Residents Fight Condos To Preserve Historically Black Neighborhood

"Merchants who revived Leimert Park as a black cultural hub are battling government officials, developers and other shop owners who have a vision for bringing in new shoppers and residents."

"Leimert Park Village is a black bohemia where shoppers browse through stacks of books by black authors, artisans peddle Ghanaian kente cloths and African wood carvings, and residents debate local politics at a quiet coffee house over slices of fresh-baked sweet potato pie and listen to live jazz at a nightclub."

"A preliminary study by the City Redevelopment Agency suggested construction of new housing above existing shops, possible upscale condos and attracting national chain stores."

"Merchants have fought back by drafting their own proposal that includes an African-American museum and library, mom-and-pop restaurants and a few national chains, but no condos. They also are seeking a city designation as a "historical preservation zone," which would limit construction."