With strong advocates in Washington and in City Hall, planning continues for an ambitious multi-billion dollar effort to overhaul the Los Angeles River and its relationship to the city.
Writing in the January issue of Planning, ahead of the American Planning Association's annual conference to be held in Los Angeles this April, Lorelei Laird provides an overview and update of the status of plans to turn what many consider an oversized drainage ditch into a recreational hub, ecological asset, and an engine for economic development.
Ecological restoration "calls for removing at least some concrete. Compromises include restoring a soft bottom in some areas, creating stepped terraces along the banks, and removal of the concrete sides in a few places where floodplains can be created safely."
In a city that the Trust for Public Land says has 6.2 acres of park space per 1,000 residents currently, "planners envision parkland extending at least 250 feet from each bank, with walkways, a bicycle path, a few equestrian paths, and public art. But the plan doesn't end at the river's edge. In most areas, this 32-mile greenbelt is connected with existing destinations like parks, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses, using dedicated car-free paths and existing streets dressed up with river signage."
"The economic development portion of the plan starts from the belief that all these improvements will increase private development, a lesson drawn from redevelopment projects in many other cities. It expects that riverfront activity would draw businesses catering to park users, such as cafes, hotels, and other entertainment destinations. Overall, planners predict that every public dollar will attract four private redevelopment dollars, creating billions of dollars' worth of new development around the river."
FULL STORY: Restoring the 'Water Freeway'
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Podcast: Addressing the Root Causes of Transit Violence
Deploying transit police is a short-term fix. How can transit agencies build sustainable safety efforts?
Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
Through a combination of policies, the city has managed to limit the severity of the nationwide housing crisis.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.