Densification of Los Angeles

Mayor Bradley recently made a speech in which he urged the city to stop the Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) mentality that is preventing better planning in Los Angeles for both public and private uses. As a community-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing and commercial space for small local businesses , the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) supports the mayor’s position.

To believe that by not planning and building transportation systems, housing, and public works projects, we can prevent Los Angeles’ population from increasing is ludicrous. First of all, much of Los Angeles’ growth is coming from within--from births outpacing deaths. Secondly, despite the recession and increasing crime, economic and social conditions here are still very attractive relative to other cities, both domestic and international. More people will continue to settle here, whether we plan for their arrival or not. Homelessness and overcrowded apartments are just two symptoms we see everyday. Obviously, it is better that we begin to work together on planning strategies.

Land is not an increasing resource. Therefore, to put more people and activities onto the same amount of land will result in greater density. Density itself, however, is not necessarily negative if we can come up with solutions for making it a positive living environment. To reduce congestion via a better jobs-housing balance or more convenient transportation, to build more dense housing along certain corridors, more mixed-use projects such as housing over commercial space, parks or housing on top of parking, will take more planning and more community involvement than is currently taking place.

BILL WATANABE

Executive Director

LTSC, Los Angeles