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Thursday: Give Your Input on Greening Harlem Alley

By Eric Richardson
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at 12:23PM

DSC_5986 Pamela Rouse [Flickr]

Tables from Lost Souls Cafe line a small portion of Harlem Alley, being studied as a potential green space.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Before Lost Souls Cafe could open in January of 2006, those involved had to convince the city that Harlem Alley was not an active street, full of dangerous cars that would endanger those making simply in search of a latte.

Now DLANC's Sustainability committee and a team of masters students from U.C. Santa Barbara's Bren School for the Environment want to take that pedestrian idea one step further, and they're asking for your input.

Given the residential density of the block and the upcoming park on Spring street, Harlem Place is an alley with a lot of potential. While it is still used for service access, the span certainly fits the bill for a potentially green, pedestrian-oriented space.

On Thursday, November 19, the Bren team -- who have put together a website for their project -- will present three scenarios for the alleyway and get those in attendance to weigh in on how they might use the space. The meeting takes place at 6:30pm, at the LATC (514 S. Spring). Those unable to attend can fill out a survey online.

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Comments

1
D writes:

Fantastic. this is a long time coming. hopefully it wont take 5 years to implement. it would be nice to see change happen in 6 months, but thats too logical now isnt it?

# on Nov.17.2009 AT 03:11 PM
2
® writes:

Living on the 2nd floor and having windows that open to Harlem alley, I don't really see the possibility of ground floor green space. The area is much too small and still used as a vehicle entrance. However, I HAVE always envisioned a vertical garden approach from my window down to the alley. Have a look here for an example. http://bit.ly/2tvcxK

# on Nov.17.2009 AT 03:31 PM
3
Rich Alossi writes:

Light-colored pavers, lots of lighting, and benches.

But we all know we'll probably end up with a dog park, a workout area, an interpretive trail, a community garden and grade-separated crossings.

# on Nov.17.2009 AT 03:36 PM
4
Bottle Rocket writes:

I've personally heard Trish Keefer claim that the Gilmores own the part of the alley that is bordered on both sides by their properties. That's why they have the two fences across it. Won't it all be up to them and their own financial interests?

# on Nov.17.2009 AT 05:14 PM
5
Eric Richardson writes:

Bottle Rocket: To my knowledge, there has been no vacation of the Harlem Place right-of-way. That would cause the alley to revert to the property owner(s).

The alley has been withdrawn from public use, which established the right for it to be gated. The right-of-way itself is still officially publicly owned, though.

# on Nov.17.2009 AT 05:59 PM
6
Simon Ha writes:

I commend the grass-roots effort. But how does this 'Everyday Urbanism' fit in with the Overall vision of Downtown Design Guidelines?

The guideline states: "The primary purpose of most Downtown alleys is vehicular access and loading. The exceptions are “pedestrian-priority” alleys as designated as “pedestrian-priority” alleys by the Reviewing Agency. Pedestrian-priority alleys typically are located in the City Markets district."

Seems like this proposal would have to go to battle with Planning.

# on Nov.18.2009 AT 09:49 AM
7
Eric Richardson writes:

Simon: To me, the design guide's section on alleys speaks more to new projects. Talk about designing vehicle access to go off the alley doesn't apply when your block is already built-out.

The design guide also speaks to building green elements (permeable pavers, etc) into alleys, and that seems in line with what's being talked about here.

# on Nov.18.2009 AT 10:08 AM
8
Simon Ha writes:

Eric: I would disagree that the guideline only speaks to new development. There seems to be a philosophy in the guidelines as to what alleys should be – more utilitarian in nature.

Clearly, downtown alley concept is not like Old Pasadena where uses and design of alleys and paseos are well defined.

I completely agree with the desire to make alleys a better place. I think using Grasscrete or enhanced paving would definitely help but I think there has to be an overall strategy to create a network as opposed to the piece meal approach.

# on Nov.18.2009 AT 11:57 AM

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