L.A. River Master Plan OK’D

By Kerry Cavanaugh STAFF WRITER

Setting the stage for a transformation in and along the Los Angeles River, the City Council on Wednesday approved a master plan that calls for new development, parks and recreation facilities along 32 miles of riverfront property.

Designed as a 25- to 50-year blueprint that could cost $2 billion, the L.A. River Revitalization Master Plan aims to clean up the water inside the river and redevelop communities on its banks from Canoga Park to Boyle Heights.

“With this master plan, we’re giving the city a full face-lift with improved natural habitat, water quality, recreation and economic development. All those communities that historically have been neglected will have an opportunity to be rejuvenated,” said Councilman Ed Reyes, who heads the council’s Los Angeles River Ad Hoc Committee.

Reyes led the effort to develop the $3 million master plan. He compared council approval Wednesday to giving birth to a child.

“The baby is born. You’re so happy, and you say, ‘Now what do I do?’ Now the hard work begins.”

City Engineer Gary Lee Moore said he is now developing a one- year implementation plan to carry out the most immediate recommendations of the report. City staff will begin holding public hearings in July to create a new district along the river that would require new residential and commercial projects to incorporate the river and public walkways into their plans.

In addition, Moore said he hopes to create a joint powers agreement and Los Angeles River Authority within a year. The agreement would bring together the federal, county and city agencies that all have some jurisdiction over the river but don’t always work together.

Meanwhile, the city is waiting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a $7.3 million study on how to return the river to a more natural environment without compromising flood control.

kerry.cavanaugh@dailynews.com

(c) 2007 Daily Breeze. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.