On August 9, 2016, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved spending $10.5 million on pre-development for the first phase of a plan to revitalize a blighted area of Koreatown.
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has championed efforts to demolish and renovate dilapidated county buildings on South Vermont Avenue between Fourth and Sixth Streets.
“This is about revitalization,” Ridley-Thomas said. “It’s a declaration on blight.”
Ridley-Thomas said the plan will generate 1300 jobs.
Residents welcomed the idea of a community center, which they envisioned as a permanent home for a roving, local orchestra and a place for seniors and kids to spend time, take classes and access other services.
However, he pointed out that this is only the first phase of the project.
“We will do more. Count on it,” Ridley-Thomas said.
Photo credit: www.discoverlosangeles.com