Los Angeles wants its river back and, decades-long reinstatement efforts are in progress. Most of us would prefer a belt of parks, bike paths, nature havens and athletic fields stretching from the river's headwaters in the west San Fernando Valley to its outlet in Long Beach. Which raises the question of what of development should take place on the river’s vital downtown banks between Chinatown and Washington blvd? Many pro-river activists and environmentalists want the railroads, junkyard and factories that currently border the river to be replaced by a greenbelt.
The City Council and the CRA, Community Redevelopment Agency, have a different idea for the LA River's downtown west bank. They want to create a green Silicon Valley along the river from Main street to Washington blvd would develop and manufacture renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power. The proposal has the support of the council members whose districts would most directly benefit form it, and that means the remainder of the council is unlikely to oppose it.
The LA River Revival Master Plan, which was adopted last year after 18 months if public hearings and meetings in the affected communities. By contrast, the idea of a green industrial belt, which would include affordable housing and recreation facilities has been discussed. That, unfortunately, may slow progress in an ambitious and worthwhile idea.
Lewis McAdams, the downtown poet-activist most responsible for the movement to revive the LA River, is among those critical of the lack of community input so far. He objects to encouraging any industrial growth in an area. LA must be the only major city in the world trying to revive factories in its core. He wants to see more community input.
The 19-acre tract on which the green industrial belt would be built was just acquired from the state of California for $14 milion. The land was supposed to be a site for a state prison. If the new companies are successful, it will cayse a "ripple effect" that will attract additional ecologically friendly assembly and manufacturing jobs to the area.
Deciding the tenant will be difficult because environment-friendly products don't result form environment-friendly produce.
