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Griffith Park’s Aerial Tram: History Repeats

CATEGORY: Current Events |
On Aug 27, 2020

FOGP Official Opposition Letter

FoGP would like the public to weigh in on the aerial tram before Oct. 12:

Please note: there was a link to Stantac’s Survey so the public could weigh in but this page is no longer functioning.


Current Letter Campaign

We are asking our members to send emails in opposition to the aerial tram. There are many reasons to oppose it and we’ve listed FoGP’s most salient points below. If any of these statements capture your sense of outrage, please feel free to expand upon it and add in other thoughts as well.

After carefully studying the four aerial tram routes Friends of Griffith Park opposes all these routes for the following reasons:

  • Permanent destruction of open space, habitat, and wildlife is inevitable.
  • The stated purpose of the aerial tram (transit) is simply a pretense for further development into this urban wilderness, while alternatives that would aid in the reduction of tourist traffic and associated problems lie on the shelf collecting dust.
  • This massive infrastructure undertaking will lead to large-scale closures to hikers, equestrians and other park users during a long, expensive construction period.
  • Col. Griffith’s gift to Los Angeles would be dishonored and could affect the good intentions of other philanthropists in the future.
  • The Vision Plan and the Historical-Cultural Monument designations would both be rendered obsolete.

If you don’t have time or would feel more comfortable using our sample letter (below list of recipients), feel free to copy and paste to ALL city official email addresses —or— if you prefer to send only to individual recipients, you can choose from the Individual Recipients list.

If however, you prefer to make a call, be sure to clearly state that you oppose all routes of the proposed tram and speak from the heart about what concerns you.

If you’re leaving a message, make sure to include your name, address, and phone number. And remember, as Congressman Adam Schiff recently reminded us, your voice matters and will undoubtedly determine the future of the project.


Individual Recipients (choose from list)
Mayor Eric Garcetti
(213) 978-0600
Council Member David Ryu
(CD4) (213) 473-7004
Mike Shull
Department of Recreation and Parks
Consensus
Public Relations
Council Member Gil Cedillo (CD1) (213) 473-7001
Council Member Paul Krekorian (CD2) (213) 473-7002
Council Member Bob Blumenfield (CD3) (213) 473-7003
Council Member Nithya
Raman (CD4) (213) 473-7004
Council Member Paul Koretz
(CD5) (213) 473-7005
Council Member Nury Martinez (CD6) (213) 473-7006
Council Member Monica Rodriguez (CD7) (213) 473-7007
Council Member Marqueece Harris-Dawson (CD8) (213) 473-7008
Council Member Curren Price (CD9) (213) 473-7009
Council Member Mark Ridley-Thomas (CD10) councilmember.ridley-thomas@lacity.org
Council Member Mike Bonin (CD11) (213) 473-7011
Council Member John Lee (CD12) (213) 473-7012
Council Member Mitch O’Farrell
(CD13) (213) 473-7013
Council Member Kevin de Léon
(CD14) councilmember.kevindeleon@lacity.org
Council Member Joe Buscaino (CD15) (213) 473-7015


Sample Letter

Dear City Officials and Aerial Tram Consultants,

I am writing to you to strongly oppose all aspects of the proposed aerial tram in Griffith Park.
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, and arguably one of the wildest.
While some development exists around the outskirts of the park, the center is relatively untouched, and remains a haven for both hikers and wildlife alike, including the famous mountain lion P-22.
An aerial tram cutting across two miles through the middle of the park, with a viewing platform on Mount Lee near the Hollywood Sign would permanently scar this unique, urban wilderness. Wildlife patterns would be altered and native habitat destroyed forever.
The construction of such a colossal structure would mean long term closures of many hiking trails and areas within the Park and will be a disruption for the Angelenos who use the park daily.
In 1896, Colonel Griffith donated the Park to all citizens of Los Angeles as “a place of recreation and rest for the masses.” An amusement park ride speeding above the heads of hikers and equestrians would certainly dishonor Griffith’s noble intentions. Furthermore, by creating a ticketed-only attraction, this aerial tram would create an injustice to this space intended for use by all Angelenos, not just those who can afford it. In January, 2009, Griffith Park was designated Historic-Cultural Monument #942, creating the “largest urban wilderness park in the United States.” The designation stipulated that “large portions of this landscape appear to retain integrity dating back to the period of the Gabrielino Indians.”
Will you allow an aerial tram to defile this hard-won monument status?
The Vision for Griffith Park signed by Mayor Garcetti in 2014, clearly calls for preservation of wildlife, wildlife corridors, native species and park biodiversity. And on page 70, it unequivocally states, “At this time, there is no clearly identified need for new recreational rides, such as railroads, aerial tramways or funiculars.” That seems crystal clear.
It is for these reasons that I oppose an aerial tram in Griffith Park and urge you to stop its development now.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address

