Please post additional questions or comments about the revitalization of the Los Angeles River at this email address:  lariver@lacity.org

What is the motivation for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River?

The Los Angeles River has been neglected over the years and, at many locations along its path, is an eyesore.  Yet, through the years, activists and the City itself recognized the Los Angeles River as offering huge potential for natural, community, and economic resources which, if harnessed, would present significant opportunities to revitalize the adjacent neighborhoods.  Against this background, the City’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River, established in 2002, spearheaded efforts to launch the Revitalization Master Plan – a plan aimed at  enhancing existing communities by creating a safe environment with more open space, parks, trails, recreation, environmental restoration, riverfront living and commerce, new jobs, neighborhood identity, economic development, tourism, and civic pride.

Who is responsible for revitalizing the Los Angeles River?

Revitalization of the River is currently a joint effort among the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River guides the City's revitalization efforts, and the City’s River Project Office within the Bureau of Engineering is taking a lead role in the implementation process. The process is being coordinated with the County of Los Angeles through the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU addresses each agencies’ respective responsibilities for maintenance, liability, security, and project implementation. Further, any changes to the physical configuration of the River’s concrete channel will involve approval and potential funding support by the Federal government.

Who are the key LA River stakeholders?

Every individual, organization, and business in the Los Angeles region is a key River stakeholder. The planning process will involve everyone in decision-making activities via well-publicized workshops, meetings and River-related events.

What is the length of the Los Angeles River?

The entire Los Angeles River runs 51 miles through urban Los Angeles (both through several cities and the County of Los Angeles).  This project specifically focuses on a 32-mile stretch from Canoga Park through downtown Los Angeles.

Will other neighboring cities be involved in this effort?

The revitalization of the Los Angeles River is currently being coordinated by the City of Los Angeles. Throughout the planning and implementation process, the City will seek regional cooperation with adjacent cities such as Glendale, Burbank, and Long Beach, along with the County of Los Angeles and other river-related agencies in order to integrate projects and management objectives to leverage funding sources, cost efficiencies, visibility, and community support.

What effect will River Revitalization have on existing projects near the River?

Any work will be coordinated with existing projects and appropriate agencies to minimize or avoid adverse impacts and to leverage opportunities that arise as a result of the planning process.

Will it be possible to remove the concrete from the river?

The Revitalization Master Plan included alternatives to reconfigure the channel dimensions which may include the removal of concrete in portions of the river. Any changes made to the channel will be made to maintain or enhance safety during peak flow events. Any materials removed from the LA River will be disposed or recycled in an environmentally sensitive manner. Removal of the concrete, if possible, will provide creative landscaping opportunities for natural conditions.

Will I be able to jog, walk or ride along the LA River?

Yes, part of the plan to revitalize the Los Angeles River is to maintain and enhance recreational opportunities and overall quality of life along the LA River. We are looking at diverse recreational improvements such as green space, bike paths, sports fields and other opportunities to enjoy the LA River’s resources.

Who is responsible for keeping the LA River safe and clean?

Maintenance of the LA River falls under several jurisdictions within the City, County, and Army Corps of Engineers. The City understands that management of the River must be a shared responsibility among various agencies and organizations.  By engaging different partners, the plan can result in a truly collaborative vision with recommendations for inventive and integrated strategies for managing the River.

Will there be a committed effort to prevent crime and blight from impacting new recreation areas along the River?

Yes, a key component of revitalization efforts is to address safety concerns so that everyone can enjoy the River and its environs. This includes designing safe spaces as well as integrating elements such as lighting and maintenance recommendations into the process.

How will existing flood protection be addressed?

The number one priority of the revitalization process is to preserve the flood protection that is provided by the existing river system. No adverse impacts to this protection would be recommended nor implemented. Rather, opportunities to enhance flood protection and safety through a variety of means will be considered.  Examples may include the use of detention areas for flood waters, additional channel capacity, and wise watershed practices, for example.

How will revitalization of the River reflect the neighborhood values and aspirations of specific communities and constituencies?

The efforts to revitalize the Los Angeles River will include significant community input throughout the process so that all communities and constituencies have a say in helping design a future blueprint for the River for generations to come.

Will the revitalization of the Los Angeles River include public art?

The planning and implementation effort will invite stakeholders including residents and artists to dialogue on public art standards, projects and policies. The River Project Office will work with the City’s Cultural Affairs Department and other institutions to prepare recommendations for a LA River arts policy.

How will non-English speaking stakeholders be informed of the planning and implementation process and be encouraged to participate?

