The South Park SuperBlock –Remaking the S. Grand Ave Corridor
The South Park neighborhood is rapidly growing in population density while experiencing a shortage of green space for residents. South Park desperately needs its namesake: A Park – actually it needs multiple parks!
The Proposal
Let’s close South Grand Ave. to all vehicular traffic and parking and create a South Park “SuperBlock” between Olympic Ave. and Pico Street as well as 1⁄2 the blocks on each side of Grand Ave. on 11 and 12 Streets. South Grand Ave would be transformed from a dangerous, noisy, polluting higway to a tranquil green belt park area for everyone’s enjoyment!
Within the three-block area between Olympic Ave. and Pico Ave. all vehicular traffic would be strictly prohibited except limited and necessary access to existing residential building parking areas. . On-street public parking within the “SuperBlock” would be prohibited. The only exception to the prohibited vehicular traffic and parking would be authorized emergency, delivery, and handicapped vehicles having a specific permit.
Within the “SuperBlock”, electric and human powered bicycles, and scooters would be allowed and encouraged but would be required to be operated only within the designated lanes that would transit the park areas. Vehicular speeds within the “SuperBlock would be limited to 10 mph. The balance of the closed areas would be designated for pedestrians and on-foot activities and public interaction.
The “SuperBlock” would be instituted for a one year trial period. During the trial period there would be no permanent structures installed within the current street corridors. Only after acceptance of the “SuperBlock” by vote of South Park Residents would permanent landscaping, including canopy trees and public structures, be installed and current asphalt paving could be replaced by a surface that was at least 60% pervious. Should the Proposal fail to become accepted by the South Park population at the end of the trial period, the area would be returned to its current configuration and traffic use.
A Few Benefits of the Proposal
By converting the current Automobile Centric philosophy of S. Grand Ave. to People Centric, many benefits that would accrue the South Park neighborhood. Here are only five of these benefits:
1. Eliminate the danger, air, and noise pollution created by heavy, high speed vehicular traffic on Grand Ave. within the three-block area.
2. Increase opportunity for installation of landscaping features and public activity areas which would increase the viability of the area along with its unique personality and beauty.
3. Additional sidewalk areas could lead to encouraged and expanded outdoor dining and bar facilities for existing and future bar/restaurant operations. Establishment of SuperBlocks in many cities have resulted in huge increases in commercial traffic and similar increases in tax revenues generated in these areas.
4. Stimulate greater pedestrian and local resident use and enjoyment of the Grand Ave. and 11th and 12th Streets. This would create more general activity and public mixing and stimulate additional retail/dining opportunities and businesses in existing empty store fronts. This, in turn would increase neighborhood vibrancy and encourage more residential population in the district.
5. Stimulate tourist use of the SuperBlock and increase commercial walking traffic by attracting and capitalizing on the huge draw of LALive, the Convention Center, and Crypto Arena.
If you’d like to visualize how the South Grand Super Block could look, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/b7nZ8kG5gvg
If you are interested in this proposal, please feel free to comment in “Post Comment” below.
By John Nilsson
