city boundary is located less than 1,500 feet north of the I-10 inter-
change. Travellers exiting the freeway and turning north on Grand Avenue leave West Covina
almost immediately. Just south of the interchange, Grand Avenue itself becomes the city bound-
ary. West Covina residential neighborhoods are located solely to the west of the roadway.
An entry monument on Grand Avenue on the north side of the freeway is inappropriate and mis-
leading because of West Covina's extremely limited extent on' the north side of the I-10. Grand
Avenue south of the freeway, however, is a major entry to neighborhoods on the east side of the
city. A raised, asphalted center median is located on Grand Avenue immediately south of the free-
way. Most vehicle traffic proceeding south travels through only a short portion of West Covina on
its way to Walnut and Covina.
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RECOMMENDATION
Entry monumentation is not recommended for this location. Most traffic using this intersection is
not entering West Covina but is instead directed toward other communities. In addition, placing an
entry monument in this location would mean removal of the existing asphalt within the median,
provision of water service, and installation of landscaping in the median in the area of the entry
monument. This expense for the quarter mile stretch of Grand Avenue within West Covina is not
justified.
6 PACIFIC AVENUE NORTH OF THE 1-10
DISCUSSION
Pacific Avenue enters the northwestern corner of West Covina from the City of Baldwin Park. The
city, boundary is at the intersection between.Pacific Avenue and Ardilla Avenue. A considerable
distance to the south, Pacific Avenue crosses beneath the I-10 and becomes West Covina Parkway.
Unlike a number of entry corridors from the north such as Sunset, Vincent, and. Citrus, Pacific
Avenue has no landscaped median and lacks uniform street trees. The overall character of the
landscape is dominated by the unrelieved expanse of asphalt street and is somewhat bleak.
RECOMMENDATION
No entry monumentation is recommended on Pacific Avenue unless major overall streetscape im-
provements are undertaken.
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7 GLENDORA AVENUE NEAR THE SOUTHERN
CITY BOUNDARY
DISCUSSION
Glendora Avenue enters the southwest portion of West Covina from Valinda and La Puente. The
city boundary is located just south of Michelle Street.
A wide median with grass and mature trees begins very nearly at the city boundary and continues to
the north within the city. Parkways on either side. of Glendora Avenue have mature mixed street
trees. The area is a pleasant residential neighborhood. Glendora Avenue within West Covina
presents a very attractive image, particularly in contrast to the stark, unlandscaped streetscape within
La Puente to the south. In general, the southerly entry into the City of West Covina along Glendora
Avenue provides a flattering, contrast with the neighboring city to the south.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in the existing Glendora Avenue median
close to the city boundary just north of the intersection with Michelle Street. Some supplemental
landscaping could be added directly at the. monument location to carry forward common landscape
themes.
8 AZUSA AVENUE IN THE VICINITY OF AMAR AVENUE
DISCUSSION
Azusa Avenue is a major north -south traffic artery within the city and area.. It is a major entrance to
the city from the south, fully entering the city boundary at Amar Road. The area immediately at the
city boundary is characterized by retail development. Azusa Avenue's role as a portal to the city is
reinforced by its passage through a gap in the hills and eventual entry to the main part of West
Covina north of the hills.
A raised, asphalted median begins north of the Amar intersection. The median continues with
various punctuations for cross streets north up and over the hills into the main part of the city. The
extent of the medianoffers .numerous opportunities along Azusa Avenue for placement of entry
monumentation and accompanying landscaping, but there are three major restrictive factors. First,
the high, terraced benches of the BKK landfill are a major backdrop for many of the northward
looking views. This overall setting —particularly during the active phase of landfill operations
prior to final revegetation—does not necessarily represent the image the city should emphasize.
Second, the Azusa Avenue median is asphalt for the full extent between Amar Road and Aroma
Drive. Third, the narrow portion of the median just north of the Azusa/Amar intersection (adjacent
to the left turn pocket east onto Amar Road) is sometimes run over by truck traffic.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that a small interim entry monument or sign and accompanying landscaping be
placed in the existing Azusa Avenue median immediately north of the intersection with Amar Road.
It should be placed far enough north to be clear of the left turn pocket allowing southerly travellers
to turn east on Amar Road. The aim is to place the sign at a location which is distant enough from
the intersection to be safe from destruction by trucks jumping the divider.
This location is very close to the actual city boundary, but is minimally exposed to views of the
BKK landfill compared to points farther north along Azusa Road. The importance of Azusa Av-
enue as an entrance to West Covina clearly warrants a major entry monument. Creation of a major
entry monument, however, should be delayed until the median can be fully landscaped for the full
length of Azusa Avenue between Amar Road and Aroma Drive. Consideration should also be given
to landscaping the parkway on the east side of Azusa Avenue to screen views of the landfill.
