DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The LA Mall is a a weird place. Walking down there, especially at an off peak time, you feel a little like you've been transported back to the 1970's. Of course that was when the place was developed, so perhaps there's a reason. In any case, Janice Hahn wants to know why nothing's come of past talk about turning the Mall into something interesting, and perhaps even -- gasp -- somewhere people could go in the evening. This motion (PDF) was filed on the 14th, and Janice takes some shots at the Mall.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the General Services Department, the design and function of the LA Mall cause it to appear fragmented, dilapidated and uninviting. Food services seem to lack the variety available at other retail centers. Retail services seem minimal. Uneven pedestrian walkways and poor lighting give the facility a drab appearance. In the late 80's and mid 1990's, the City hired an outside consultants take a look at ways to redevelop the LA Mall into a more modern, functional, and inviting facilty that would attract top quality tenants. Those plans appear to have been set aside for unknown reasons.

It was my understanding from watching the whole issue of the Downtown Master Plan and the new Police Headquarters that this was how that sort of thing worked. Paper is produced, and then sits on a shelf never to be looked at again.

The motion now goes to the Information Technology & General Services committees, and if passed would ask General Services and the CAO to report on the current status of mall plans.