Beverly Hills Will Monitor Subway Construction, Mayor Says

EDITOR’S NOTE: Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse gave the annual ”state of the city” address Wednesday evening at the historic Greystone Mansion Formal Gardens. Because of the speech’s length, Patch is presenting it to you in parts. Today’s is the last part. Read Part I here. Read Part II here. Read Part III here. Read Part IV here.

I am very pleased to report that after months of meetings with local businesses, residents and with the Metro staff, our City Council unanimously approved an agreement for overseeing
construction for the first phase of the Purple Line subway.

This detailed agreement means that the utility relocation process for the La Cienega subway station will be CAREFULLY monitored.

As part of this agreement, construction hours will be limited and $1 MILLION IN FUNDING will be provided to help businesses minimize impacts on parking, public access and traffic.

I also want to tell you all how excited I am to be traveling to New York in October for our annual trade mission. This is one of the most important events of the year for Beverly Hills commerce.

On this annual trip, we re-connect with the corporate decision makers for many of our biggest retailers. We also focus on efforts to attract unique, new retailers to Beverly Hills and on strengthening connections with the travel industry. I have seen first-hand how this trip – this gesture to make a PERSONAL CONNECTION with key decision makers – pays
off with REAL results.

You’ve heard this before – but I’m going to say it anyway – Beverly Hills is a WORLD CLASS CITY! It is our responsibility to maintain ALL city services and infrastructure up to BEVERLY HILLS standards so that people WANT to live – do business – shop – dine – and stay – here.

That means: efficient city government – public safety – streets – sidewalks – streetlights – water – and parks. In other words – QUALITY OF LIFE!

And by quality of life, I mean for our businesses – as well as our residents.

And speaking of PARKS ... Our city parks are going through a major renewal.

Just last week, we honored the Friends of Beverly Gardens Park at our formal city council meeting.

This amazing group has already raised more than two million dollars towards restoring the historic community treasure and defining city asset that is Beverly Gardens Park.

This park runs the entire length of Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny to Wilshire and its restoration is a huge undertaking.

The first phase was our gorgeous new lily pond – it was completed in time for the start of our centennial in January.

And, the next goal for the Friends of Beverly Gardens Park is the complete renovation of our treasured, historic landmark – The Electric Fountain.

The fountain was installed in 1931 at our most visible intersection – the corner of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevard. Its light and water show is legendary. The Friends plan to restore it to its full beauty and functionality for all to enjoy.

You should also know that we are getting closer to building the very FIRST dog park in Beverly Hills. Our staff is completing a site assessment of a half-acre parcel of city-owned land at Foothill and Alden Drive. This analysis should be finished by the end of the year.

And – WHAT about ROXBURY!!! We worked on it – We waited for it – and now it’s HERE!!

Our incredibly beautiful NEW Roxbury Community Center and athletic fields opened in time for this year’s summer season. The new playground equipment will be ready early next year.

Roxbury is ready to serve the next few generations – AND, La Cienega Park is NEXT!!

An improved La Cienega Park will be a key part of the Southeast Beverly Hills revitalization project. Streetscape improvements, parking solutions and attracting new businesses are also major components of our plans to tap into all the great potential in our city’s southeast area.

And – I am pleased to tell you that the holiday decor program this year will expand to Southeast Beverly Hills.

This year – ALL of our commercial areas will be DRESSED for the holidays!

And speaking of the holidays – November is just around the corner and we will be bringing back the SPECTACULAR Baccarat chandeliers on Rodeo Drive for a fabulous and successful 2014 holiday shopping season!!

For a one hundred years old -- Beverly Hills is looking pretty GREAT!

Our one hundredth year has been amazing. I want to thank our business partners for EMBRACING the Centennial and helping our city celebrate this momentous occasion in our history.

The Rodeo Drive Block Party, the parade, the concert – and more – all contributed to a wonderful new sense of community in Beverly Hills.

So – WHY does Beverly Hills commercial and residential property continue to be snapped up at record prices?

WHY are so many businesses looking to Beverly Hills as THE place to be?

And WHY is the Palm Restaurant moving to Beverly Hills after 39 years in West Hollywood?

It is because – even after a CENTURY – Beverly Hills still has got it GOING ON!

And we will do EVERYTHING we can to KEEP it going on for ANOTHER hundred years!!

As mayor of this great city, I want to thank the many, many friends who love and support Beverly Hills and contribute to its greatness: Friends of the Library – Friends of Greystone – and Friends of Beverly Gardens Park. Our wonderful Chamber of Commerce – of course – and, the CVB – businesswomen and men – The Wallis Annenberg Center – the homeowner associations – my fabulous City Council colleagues- commissioners – city staff – and many other groups and individuals.

YOU are the reason Beverly Hills is THRIVING today – and YOU are the reason our future is bright.

As I said back in March – and I will keep saying – With Your Help -- THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

End of Part V.