New Plans for Transit Oriented Development in South Central L.A.

Los Angeles County recently adopted the Florence-Firestone Transit Oriented District Specific Plan.

1 minute read

February 14, 2023, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A map of the A Line in Los Angeles near where it passes the Florence Station.

SevenMaps / Shutterstock

Los Angeles County planners recently wrapped up a specific plan for the Florence-Firestone area in South Central L.A. after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the new Florence-Firestone Transit Oriented District Specific Plan.

An article by Steven Sharp reports that the specific plan is intended to encourage new development in a transit oriented neighborhood near the A Line (née Blue Line) light rail line on the Metro transit system. The zone changes included in the plan “will impact properties located within a roughly half-mile radius of a the A Line's Slauson, Florence, and Firestone stations,” according to Sharp.

“Notable among the changes are those to properties fronting Slauson Avenue, Gage Street, Nadeau Street, Compton Avenue, and Holmes Avenue, which are now intended to permit mixed-use buildings and multifamily housing. Additionally, the reach of the specific plan also extends to side streets, where blocks of duplexes, triplexes, and single-family homes would be rezoned to allow for larger apartment buildings and townhome-style projects.”

In addition to zoning changes, the specific plan also calls for “public realm and infrastructure improvements, including traffic signals, wayfinding signage, bikeways, and crosswalks,” according to Sharp.

Also included in the article, linked below, are details about ongoing projects to improve traffic safety on Florence-Firestone’s notoriously dangerous streets.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in Urbanize LA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Man in teal shirt opening door to white microtransit shuttle with cactus graphics and making inviting gesture toward the camera.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps

New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

June 13 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Group of people at table set ouf with picnic food on street during a neighborhood block party.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors

A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

June 13 - The Kansas City Star

Crowd gathered with protest signs on April 5, 2025 on steps of Minnesota state capitol protesting Trump cuts to social security and other federal programs.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us

Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.

June 13 - Shelterforce Magazine