City Looks To Boot Cars From Broadway Theater District

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar proposed Wednesday that the city study the feasibility of creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor with no vehicle traffic on the historic downtown Broadway corridor between First and 12th streets.

"Broadway was once one of the nation's cultural centers," Huizar said. "Our successful initiative, Bringing Back Broadway, has signaled the return of vibrancy to the area. Creating pedestrian-friendly zones where people are out of the car and walking along the street will enhance businesses and contribute to the further revitalization of the area."

The Broadway Theater District is listed on the National Register Historic Places and is recognized as the birthplace of theatrical and cinematic entertainment in Los Angeles.

The area has benefited from the revitalization spurred by the initiative, Huizar said. He said the Broadway Streetscape Master Plan has provided numerous pedestrian-oriented and traffic-calming tools for the historic corridor between First and 12th streets. The master plan is currently at 30% completion.

Since 2010, the Bringing Back Broadway initiative has resulted in a 23% increase in average wages, a 52% increase in the number of residents who live on Broadway, according to Huizar's office, which said business revenue has increased 112%, bringing in over $1 billion in new gross receipt revenues.

Huizar said a streetcar project under consideration could provide first- and last-mile transportation with public transit uses to reduce traffic in the area.

According to his motion, the feasibility study would take existing streetscape and streetcar plans into consideration as well as accessibility options related to parking, residential and commercial unloading/loading, disability access compliance, fire and safety and private events.

His motion further instructs that special consideration be given to protecting and promoting the historic theaters along the corridor.

City News Service