Air Rights Could Bring Capital Funds
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Times has hit the story about selling air rights from a couple different angles now. Last week they questioned whether Downtown could take the density. Today the editorial department writes a piece in favor and Steve Hymon takes a look at how the City might spend the money. He says those of us Downtown are excited about the potential of cash that can go into capital projects. And wait, who's this he quotes?
Many downtown residents say they are excited that the city may have new money to spend, and already a debate has begun over how to use the funds.
"I think there will be a lot of eyes on this money and I feel very comfortable that the people here — particularly Jan Perry — understands what downtown needs," said Eric Richardson, a member of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council who also runs the website http://www.blogdowntown.com .
Richardson would like to see some of the money used for affordable housing and possibly to buy an open lot for a future park, particularly in the South Park area, which is being rapidly developed.
I only regret that my first real quote in the Times has incorrect subject-verb agreement.
meekorouse on March 19, 2007, at 10:11AM – #1
I'm wondering where in South Park we could have a park. There's Grand Hope Park (by FIDM) but that's not a real park per se, not what I think you are talking about anyway.
It seems like whatever land there is has a big hole in it or is a big hole being filled with condos. I like South Park but as a resident of the area I don't know where it would all fit. =)
eecue on March 19, 2007, at 10:37AM – #2
Holy cow, the LAT actually put a link in a story! That is amazing! Wonder what the print edition looks like?
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on March 19, 2007, at 10:39AM – #3
I actually picked up a print edition to file. The story's on B4 and the website URL is in italics.
Whitman Lam on March 19, 2007, at 11:28AM – #4
There is some existing parkspace in front of Staples Center/Convention Center on Figueroa.
It is poorly landscaped with too much concrete and palm trees, and too little green grass. Perhaps they can rebuild this park into something more open and people friendly. Same goes for Pershing Square, it can be simplistic and useful if they get rid of all the concrete blocks.
Kenarch on March 19, 2007, at 12:31PM – #5
Good job, Eric - in the face of so much negativity and doomsday forecasting, it is very important that we make our voice heard - the voice for intelligent and beneficial progress Downtown. I'm glad the Times credited you and the blog properly. See... even dinosaurs try to do the right thing sometimes, though they have brains the size of walnuts...