Public Workshop Addresses University Village Renovation
Residents, students and city planners met on Tuesday night for a workshop seminar about the upcoming University Village renovation.
"Everything is tied to USC's program for redeveloping its land and new construction around the campus and on the campus," explained Michelle Levy, a city planner with the City of Los Angeles Planning Department. "It's really a new vision for Jefferson [Boulevard] and transforming USC from, you know, kind of an isolated campus to a more community-oriented, outward-oriented campus.
Many residents voiced concerns about existing local community needs.
"Our concern is traffic coming in, how we're going to be shielded and how many cars will be driving through the area," said Thore Knos.
Ramon Olivar lives on 30th St. and his primary concern is regarding the apartment complex that will be erected.
"The apartments are being taken away by all the students from USC, which is OK," he said. "Then what about us? They're beautifying the new apartments, and we need to be in a position where USC can hopefully help us out by specific loans. And they promised us that."
Some residents are excited about the change.
"Everything I hear sounds like it's going to be an upgrade and a positive environmental change," said Marvin Walter.
The City said they will work to take residents' concerns into consideration as they move forward.
There will be another meeting next week for community members to speak out.