GRIFFITH PARK: a beautiful work in progress

Councilmember LaBonge has a few years left to accomplish his goals for the betterment of Griffith Park. To that end, he has identified 18 objectives for Griffith Park before 2015. Read on to see the text of a letter Tom sent to Barry Sanders, the President of the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners on March 23, 2011 ... not long after his re-election to a third term in office.

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Whitnall Gardens Project in North Hollywood

Councilmember LaBonge digs-in during a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the Whitnall Gardens project on March 3rd, 2011.

(March 3rd, 2011; Los Angeles) – These days, it’s not enough to create a new greenspace in the City of Los Angeles. Like the rest of us, it has to multi-task. And, that’s exactly what the Whitnall Gardens Demonstration Project will do. Planned for a DWP right-of-way on Whitnall Highway, between Cahuenga Boulevard and Clybourn Avenue that is – let’s be honest – downright ugly, the Whitnall Gardens project will certainly spruce-up the area, with drought-tolerant landscaping to replace the bare-dirt that turns into a quagmire with each heavy rain there. It will include a walking-path that provides area residents a place to get out and exercise or just stroll; and drinking fountains along the way. But this project goes deeper – literally. There will be a storm-water catch-basin and permeable pavers that will reduce urban flooding in the area, using a series of gutters to direct runoff into the catch-basin and any overflow into nearby storm-drains. The captured storm-water will be allowed to percolate naturally into the San Fernando Valley Groundwater basin, much as nature intended – with a little help from our engineers and the excellent soil in the area, which allows for sponge-like infiltration at a rate of 8.2 feet per day.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge welcomed community members and city officials to the ground-breaking event for this multi-benefit project, which will cost around a million-dollars to complete. “This is a great collaboration among my Council office, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Bureau of Sanitation, the MidTown North Hollywood Neighborhood Council and the community.” The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Water-Systems is kicking-in $200,000.00 for the project, as well as lifting restriction on use of the easement itself. Councilmember LaBonge says, “It’s something we’ve been working on for a long time, and I’m so pleased that we’re now able to break ground on this important recreation and beautification effort here in North Hollywood.” Construction is slated to begin at the site in the summer of 2011.. Michael A. Coia, Assistant General Manager of the LADWP Power System said, “In addition to beautifying the community by the addition of a drought-tolerant garden, we are creating an open interactive space and a stormwater capture site all in one.”

NoHo Green Alley Groundbreaking

From left: Bureau of Sanitation Assistant Director Ron Olive, LaBonge Valley Field Deputy Alice Roth, LA DWP Assistant General Manager James McDaniel, LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Commissioner, Department of Public Works Paula A. Daniels, and Bureau of Sanitation Director Enrique Zaldivar.

Work is underway to reduce flooding and capture stormwater in this flood-prone North Hollywood alley, just west of Vineland. This Green Alley project could become a model for flood-prone areas throughout the city. It's a water-quality and conservation project that will relieve flooding in the area, minimize urban runoff that will drain to the Los Angeles River and allow storm-water to percolate into the ground to help re-charge the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Basin. This project will also beautify the North Hollywood neighborhood. Construction began this month and will continue through the summer. -- 7am to 3pm, monday to friday. The project is an alley west of Vineland Ave. in North Hollywood between Oxnard Street and Hatteras Street. 600-thousand dollars of the 800-thousand dollar cost is being funded by the DWP.

More info on project design: 213.485.3996

NoHo Senior Arts Colony Groundbreaking

A ceremony was held January 20th, 2011 to officially break-ground on the NoHo Senior Arts Colony in the North Hollywood Arts District. The 126-unit apartment complex -- of which 20-percent is affordable housing units -- is located on Magnolia Boulevard, just east of Lankershim. The complex will feature a theater operated by the Road Theater Company, and will include a program called ENGage, which uses the arts to help seniors age in a healthy, connected, fun way. Construction is underway.

North Hollywood Recreation Center Lighting

The North Hollywood Recreation Center rehab project will provide lighting repairs and electrical upgrades as necessary, as well as renovation of the gymnasium.

Construction on this project is currently underway.

DeLongpre Park

This project will bring new play equipment, lighting and fencing to DeLongpre park, as well as a new asphalt pathway.

Installation is almost complete.

Wattles Park

This project will address erosion and drainage issues on the historic Wattles Park property. It is currently in the design phase.

Tiara Street Intergenerational Center

Designs are underway for a 2,200-square-foot intergenerational center, a community park with a new playground, picnic areas, a 22-car parking lot, an outdoor amphitheater, and board game area on Tiara Street. This $2.1 million project will be built on a 1.56-acre property that is currently undeveloped. Construction is expected to be completed by next year.