All meeting notifications and public materials will be translated into Spanish.  If requested, materials will also be translated into Korean and Chinese or other languages.  Additionally, Spanish-speaking translators are in attendance at public workshops and meetings to provide non-English speakers with on-the-spot translation of proceedings and activities.

Will the Plan seek to incorporate environmentally friendly land use, transportation, and water technologies?

Yes. The revitalization of the Los Angeles River seeks to create a sustainable living and working environment along the River.  The City of Los Angeles has already embarked on landmark programs using state-of-the-art technologies and practices to provide alternative sources of clean energy, water conservation, and pollution prevention.  Revitalization of the River will seek to showcase and enhance such technologies that may include, but are not limited to, solar energy, water-saving devices, tree planting and use of permeable surfaces to preserve underground water.

Have other cities taken on projects like this?

Numerous cities across the United States have implemented highly successful riverfront projects that have revitalized adjacent communities. Similar projects include:

• San Antonio Riverwalk – San Antonio, TX
• Brush Creek Cultural Corridor – Kansas City, MO
• Memphis Riverfront Master Plan – Memphis, TN
• Charles River Master Plan – Boston, MA
• Tennessee River – Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Greening of the Platte River – Denver, CO
• River Park and Balboa park Redevelopment – San Diego, CA
• Rio Salado Ecosystem Restoration Project – Phoenix & Tempe, AZ
• North Delaware Riverfront – Philadelphia, PA
• Allegheny Riverfront – Pittsburgh, PA
• Rio Besos – Barcelona, Spain
• Cheonggye Stream Project – South Korea

Success stories include, for example, the San Antonio Riverwalk which has been the catalyst of over $2.8 billion in tourism for the City of San Antonio and the Brush Creek Cultural Corridor in Kansas City which has generated more than $750 million in new development.

What is the Los Angeles River Improvement Overlay (LA-RIO) District?

The LA-RIO is a proposed special use district that requires new projects to achieve points in three design categories: Watershed, Urban Design, and Mobility. The LA-RIO also provides guidelines for new “complete” streets and includes a mobility strategy to ensure that the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and vehicle drivers are considered when major projects or street improvements are undertaken. The LA-RIO will enable the City to better coordinate land use development all along the 32-mile corridor of the Los Angeles River that flows within the City’s boundaries.

 

How is the LA-RIO different from the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan (LARRMP)?

The LARRMP focuses on the River and its surrounding communities, with a focus on the creation of parks, paths, and open spaces--providing the overall vision for the River’s revitalization. The LA-RIO will help implement the LARRMP by focusing on the establishment of a distinct, sustainable environment in the surrounding neighborhoods, including guidelines for both private property and public rights- of-way. Therefore, the LA-RIO is an important first implementing ordinance to promote concepts developed in the LARRMP.

 

What areas are included in the LA-RIO?

The LA-RIO includes all of the neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles that are ad­jacent to the Los Angeles River. The LA-RIO’s proposed boundaries are open to input from the public and are a central discussion point of the LA-RIO public workshops taking place in the summer of 2007. The proposed LA-RIO boundary generally extends ½ mile on either side of the River, creating an area that is potentially 32 miles long and one mile wide.

 

How will the LA-RIO affect me if I want to build on or develop my property?

If you are developing a new project, or are rebuilding a substantial portion of existing structures on your property, you will be required to comply with the design guidelines established in the LA-RIO.

 

Does the LA-RIO restrict what I can build?

The LA-RIO does not impose any limits on the size, use, height and/or setbacks of a building beyond what is restricted by the prevailing zoning and building codes.

 

Does the LA-RIO restrict my parking?

The LA-RIO does not impose any restrictions on the amount of parking spaces that you can provide. The LA-RIO does require that new projects locate parking away from the River Greenway. Parking that is located immediately adjacent to either the Street and/or very near the River is encouraged to be obscured with either a low wall or shrubs.

 

Do I still need to comply with the requirements of the LA-RIO even if I am not planning on re-building or developing my property?

The LA-RIO does not require you to make any changes to your existing property and/or structures. The requirements of the LA-RIO only become effective when you choose to build new structures and/or substantially renovate existing structures.

 

What is the process for adopting the LA-RIO?

After the workshops their will be a public hearing for the LA-RIO at the City Planning Commission. This will be followed by hearings with the City Council’s Planning and Land Use (PLUM) and Ad Hoc River committees, and ultimately with the full City Council.

 

What are the benefits of the LA-RIO?

Implementation of the guidelines proposed by the LA-RIO, many of which are low-cost, low-tech solutions, will result in long-term region-wide quality of life improvements.

 

How can I learn more about River-related projects?

You can check www.lariver.org. Quarterly River Update Meetings (RUMs) will provide up-to-date information.