"South Park BID Facilitates First Urban Design Discussion Group With A Strategic Vision For The District"

LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID), along with key partners, has launched an Urban Design Discussion Group. The group will focus on the existing and future built environment of South Park and discuss ways to improve the livability and mobility of the burgeoning district in Downtown LA.

Comprised of South Park stakeholders, urban developers and public officials, the group will meet monthly going forward and aims to facilitate a robust dialogue about current and proposed projects in the pipeline; collaborate and share ideas with respect to green space and streetscape enhancements; and discuss street activation and interim uses of vacant properties – all in the spirit of cultivating a neighborhood identity that is cohesive and vibrant.

This coalition was developed (in part) as a result of the recent thought-provoking report released by Urban Land Institute Los Angeles, which evaluated South Park's current urban design, open space, and development milieu. The study directly addresses best practices for urban design, ways of improving public mobility, land use and massing and scale in relation to present and future development. The recommendations from the ULI study serve as a framework for the committee to develop strategic discussions and actionable items for 2014 and beyond. 

"South Park is a vibrant neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles. It must – and can have – a lively, high-quality public realm that both brands the district and supports the quality of life that residents, businesses and visitors want here," said Melani Smith, Principal of Planning and Urban Design at Melendrez. "It's exciting to be part of the dialogue the BID is spearheading about the future of South Park."

The first meeting occurred March 19th, 2014, and was co-hosted by Aon Risk Solutions and Allen Matkins Law Firm. Special guests Glyn Milburn from the Mayor Garcetti's Office, Sara Hernandez from Councilman Huizar's Office and Nick Maricich and Bryan Eck from the City's Planning Department were in attendance and spoke about the City's priorities, South Park's importance in the Downtown landscape, and how developers can work best with the City and SPBID.

Attendees expressed interest in discussing the impact of larger scale projects like the Central City Community Plan and My Figueroa, and how existing programs such as the City's TFAR (transfer of floor area ratio) could be improved. During the meeting Jessica Lall, Executive Director of the SPBID, presented South Park's ULI TAP Action Plan, which outlined key areas and projects the BID will focus on this year – Hope Street corridor being one of the more important initiatives.

The SPBID and the discussion group are also very interested in increasing green and open space in South Park. One important and timely item is applying through the City's People Streets Program to create parklets. Additionally, SPBID will be exploring activation and greening of alleys, in order to capture storm water and prevent runoff/flooding, as well as make those passageways safer, friendly and inviting.

Another priority will be the focus on interim uses and pop-up spaces in South Park. SPBID wants to work with property owners, businesses, art galleries and other start-ups to temporarily fill storefronts, thus increasing foot traffic and supporting overall economic development.

"We intend on this group being a forum that allows us to harness all the energy and investment being made in the South Park neighborhood," said SPBID Chairman, Robin Bieker.  "We get one chance to get this right, and the BID can play a crucial role in facilitating a vision for the neighborhood."

ABOUT
The South Park Business Improvement District is managed by the South Park Stakeholders Group, a coalition of residents, property owners, and businesses who are deeply committed to the ongoing improvement of the district. Since 2005, the South Park Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to make South Park safer and cleaner for the people who live, work, and visit South Park.

NOTE: The South Park BID does not take formal positions in favor/opposition of any development project.  This discussion group acts strictly in an advisory capacity, and any decision involving the BID must be taken up at a public Board meeting.

Contact: Amanda Irvine
March 24, 2014 Tel: (213) 663-1110
[email protected]

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SOURCE South Park Business Improvement District