City Repairs 100th Sidewalk in South L.A. District
The Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the 100th sidewalk repair in L.A.'s 8th District. Councilmember Bernard Parks partnered with LANI to complete the repair.
The project is being funded through AB1290. The funds are discretionary and controlled by each of the city's 15 council districts.
The city has identified 21 sidewalks in need of repair that are adjacent to city properties. The estimated cost to renovate the sidewalks is about $3.7 million.
“It is important to fix the sidewalks because it is certainly improves the curb value and the view of the property,” Councilmember Bernard Parks said. “It is a major liability to have sidewalks not repaired, the city pays millions of dollars for people who trip and fall and particular for seniors it is very concerning.”
There are over 11,000 miles of sidewalk in the city and approximately 40% are in need of repair, according to Councilmember Parks.
“We hope councilmembers are smart enough to see something that woks and begin to replicate it in their district,” Parks said. "The city resources to fix sidewalks are expensive, you need to go out and find non-profit construction people who work on a easy pay."
Geneva James is an elderly woman who has difficulty leaving her house because if the uplifted sidewalk and walkway. “I am glad I live to see it; I will able to come out and worry about not falling,” said long-time South L.A. resident Geneva James.
“We been having lots of problems coming in and out the house, taking groceries in and plenty times I have tripped," said Dora Garcia. "We called and they haven’t done nothing about it."