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Tuesday, December 04, 2012

A Park Betrayed .......... for future considerations of the "University of Scandalous Conduct"

** Blogger's note: So much for USC being a considerate neighbor. Join community activists tomorrow as we make our voices heard in protecting a historic green refuge at the crossroads to El Sereno, Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights. From Ray Rios of the Hillside Village Property Owners Association.
Additional news regarding Hazard Park. Last week we posted how USC Medical Complex was requesting that our city allow for an amendment that would allow them to extend Norfolk street through to Soto street meaning that it would take a portio
n of Hazard Park and demolish the handball courts in the process. I also announced that there would be a public meeting on Wednesday Dec. 5th at 6:30 at Hazard Gymnasium. That still holds true and would encourage anyone who is opposed to this inconsiderate plan to take portions of our community park to attend Wednesday's meeting. I've just learned that the Planning and Land Use Management (Plum) Committee will be considering permits and follow-ups on Tuesday in City Hall. So please call both Councilmen Jose Huizar (CD14) (213 473-7013) and Ed Reyes (CD 1) (213 473-7001) Lincoln Heights and voice your opposition against this extension of Norfolk Street. In 1966 our city tried to give this park away to the Veteran's Administration for some property in Westwood but our community fought back and made then Mayor Sam Yorty and the city council repeal that plan. We need to do the same today. Much thanks, Ray

 Below we document the past and pending environmental betrayal of green space used by generations of working class families ..........
This tree and others pictured below are targeted for removal to widen Soto Street
These two Sycamores will be remove to expand passage for USC's increase workforce without EIR's CEQA and community impact reports.
 Every tree in the row pictured above will face removal.
 CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar removed $750,000 set aside for storm drain restoration, leaving park users and a sensitive wetlands habitat exposed to untreated storm runoff.
A promise broken to restore a wetlands by the likes of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar. Evironmential Justice does not apply when USC seeks a chunk of precious park space for its capital expansion plans.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

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2 Comments:

Anonymous East LA born Trojan said:

So instead of finding an opportunity here to suggest a way forward for a win-win for the park and USC, a university that provides massive amounts of good work in the community you decide to use a pejorative about 'u of scandalous conduct'. Do you want to be taken seriously or do you just want to stomp your feet and call names?

Would you suggest that every tree is sacred and no progress can be made here? My understanding is that USC will plant new trees and rebuild new handball courts.

Please some productive conversation and less juvenile name calling.

December 09, 2012 8:01 PM  

Anonymous Sage of ELA said:

Sage of ELA January 14, 2013 at 10:32 pm

The funny thing is, USC has a lot of learning to do.

They can’t just roll over a community and get what the heck they want. The community and surroundings may be poor but that is mainly because of bad planning policy.

The zoning of the area allows for very little retail amenities and puts a residential neighborhood smack between ugly beat-down warehouses and the ugly backs of medical buildings. I can go on and on about pollution, noise from freeways and trains, trucks, delivery vans, other street traffic and helicopters this community must endure.

If USC would take the time to plan carefully, the buildings they put up would look good from all directions, decreasing blight. They would address issues like traffic and parking. It is hard for locals to find parking or EVEN ACCESS Hazard Park let alone enjoy it.

If USC wants to help the community while helping themselves they must truly go beyond throwing a few trees at us.

This poor planning and lack of respect for the community should be addressed in the vast catalog of very expensive courses USC has to offer.

January 14, 2013 10:38 PM  

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