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9 NOGALES STREET AT AMAR AVENUE
DISCUSSION -
Nogales Street travels north from an interchange with State Route 60 through portions of the City
of Industry and Walnut before passing through various sections of the extreme southern end of
West Covina. The West Covina city boundaries are extremely complex in this area, interlocking
with'neighboring communities. Nogales Street passes in and out of portions of the city and in other
places serves as the city boundary. This does not permit easy identification of a clear entrance to
the city until the intersection of Nogales Street and Amar Avenue.
An attractive landscaped median is located on Nogales Street just south of Amar Avenue. North-
erly views from this point, however, are dominated by the rising bulk of the BKK landfill. This
overall setting does not represent the image the city should emphasize. There is also an attractive
landscaped median on Amar Avenue immediately west of- the Nogales/Amar intersection. The
landfill is largely concealed from view from this median.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in the Amar Avenue median just west of
Nogales Street. An appropriate location in this setting is immediately east of the existing estab-
lished landscaping in the widest part of the median adjacent to Paseo Merida. Some supplemental
landscaping could be added directly at the monument location to carry forward common landscape
themes.
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10 SUNSET AVENUE NORTH OF FAIRGROVE AVENUE
DISCUSSION
Sunset enters the southeast corner of West Covina at Fairgrove Avenue. It is a major entry into the
city from the City of Industry to the southeast.
At this time, the first block of Sunset Avenue north of Fairgrove Avenue does not present the city in
the best possible light. To'the west is anundeveloped field with various surviving somewhat dilapi-
dated agricultural structures. To the east is an unlandscaped block wall enclosing a residential area.
This condition is, however, is anticipated to change in 1995 with residential development by Shea
Homes. A new raised, landscaped median should be installed in Sunset Avenue as part of the
development project. On the west side of Sunset north of Delvale Street, street trees begin within a
small median which separates Sunset from a small parallel access road. On the east side of Sunset,
street trees begin slightly north of Delvale.
The entire length of Sunset Avenue between Fairgrove Avenue and Francisquito Avenue has a
median area, but it is level asphalt without curb and gutter and is delineated by painted stripes only.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that entry monumentation be placed in a planned new Sunset Avenue median to
be constructed south of Delvale Street. Median construction is anticipated in 1995.
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Lummary of Recommendations
♦ Sunset Avenue north of the I-10
Place entry monument in the Sunset Avenue median near Carlton Avenue. Add
supplemental landscaping.
♦ Vincent Avenue north of the I-10
Place entry monument in the Vincent Avenue median near Louisa Avenue. Add
supplemental landscaping.
♦ Azusa Avenue north of the I-10
Place entry monument in the Azusa Avenue median directly at the city boundary. Remove
existing asphalt within the median, provide of water service, and install landscaping in the
median between the city boundary and Puente Street..
♦ Citrus in the vicinity of Eastland Center
Place entry monument in the existing landscaped Citrus median just south of Workman
Avenue. Add supplemental landscaping.
♦ Grand Avenue in the vicinity of the I-10
No entry monument is recommended for Grand Avenue at the I-10.
♦ Pacific Avenue north of the I-10
No entry monumentation is recommended on Pacific Avenue unless major overall
streetscape improvements are undertaken.
♦ Glendora Avenue near the southern city boundary -
Place entry monument in the Glendora Avenue median directly north of the city boundary.
Add supplemental landscaping.
♦ Azusa Avenue in the vicinity of Amar Avenue
Place a small interim entry monument or sign in the existing Azusa Avenue median far
enough north of the intersection with Amar Road to be safe from truck traffic. Remove
existing asphalt within the median, provide of water service, and install landscaping in the
median in the vicinity of the entry monument.
The importance of Azusa Avenue as an entrance to West Covina clearly warrants a major
entry monument. Creation of a major entry monument, however, should be delayed until
the median can be fully landscaped for the full length of Azusa Avenue between Amar Road
and Aroma Drive. Consideration should also be given to landscaping the parkway on the
east side of Azusa Avenue to screen views of the landfill.
♦ Amar Avenue west.of Nogales Street
Place entry monument in the existing Amar Avenue median adjacent to Paseo Merida. Add
supplemental landscaping.
♦ Sunset Avenue north Fairgrove Avenue
Place entry monument in the Sunset Avenue median just north of Devale Street. Istall curb
and gutter median, provide water service, and install landscape.
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ATTACHMENT NO.2
City of Monrovia - Entry monument sign with supplemental landscaping, no service clubs.
City .of Monrovia - Tribute to service clubs.
City of Covina - Monument sign without service clubs (Badillo at Lark Ellen).
City of Covina - Service Club Sign (located in park at Citrus and San Bernardino)
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City of Baldwin Park - Combination monument sign with supplemental landscaping and
service clubs (Badillo entering City of West Covina).
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