This alley near Bradley Plaza in Los Angeles’ Pacoima area has been transformed into a pedestrian friendly green space by adding amenities and closing off to car traffic. (Trust for Public Land)
Pacoima is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. In its early years, it was known as an agricultural community that was subject to constant flooding. To address this issue, the city of Los Angeles implemented various flood control measures. In the early 1940s, Pacoima became a destination for heavy industry and the families of workers supporting the war effort—changing the character of the community. Many of these families lived near factories that are now listed as some of the most polluted sites in the United States. The area’s long history of environmental neglect gave rise to Pacoima Beautiful, a nonprofit organization founded by five mothers from Pacoima who wanted to create a safer and cleaner community for their children through collective action.
Since 1997, Pacoima Beautiful has worked with the community to reclaim open areas and create beautiful recreational spaces throughout the neighborhood. In 2010, the organization published the Pacoima Urban Green Vision Plan to create a healthier and more sustainable community. One of its first completed projects
The post Bradley Plaza Green Alley: A Project in Partnership with the Community appeared first on Urban Land Magazine.
