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15 'Great Streets' That Will Be Getting Facelifts
(Photo by Myles via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Mayor Eric Garcetti named the first 15 streets that will be targeted for revitalization in his 'Great Streets' initiative via social media. The ultimate goal is to improve the walkability and appearance of key corridors, thus attracting new businesses in as many as 40 neighborhoods. The project has a budget of $800,000, L.A. Times reports.
Garcetti announced his plan on his 100th day in office in October. In his speech (the entirety of which can be read here), he says there are "two essential elements to a strong city: a thriving economy that creates opportunities and pays the bills and a city government that delivers the core services that improve the quality of life—safe streets, clean streets and streets in good repair."
He cited Sunset Junction in Silver Lake as an example of what he hopes 'Great Streets' will achieve, saying, "Design matters. Our great streets should be a reflection of this. Public art, beautiful benches, distinctive lighting. The way a neighborhood looks and feels has a lot to do with its livability and vibrancy."
Other street-centered initiatives include 'People Street,' which allows residents to apply for parklets, plazas and bike corrals, and 'Green Streets,' which would remove pavement and put in green infrastructure.
The 'Great Streets' were announced today via the Twitter account @LAGreatStreets. Angelenos are encouraged to tweet at the account what qualities they think make for a great street. So far, most of the tweets seem primarily concerned with bike lanes. One Twitter user suggested closing a part of Hollywood Blvd. to cars.
There is one 'great street' in each district. They are:
District 1: North Figueroa St. between Ave. 50 and Ave. 60
District 2: Lankershim Blvd. between Chandler Blvd. and Victory Blvd.
District 3: Sherman Way between Wilbur Ave. and Lindley Ave.
District 4: Western Ave. between Melrose Ave. and 3rd St.
District 5: Westwood Blvd. between Le Conte Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard
District 6: Van Nuys Blvd. between Victory Blvd. and Oxnard St.
District 7: Van Nuys Blvd. between Laurel Canyon Blvd. and San Fernando Rd.
District 8: Crenshaw Blvd. between 78th St. and Florence Ave.
District 9: Central Ave. between MLK Blvd. and Vernon Ave.
District 10: Pico Blvd.between Hauser Blvd. and Fairfax Ave.
District 11: Venice Blvd. between Beethoven St. and Inglewood Blvd.
District 12: Reseda Blvd. between Plummer St. and Parthenia Ave.
District 13: Hollywood Blvd. between La Brea Ave. & Gower St.
District 14: Cesar Chavez Ave. between Evergreen Ave. and St. Louis St.
District 15: Gaffey St. between 15th St. & the 110 Freeway
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Below is a map of the streets selected from KPCC. There are none in DTLA, which already has a walkability score of 96, but nearby Central Ave. and Cesar Chavez Ave. have been targeted.
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