Big changes loom large over Little Tokyo, Kaid Benfield reports. The question is whether higher land values will steal away its character and cultural significance.
Long the cultural fount of the Japanese community in Southern California, Little Tokyo stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Downtown Los Angeles. But the revitalization of Downtown in recent years, along with the arrival of a new light rail station in 2009, threaten to dramatically alter its landscape.
"Potentially, the station could become one of the city's busiest," Benfield writes, "because of a project called the Regional Connector, an extension of nearby transit lines that will transform the Little Tokyo station into a major transfer center."
The arrival of transit and nearby gentrification have driven speculation over increases in land value, which in turn could bring in businesses and residents that would diminish the cultural identity of the area. Little Tokyo Service Center, a nonprofit development corporation, has sponsored a number of projects of great importance to the neighborhood, such as affordable housing, an arts complex, and a transitional shelter for victims of domestic violence. However, increased land prices could make it harder to compete with for-profit developers.
"Some mid-rise, upscale condo buildings have come in as well; these are architecturally appealing and appropriately scaled but raise the question of maintaining affordability in the district," Benfield explains.
FULL STORY: Preserving a sense of place in LA's Little Tokyo
L.A.'s Complicated Dance Between TOD and Displacement
As the Los Angeles metro area expands its transit options, transit-oriented development is following suit. In some neighborhoods, lower-income residents are being displaced.
Another L.A. Gentrification Story
New art galleries are moving into a neighborhood recently dubbed ‘Melrose Hill,’ prompting both derision and concern on the part of local residents.
Coalition Fights Displacement Along Purple Line
Community advocates are warning that Maryland’s new light rail line could cause displacement without concerted efforts to preserve affordable housing and legacy businesses.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
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.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
San Francisco Approves Zoning Reforms to Avoid ‘Builder’s Remedy’
The county board of supervisors voted to approve zoning changes that bring it closer to compliance with state housing mandates.
Where Are Millennials Moving to?
As the housing crisis rages on, four U.S. states are seeing high levels of new migration from young and middle-aged workers.
California Cities Cite Historic Preservation to Block Development
Are some cities using historic designations disingenuously?
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.
