A blighted abandoned rail corridor through South Los Angeles received funding to plan a rail to trail conversion. Can residents compel officials to complete the sorely needed open space facility?
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently "approved $2.8 million to plan a 'rail-to-river' path along Slauson Avenue from the Los Angeles River to the Crenshaw Metro line — one of the most blighted parts of the city." The project, reports Andrea Gardner, would "transform eight miles of abandoned roadway into a bike and pedestrian path" at an estimated cost of $35 million.
The article (which also includes an audio version from its radio broadcast) also focuses on the neighborhood and residents who would benefit by the conversion. "Residents told the board the project was needed in a community known for high obesity and a low rate of car ownership. Many noted that South Los Angeles is also 'park poor,' with less than 2 acres of park space for every 1,000 residents. By comparion [sic], West Los Angeles has more than 50 acres of park space for every 1,000 residents."
FULL STORY: South Los Angeles residents push to transform railway to 8-mile greenbelt
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