A section of Cesar Chavez Avenue in Boyle Heights, between Evergreen and St. Louis, will soon be getting a makeover as part of Los Anegles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s “LA Great Streets” initiative.
Earlier this week, the mayor named the first 15 streets to be a part of his urban renewal program, one in each of the council districts.
“We want LA to celebrate its neighborhoods once again,” said Garcetti.
The program, which the mayor first announced last October, aims to create pedestrian spaces in every neighborhood for residents to walk, shop and eat, without needing the use of cars.
Improvements include expanding sidewalks, adding more bike lanes, landscaping, lighting and street furniture.
The mayor, who campaigned on promises of urban renewal, has said he hopes to do citywide what he accomplished in his former district- Atwater Village, Echo Park, Silver Lake and Hollywood.
“The neighborhoods shouldn’t be just about cars, they should be about people,” Garcetti said. “Angelenos are looking for places to meet, they’re looking for places to shop, and they’re looking for places to walk with their families.”
Eventually the project will target 40 neighborhoods. So far, according to the mayor’s office, $800,000 has been budgeted for the program, but more money could be added if the City Council decides to fund it.
The first 15 streets included in the program are, by Council District:
Ӣ District 1: North Figueroa Street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 60
Ӣ District 2: Lankershim Boulevard between Chandler and Victory boulevards
Ӣ District 3: Sherman Way between Wilbur and Lindley avenues
Ӣ District 4: Western Avenue between Melrose Avenue and 3rd Street
Ӣ District 5: Westwood Boulevard between Le Conte Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard
Ӣ District 6: Van Nuys Boulevard between Victory Boulevard and Oxnard Street
Ӣ District 7: Van Nuys Boulevard between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and San Fernando Road
Ӣ District 8: Crenshaw Boulevard between 78th Street and Florence Avenue
Ӣ District 9: Central Avenue between MLK Boulevard and Vernon Avenue
Ӣ District 10: Pico Boulevard between Hauser Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue
Ӣ District 11: Venice Boulevard between Beethoven Street and Inglewood Boulevard
Ӣ District 12: Reseda Boulevard between Plummer Street and Parthenia Avenue
Ӣ District 13: Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue & Gower Street
Ӣ District 14: Cesar Chavez Avenue between Evergreen Avenue and St. Louis Street
Ӣ District 15: Gaffey Street between 15th Street & the 110 Freeway