Your Email and Phone


A Brief Background

The history of Griffith Park is as complex as the history of Col. Griffith J. Griffith, and the current problems related to traffic and parking are equally complex and in need of a holistic approach as any proposals will have far-reaching effects on the Park as well as this community.

This property was initially donated to Los Angeles on December 16, 1896, by Col. Griffith J. Griffith and his wife, Mary Agnes Christina Mesmer and included 3,015 acres of what was then known as Los Feliz Rancho. Later, Griffith’s son would add an additional 351 acres of land bordering the Los Angeles River. Originally Griffith Park was located far from the city center but Griffith foresaw the city’s expansion; eventually the City of Los Angeles stretched to Griffith Park boundaries, bringing vehicles loaded with day tourists and picnickers who desired a respite from the city.

After many years of uncontrolled use of this parkland, it became clear Griffith Park was in need of protection and in response, the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust submitted an application for landmark status that would encompass the entire park. In January, 2009, L.A. City formally adopted Historic-Cultural Monument #942, making Griffith Park the “largest urban wilderness park in the United States.” The designation stipulated that “large portions of this landscape appear to retain integrity dating back to the period of the Gabrielino Indians… the earliest known inhabitants of the region.” Also noted, according to the Daily News, the application filed by the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust identified 36 elements making the 4,218 (now 4,310)-acre park culturally significant, including the Greek Theatre, Griffith Observatory, Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, bird sanctuary, Bronson Caves, the Hollywood sign and Feliz Adobe. “The Wilderness Area is a Historically Sensitive Resource,” per the Monument status documentation (defined explicitly with mapping).

In the 1960s moves were made to alleviate some of the problems associated with increased traffic, created by the overlap of Park/surrounding community/freeway access. While we may think aerial trams are a new concept to help control the traffic, in truth, they are not. A proposal to insert an aerial tram was proposed, and soundly rejected by the community as it would significantly impact the Park and in no way alleviate traffic impacts.

Early Aerial Tram Proposals

To quote Yogi Berra, “It’s like déjA  vu all over again.” In addition to building an aerial tram in the Park in 1942, a revolving restaurant was proposed for the top of Mt. Hollywood and the ridge was extensively graded. Didn’t you wonder why the top of Mt. Hollywood looks so unnaturally flat? The plan eventually died because of World War II and a lack of funding.

In 1960 and again in 1967-1968 plans for an aerial tram resurfaced like a dead body in a river. It was Recreation and Park’s (RAP) solution to alleviating traffic congestion at Griffith Observatory. This time there were two competing proposals for a revolving restaurant and Hollywood Museum although neither was received with enthusiasm. Councilman Art Snyder took a position opposing any aerial tram in Griffith Park. “Not only will such a project inject commercialism into the park and destroy its atmosphere, but it will cause additional traffic congestion in the areas most congested today : it will destroy the usefulness the Griffith Park trail system for amateur riders.”

Snyder was joined in opposition by Councilman Marvin Braude, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee. “Our people care about these mountains and they do not want them scarred with garish commercial developments. The best thing we can do about the natural beauty of our land is preserve it as a priceless heritage which we are duty-bound to pass on to our children.”

The Los Feliz Improvement Association (LFIA) led the charge in opposing the aerial tram. Snyder received hundreds of letters supporting his opposition to an aerial tram “It will permanently deface the skyline.” “It is contrary to Griffith’s donation as it will give a portion of the park to commercial interests.” “It would be the desecration of one of California’s finest municipal natural parks.” “It would be disastrous to property values.” “It would be using a public park for private gain.” “What use does the city have for another carnival?”

