An unsolicited proposal from the engineering firm reimagines a stretch along the L.A. River as a mixed-use mega-development, rich in housing and jobs.
The concrete-lined L.A. River has attracted its share of bold revisions, and AECOM just put forth another one. Antonio Pacheco writes, "The firm's recently-published Los Angeles River Gateway proposal envisions a dense web of newly interconnected neighborhoods and recreational areas surrounding a four-mile stretch of the river."
While it "works within the confines of existing neighborhood plans and leans on already-approved proposals," AECOM's vision is ambitious in scope. "The plan calls for nearly 300 acres of publicly-accessible riparian areas surrounding the river. Those recreational and flood-control areas would be joined, according to the plan, by 36,620 residential units, including at least 7,874 affordable homes."
The plan imagines the area as a mixed-use hub with 150,000 additional jobs and a wide variety of options for pedestrian and transit access. "AECOM proposes a series of approaches for bridging over privately- and publicly-owned rail yards surrounding the river's banks on either side, including plans for underground tunnels that would serve high-speed rail, public transit, and private freight trains," Pacheco writes.
FULL STORY: AECOM wants to add 36,000 housing units around the L.A. River
Los Angeles Finalizing Three Long-Awaited Community Plan Updates
Los Angeles is poised to approve a trio of long-planned zoning code updates—for the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, Downtown, and Hollywood—as the first test cases for a new citywide zoning code update known as re:code LA.
Critics Expect L.A.’s New ‘Mansion Tax’ to Chill Development Market
A new real estate transfer tax won the approval of L.A. voters after being promoted as a “mansion tax.” No some real estate and development experts are saying that the new transfer tax will have a much broader impact on the real estate market.
Designing Safe Passage for Steelhead Trout Through the L.A. River
The Southern California steelhead was added to the federal endangered species list in 1997. Today, planners are working to create a new home for the trout in the L.A. River.
Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.
Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
Seattle’s Bike Infrastructure Hamstrings Growth
Design standards that call for minimal road space allocated to bikes are limiting the growth of cycling in the city.
Winter Fun at Los Angeles County Parks
L.A. County is offering a winter edition of its popular and award-winning Parks After Dark program, providing opportunities for residents to come together and have fun in safe and welcoming spaces.
Sacramento Council Approves Upzoning Proposal
If given final approval, the plan would increase the allowable floor area ratio to permit denser housing development in single-family neighborhoods and near transit.
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
