Canoga Park Revitalization Efforts Get Boost From City

Revitalization efforts in Canoga Park received a boost Thursday when the Los Angeles Planning Commission approved guidelines for improving the community’s business district.

The commission unanimously approved the Downtown Canoga Park Community Design Overlay guidelines and Streetscape Plan, which govern improvements made on commercial and public properties along Sherman Way. The guidelines, which affect business designs, storefronts and any new developments, are still subject to approval by the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee and the full City Council.

“This plan will work hand in hand with other programs in the area,” said Councilwoman Laura Chick, who represents the area.

The downtown business district is bounded by Topanga Canyon Boulevard to the west, Canoga Avenue to the east, Wyandotte Street to the north and Gault Street to the south.

About $13 million has been spent to improve parts of the community during the past five years. Last year, a majority of the area’s property owners approved forming a business improvement district, voting to tax themselves about $230,000 annually and to spend the funds on local improvements.

Last week, state officials considering whether to certify Canoga Park as a “Main Street” city met with local officials. If Canoga Park receives the certification, it would get technical help and resources for the community’s small businesses, but no funds.