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 archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Frogtown considers zoning changes to preserve character
New construction at Marsh Park in the Frogtown neighborhood. Residents will be asked to consider limits on new riverside construction at a city hearing Tuesday.
(
John Rabe/KPCC
)
Listen
0:54
Frogtown considers zoning changes to preserve character
A billion-dollar plan to restore the L.A. River has helped turn the small, riverside community of Frogtown into one of the city's hottest neighborhoods. Home prices are going up. Developers are buying riverfront property. All of this has long-time residents nervous.
"People are saying, ‘Our family grew up here and we’d like to still be here," said local artist Steven Appleton and former president of the neighborhood council.
Appleton said he's open to a plan by city planners to keep the neighborhood affordable and preserve residents' access to the river in the face of new development. The city's Department of City Planning is holding a public hearing Tuesday on proposed zoning changes to commercial riverfront lots that include:
- Dropping the maximum building height from 45 feet to 30 feet.
- Mandating that new buildings take up no more than half of the lot area
- Allowing live/work housing development
- Creating incentives for developers to build affordable housing
Appleton said there is a sense of "urgency" in Frogtown, sometimes called Elysian Valley, to counter the rapid changes in their community.
Redfin found that the median list price for a home in Elysian Valley in April — $595,000 — was up nearly 22 percent over the previous April.
And, a report by LA-Mas notes between Oct. 2011 and December 2014, 39 commercial/industrial properties were sold — ten of them on the river.
A neighborhood once better known for manufacturing and gang activity is now drawing people because of its proximity to the river. Arturo Diaz of Glendale enjoyed views of the riverbank as he rode with friends along the LA River Bike Path through Frogtown.
Sponsored message
"My dad actually had a store here, a little market, and the area was bad back then," said Diaz, 38.
But he said the difference between the Frogtown of his youth and today is stark.
"I’m just looking now—I see families walking around, and it’s a nice area now," Diaz said.
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
