Alleys for People?

Can the community of Long Beach, California use examples from much larger places like San Francisco and East Village to reclaim its extensive public alleys?

1 minute read

December 23, 2011, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Writer Jesus Hernandez explores the alleys in the Southern California coastal city of Long Beach, and considers how the city's alleys might have more than a utilitarian function:

"...Alleys make up a significant portion of Long Beach's public right-of-way space, and there is value in viewing them as more than a home for forgotten mattresses and rusted clunker cars. With some foresight and investment, they can become living lanes, lush with landscaping and filled with art, extensions of bike and pedestrian networks as well as the city's public parks. It might take some vision to scratch away initial layers of grime, but we can find examples across California and beyond from which to draw inspiration."

Thanks to Brian Ulaszewski

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 in Long Beach Post

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