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LA Metro board approves Leimert Park subway station
Supporters of a Leimert Park Village stop on Metro's proposed Crenshaw light rail wear these pins.
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LA Metro board approves Leimert Park subway station
L.A. Metro board members on Thursday approved funding for a new, underground $80 million Metro rail station in Leimert Park. It will be part of the upcoming Crenshaw Light Rail line.
The action comes a day after the L.A. City Council committed $40 million in Measure R funds for the station in the culturally historic African American community. And now, the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it will fund the rest, which in total, amounts to $120 million.
RELATED: LA Metro continues push for more riders by offering discounts, incentives
Outgoing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa pushed to make this happen, along with L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who sponsored the motion. MTA members voted in favor, 10 to 1. Metro plans to choose a contractor for the project next month.
Community members say they’re happy leaders are planning a Leimert Park station. But some are concerned a train through the neighborhood could pose a safety hazard and hurt businesses. That's why they say they're pushing for an 11-block subway tunnel along the Crenshaw line.
The 8.5 mile route will connect with the Expo line at Exposition Boulevard and run south along Crenshaw Boulevard to Los Angeles International Airport.
The project will take several years to complete.
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