Transforming L.A.'s alleys into open spaces
As part of the Avalon Green Alley pilot project, which seeks to transform about 900 miles of alleys in Los Angeles into open space, the trash-littered, narrow lane at Main and 53rd will get a face-lift. It will be cleared of trash, illuminated, repaired, paved and decorated with artwork.
"We hope it will be one of a network of alleys that will connect the community," said Mary Isabel Alvarez, senior project associate for the Trust for Public Land, one of several organizations partnering on the alley redevelopment project.
The project is part of a larger endeavor to reimagine and transform underutilized locations in South L.A., which has a dearth of open space and the highest rate of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the city, according to local health agencies.
On Saturday, residents and project supporters rode buses and bikes to tour vacant lots, parks, transit stations and a tiny community garden to observe how neighborhoods have converted existing spaces and hope to make other eyesores usable.
Continue reading: Community 'greening' initiative taking root in South L.A.
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-- Ann M. Simmons in South L.A.
Photo: Mable Everette, front, looks out of the bus during the Re-Imagining Empty Space Tour of South Los Angeles hosted by Community Health Councils. Credit: Christina House / For The Times
EDITOR'S PICKS:
what a joke.....
Posted by: nobozos | March 13, 2011 at 05:38 PM
LOL, Mary Isabel Alvarez, its a great ideal for gangs, drug dealing, and prostitution. Is this the best we can do. Can we please get some people into office that can think outside the box for a moment.
Pouring city funds into a project that will simply be washed out in 3-5 years. How about this Ms. Alvarez, PUT THE MONEY INTO SCHOOLS, whatcha think huh?
Posted by: Natele N | March 13, 2011 at 05:50 PM
A novel idea, however it won't work. If you put art work in an alley at 53 and Main, it will soon be replaced by gang graffiti. Additionally who will go down and visit that neighborhood when you're still in danger of being robbed and or shot?
Spend the money elsewhere
Posted by: u know | March 13, 2011 at 07:26 PM
A perfect project for CRA's billion dollars.
Posted by: Ricky Bobby | March 13, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Think of our schools our children are our future!!
Posted by: Lipstickiller | March 14, 2011 at 05:31 PM