Gordon Whitnall of the Griffith Trust said, “We have an obligation to Col. Griffith to accomplish that which he had in mind, Nature was his objective.” The PTA stated, “All parks should be used for recreational purposes.” The League of Women Voters declared, “Parks should be contrasts to urban development.” Hollywoodland Improvement Assn. said, “We cannot make a gift of property to private enterprise.” The Los Feliz Improvement Assn. objected to the high visibility of the system on the south slopes of the mountain, “Keep the park available to the people.”

Sound familiar?

Back in 2003, the city hired an outside consulting group, Melendrez Design Partners, to create a Griffith Park Master Plan that would become a roadmap for its future. Prior to start of the plan, three workshops were held to gather input and ideas from the public. The public sent a clear message to the consultants … leave the park alone because the public loves it the way it is now.

Two years and $400,000 later, the city publicly released the plan. Needless to say, the public was horrified at what had transpired behind closed doors. Among the exploitative attractions proposed were two aerial trams, a commercial pleasure pier bordering the river, a culinary school, and an “eco-hotel.”

The community of Griffith Park patrons and protectors soundly rejected the Melendrez Plan. They also shamed the city for the wasteful expenditure. Eventually, with support from RAP and the council district (CD4) office, a community-based Master Plan Working Group was formed. The 11-member panel met for eight years with the public in attendance at regular meetings. The end product was a draft Master Plan more fitting to the spirit of Colonel Griffith’s gift. The document recognized this park for the people of Los Angeles was created so the community could escape the hustle-bustle of urban living by returning to nature. The concept of Griffith Park as urban wilderness was embraced.

Ultimately, the draft Master Plan, sterilized by the city, was adopted by L.A. City Council, and signed by Mayor Garcetti as “A Vision for Griffith Park” in January 2014. The Vision Plan clearly spells out concerns about preservation of wildlife, wildlife corridors, native species and park biodiversity. “Recreation & Parks should avoid: negatively impact[ing] the natural environment of the Park as well as mobility, views, wildlife corridors or landscaping of the Park. (p.46) The plan was also concerned about the park becoming a victim of privatization and commercialization. Under the heading Avoid Evicting or Displacing Established Park Users: “Ensure that no decision as to the addition, demolition or replacement of a facility results in an existing Park user no longer having access to necessary facilities.” (p.56)

In 2020, the “Save Griffith Park” car stickers may again need distribution as the aerial tram clearly stands at odds with many recommendations outlined in the Vision Plan. “At this time, there is no clearly identified need for new recreational rides, such as railroads, aerial tramways or funiculars.” (p.70) The community’s determination to protect the country’s largest urban wilderness park can be extremely powerful, especially in light of the City’s current aerial tram scheme.

The aerial tram — once again revisited

Fast forward to 2020 as another proposal to install a “closed loop” aerial tram in Griffith Park begins to take shape. While we are being told that we are currently in the feasibility stage of such a project, after carefully studying all of the information presented by Stantec (engineering) and Consensus (outreach/consulting) we are nothing short of alarmed at what is being considered.

What is at stake is a massive, commercial infrastructure system that will have permanent, far-reaching, and devastating impacts on the park. Specifically, this aerial system would be extensive with 2.5 miles of towers, cables, and gondolas traversing the Wilderness Area.

What will this aerial tram look like? Towers looming 45-100 ft. overhead along heavily trafficked trails, supporting 25-95 gondolas ferrying 8-10 people per gondola. Several routes further necessitate an 8000 sq. ft., 26 ft. tall angle station mounted atop the scenic ridgeline of “Baby Bell.” A sprawling, 20,000 sq. ft. “corral/viewing station” holding as many as 2,000 visitors per hour. This is not something that has any place in Griffith Park, now or ever!

It is difficult to mentally grasp the enormity of such an ill-advised proposal. To give you a better sense of the sheer scale, we have commissioned several renderings to help visualize the true impact if this scheme is executed.

Luckily, we’re not alone in this fight. YOU have a voice as well and we implore you to use it. Please fill out the survey so Consensus and the City can appreciate your opposition to the further commercialization and destruction of our beloved park. The park has faced numerous threats over the years, and while trams are not a new one, this proposal is here, now.

It’s time… add your voice to PROTECT GRIFFITH PARK!

