LA Times, Timothy Rutten writes back...

After writing the post below entitled Broadway Revitalization as compared to Blade Runner, I submitted it to Mr. Rutten of the LA Times.

Kindly, he responded:

Dear Mr. Seirafi:
Thanks for this. I'm certainly not arguing tht Broadway be left as it is or that it would not be wonderful to restore the theaters. I'm simply saying that, as we go about doing whatever is done with the street, the city needs to give equal consideration to those who already use the street and to where their economic activities can continue to occur.
Tim

Broadway Revitalization as compared to Blade Runner

Timothy Rutten of the LA Times, writes an opinion about the revitalization of Broadway. A plan heralded by residents, business owners, stakeholders and just about everyone who lives in LA. His piece is:

"L.A.'s 'Blade Runner' plans"
Will we allow the movie's nightmarish view of downtown to come true?

If you consider his opinion, Broadway would remain the same, because changing it would be a nightmare. He proposes preserving the graffiti, broken windows, flashing strobe lights, bacon wrapped sausage cooking on shopping carts, strip clubs, merchandise spilling out on sidewalks, public urination, trash, a desolate evening scape and dilapidated buildings. In my opinion letting the Historic Core of LA fall into such disrepair is the nightmare. Most cities take care of and receive many benefits from the historic and cultural centers.

No one has proposed changing Olvera street because it truly is a gem and represents Los Angeles well. What is currently on Broadway does not. This kind of resistance to progress has currently put in jeopardy the much anticipated Grand Avenue project. With continued harassment by opponents of the project it has been delayed several times now and we have a giant hole in our civic center to show for that.

I don't disagree about the 14 story light show billboard but to call the collective effort of residents, business, and city leaders to revitalize Broadway "a nightmare" is irresponsible.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention, that the beautiful building where they shot the most memorable scenes in Blade Runner is on Broadway called the Bradbury building. It's a good thing it didn't meet with the wrecking ball like so many other historic buildings along the Broadway corridor. By leaving the status quo we only invite more urban flight and the destruction of our collective history.
Z.

Bringing Back Broadway

Hi!

Several EC homeowners attended this morning's function which launched
the Bringing Back Broadway initiative. It was a great event held at the
Los Angeles theater. Most of the movers and shakers were present
including the Mayor.

Bringing Back Broadway will create a plan for a vibrant Broadway
district that provides entertainment, eclectic cultural amenities and
diverse retail options for Downtown residents and visitors to one of
Los Angeles' most remarkable historic areas, while serving as a central
focus for revived downtown streetcar transportation.

Many details can be found on www.bringingbackbroadway.com

The items that are of most interest to our building are, naturally, the
cleaning up of Broadway - all the way down to Olympic,
removal/replacement of signage and they intend on bringing back the
streetcars.

Best regards,

Bill

Bill Cooper
The Loft Expert!
www.TheLoftExpertGroup.com

Bring Back Broadway Kick-Off / Press Conference

Schultheis, Herman
SPNB Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

cjanebuy's photos



Please read this invitation from Tara:

Hi there,
Most who know me know that I have been involved with the Broadway
Theatre District revitalization efforts for sometime. I am very
excited to announce that the initiative is now being taken to the
next level by Councilmen Jose Huizar and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
I hope you can join us for this very exciting event to announce the
City's involvement in Broadway's revitalization and what their plans
are to move it forward. The event is open to anyone who is interested
so bring your friends!

Please RSVP with the names and number of people in your party to
Trisha.Fleming@lacity.org or 213-978-3020

Best Regards,
Tara Jones Hamacher


BRINGING BACK BROADWAY KICK-OFF / PRESS CONFERENCE
Monday, January 28
arrival 9:30am
press conference at 10am (reception to follow)
Los Angeles Theatre 615 S. Broadway

Please share this with interested downtowners. All are welcome -- we
appreciate RSVPs so we can plan accordingly for the reception.

Hope to see you there!

Bill

Bill Cooper
The Loft Expert!
www.TheLoftExpertGroup.com