LA receives grants to reconnect MacArthur Park and link Warner Center

California Construction News staff writer

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has awarded three grants to the City of Los Angeles for housing projects on city-owned land; to reconnect MacArthur Park and link Warner Center as an active transportation hub to jobs and housing.

“We must continue to urgently pursue all available solutions to confront the homelessness crisis and that includes continuing our efforts to boldly and strategically use existing resources including city-owned property,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.

“Thank you to the Southern California Association of Governments for helping Los Angeles pursue more sustainable housing, sustainable transportation and accessible neighborhoods through this grant funding.”

The housing department will receive $2.9 million to address the homelessness crisis by using city-owned property and re-envision how assets are used and how public agencies can create partnerships to maximize production on infill public lands. The program seeks to develop a pipeline of sites for housing by assessing public lands, parking lots and smaller sites, evaluating creative financing approaches, and bundling sites for future Requests for Proposals.

Also, the Department of Transportation will receive $500,000 to study the feasibility of reconnecting MacArthur Park, which is located at 2230 W. 6th in Hernandez’ 1st District, covering northwest and north of downtown Los Angeles. Wilshire Boulevard cuts through the park, splitting it in two. One proposed solution is to build a pedestrian bridge with the grant money across the boulevard.

“The grant awards announced recently demonstrate the City’s commitment to delivering transportation projects that improve safety and connectivity, expand mobility options, and increase access to opportunity for all Angelenos,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “Working with the Mayor, Council offices, and partner agencies, we can create infrastructure to promote healthy and sustainable communities.”

The third grant is to, in partnership with StreetsLA, develop an active transportation plan for the Warner Center in the West San Fernando Valley. Since the adoption of a new specific plan in 2013, Warner Center has seen rapid growth, including permitting or construction of more than 10,000 new housing units.