Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative

Boyle Heights, located in East Los Angeles, became a LANI neighborhood in 1994. Once a primarily Jewish settlement, Boyle Heights is one of Los Angeles' oldest communities and retains many historic buildings. First Street contains mixed residential and commercial uses with many restaurants and dance halls, and fewer retail and groceries stores. A mini-civic center at First and Soto Streets is created by a police station, library, youth and immigration organizations, and the Boyle Heights Pocket Park, created by LANI and the Boyle Heights Steering Committee in 1995.

Neighborhood Improvements

Project Elements

Comprehensive Community Work Plan
Pocket Park (Chicago & First Streets)
Bus Stop security lights
First Street merchant directories at bus stops
Bus shelters with matching benches and information kiosks
Trees and treewell covers
Decorative crosswalks and intersection improvements
Park benches and trash receptacles
Banners

Additional Benefits

Documented decrease in crime incidences at the Pocket Park.
Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce expanded it's graffiti and litter removal program to include the Pocket Park.
At LANI's request, the City re-paved Chicago Street directly in front of the park and several blocks north.
Private owner of building adjacent to Park contributed additional exterior lighting for increased safety in Park.
Various community organizations have hosted their events at the Pocket Park since it's completion.

Contacts

Councilmember Jose Huizar
(213) 473-7014

LANI:
Anna Apostolos
(213) 627-1822 Ext. 14
anna@lani.org

Updated Winter 2010