This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A. Plans On Spending $1 Billion To Fix Our Crappy Sidewalks
Sidewalk closed! (Photo by Gary Kavanagh via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
It sure doesn't seem like we ever have a shortage of busted sidewalks in Los Angeles (you know, the ones we're always tripping over), but something might finally be done about it. The city is planning on spending $1 billion over the next 30 years to fix our depressing sidewalks.
This proposed L.A. City Council plan stems from settling a lawsuit filed by disabled residents and advocates who said the busted and cracked sidewalks violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to City News Service. The deal still needs to be approved by a judge, but if everything goes according to plan, that money will go towards fixing sidewalks that the city has been backlogged on and making other improvements that would help make sidewalks more accessible.
The city had already decided last year to set aside $27 million to repair our sidewalks, but as of February, it was discovered that they still hadn't spent a lick of it and it was already halfway through the fiscal year. City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said in February that they were holding off on spending the money until they resolved the lawsuit filed on behalf of the disabled residents.
Lawmakers planned last year to ask voters to up their taxes so they could use that money to fix sidewalks and streets, but they ditched that plan, according to the L.A. Times.
About 40 percent of L.A.'s sidewalks need to be replaced or fixed, according to the Bureau of Street Services.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