Spectrum News weighed in and although the reporter gave an incomplete overview of the Griffith Park Aerial Tram issues, at least they discussed potential degradation to the Park’s flora/fauna.

For those interested in learning more about the Dixon Report, the full report can be accessed here.
More information on project scope and impacts can be accessed at UrbanizeLA
Another way to voice your opposition to the project… Sign the petition at the Sierra Club Campaign

If there was ever any debate whether this was an “entertainment” ride to the Hollywood Sign, these articles make it abundantly clear where Warner Bros. fit in…
Recent article in the LA Times regarding Warner Bros. withdrawal from consideration
Another article in Variety similarly sums this Warner debate nicely
FoGP boardmember Carol Brushe has penned an article for her local Glendale homeowner newsletter

Currently a “TOURISM MASTER PLAN” touts plans for future development in Los Angeles. Pages 41-42 talk specifically about plans to insert an aerial tram into Griffith Park in order to attract more tourists to the area. This is NOT a solution to a problem… rather, it’s a ploy designed to bring more money to city coffers. In no way will this mitigate the impacts of increasing vehicle traffic in the Park, and surrounding communities. We urge everyone to take a look at the Garcetti plan.

renderings courtesy

Comments

20 Comments

  1. KP

    What’s the current project status? Can’t find anything about this anymore. And the “griffith park aerial tram” website no longer works.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Louyse

      We’re not sure what’s happened to the website, although we do know the Zoo Alt. 1.5 has taken front/center position downtown. We’ll keep you in the loop if/when the plan resurfaces, but frankly pushback from the public was overwhelming.

      Reply
  2. H Deutsch

    Upper Griffith Park is a haven in which to escape into a bit of nature and sanity. More development and easier access will destroy the gifts it provides. Show some respect.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Louyse

      We completely agree with you and wish LA City would finally acknowledge that Griffith Park deserves far more respect than it’s currently being given.

      Reply
  3. Sam

    Please do not break some thing that is not broken with this horrible aerial tram idea.
    Griffith is beautiful and perfect just the way it is please don’t fuck it up. It’s one of the few last nice things we have our city.

    Reply
  4. Tara Grenier

    Protect Griffith Park. It is a sensitive habitat and a beautiful sanctuary in the middle of a chaotic city. There is already more than enough traffic (both foot and auto). I spend most of the time on my hikes picking up trash (wrappers, water bottles, PPE, etc) from visitors who don’t respect these marvelous grounds. Why in the world would we want to further endanger this delicate land? Oh yea- money. NO TO THE TRAM! Nature first!

    Reply
  5. ondafly

    open spaces to developers is like heroin to a junkie, they can’t leave well enough alone.

    Reply
  6. Ray Magnus

    It is an absolute travesty that following decades of attempts to defile and disrupt this gem of the city, the issue again rears its ugly head while most people are distracted by Trump and the election (by design). Having read through the documents over at the website http://www.griffithparkaerialtram.com and looking through the impacts to species including owls, bats, lizards and BUMBLEBEES (the bee ecosystem is already teetering) we are now expected to open up to the concept of overhead trams that will not only be a blight on the scenery and be overhead while hiking, but will further inflict environmental damage through drilling, pilons, pollution run-off and the like. As far as traffic alleviation, the fact that there has been no progressive solution to the traffic congestion since 1942 in the surrounding area DOES NOT JUSTIFY the addition of this monstrosity. To reiterate, in the initial paragraph of the history mentioned above this proposal is simply a PRETEXT to further development, to line the pockets of city officials while reducing property values in the area and inflicting lasting harm. Leave the park alone. It is wonderful as is, and will suffer worse downstream effects from an already overly visited landmark. Most importantly, it will lose its designation as Historic Cultural Landmark #942, designated by the city in 2009.

    Given this time of chaos, upheaval, confusion and civil strife, leave the last natural sources of calm alone, particularly for the residents. I URGE EVERYONE TO REJECT THIS PROPOSAL IN FULL.

    Reply
  7. Connie Eakes

    How very sad people can’t just let beautiful areas like this just be

    Reply
  8. DM Belliveau

    I don’t know if a tram is the answer, but Griffith Park, as much as I love it, needs an upgrade. I’ve lived in Los Feliz for over a decade and run in the park multiple times a week. Seriously, I love the area, and the park, and can’t really imagine living someplace else.

    That being said…

    Last year I visited Bergen, Norway. I saw a park that made me realize what Griffith Park *could* be if only the care and time were taken to implement some upgrades that would make it a world class destination.
    Take a look at this website:

    https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/floibanen-funicular-p822813

    It was family & tourist friendly, but in no way did any of the amenities take away from the beauty of the park. It is expansive, just like Griffith, but designed for a wide range of people. I’m not going to try to sell anyone on it — just explore the site and the images. I love Griffith, but it’s dusty, there’s not enough seating, there should be food & water options in some designated areas *at the top* and not just at the Western entrance.

    I like the tram idea, and I think it would be a great new Los Angeles landmark.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Louyse

      I believe the major difference… Griffith Park is an urban wilderness. While you may appreciate the tram concept, many across the community are against it for a variety of reasons.

      Reply
  9. David Rowley

    This proposal ignores access to the Observatory
    The most visited area in the park with huge traffic and parking problems. Griffith Had a vision of an electric railway to get up hill and even built roads to accommodate it. Vermont and Hillhurst have wide medians for that very reason. Let’s use the idea and have quiet pollution
    Free transport banning cars altogether protecting wildlife and pedestrians while maintaining and improving our urban wilderness.

    Reply
  10. Jim bledsoe

    if you want to see the park you will have to earn it with sweat and mussel

    Reply
    • Kathryn Louyse

      … or muscle!

      Reply
  11. Sarah Brooke

    If people want an amusement park, they can go to Disneyland. The fact that this idea has even been considered is ridiculous taking into account the original purpose of the park. Horses, long an integral part of Griffith Park, would be utterly spooked by an overhead tramway, thereby exposing their riders to extreme danger. This alone should be a reason not to proceed with this plan in any capacity. Why is the city spending money to pursue this project nobody wants? The fact that people in LA can experience a bit of wilderness inside the city is precious. The survey in this article seems to assume this tramway will be built…there was no place to state not wanting it at all!

    Reply
  12. Julie Newsome

    Turning this small oasis of open space into a theme park attraction is unconscionable.

    One of the small pleasures of living in Los Angeles is knowing we have a few wild areas to visit and appreciate.

    I am wholeheartedly against this.

    Reply
  13. Alisa

    I am absolutely against this proposal.

    Reply
    • Mark Del Castillo-Morante

      Horrible
      Horrible
      Horrible
      Horror of Horrors
      NoNoNoNoNo!

      If it takes what it took
      To save the Wiltern
      BodiesBeforeWreckingBalls
      Or More
      So Be It
      IT MUST BE DONE
      What ever it takes
      Heaven Save Us
      SAVE GRIFFITH PARK

      Reply
  14. Bernadette Eva Tilger

    Griffith Park is a jewel in the crown of Los Angeles: Respect its natural resources; respect its wildlife. Do we really need another money-losing amusement park? In this age of COVID-19, we need open space more than ever. A tram in Griffith Park is not wanted, practical or warranted. If you want amusement, go to Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland, the list goes on.

    Keep Griffith Park in its natural state which is enjoyed by hikers, picnickers, and equestrians alike. Leave the Park’s wonderful wildlife unperturbed by humans’ constant need for entertainment. For the health of this city, its wildlife — what’s left of it — and the human psyche, I say NO to the ill-conceived Griffith Park Aerial Tram. In plain English: It’s an absurd idea that has ZERO merits. Once we lose this open space to more traffic, more pollution, more accidents-waiting-to-happen, more infringement on open-space and its wildlife, it’s gone forever.

    Reply
  15. Harris

    There is always someone looking to make money by ruining anything of beauty, peace, and nature.
    They have a,ready ruined the lovely ,green natural area of Woodland Hills and have raped every open
    Area with apartment buildings galore…..getting anyplace on the 101 is impossible…..45 minutes to Burbank?
    Please……. now with all the bodies coming out here to be cramped into more Stucco shells,will make the area even Hotter in the summer with the destruction of all the mature trees and greenery…..just wait until the sewer system fails…..we already have sewers that are In Constant need of Hydrojetting and /or replacement.I can’t imagine just how nasty it will be when these ‘jails’

    Reply

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