Glendale launches pilot program for pedestrian walkway, Maryland Paseo

Just east of bustling Brand Boulevard is the quaint street of Maryland Avenue, which was closed to vehicular traffic between Broadway and Wilson Avenue on Monday as part of a pilot project to see how successful a pedestrian walkway, called the Maryland Paseo, would be along that stretch of street.

“The goal is to revitalize Maryland Avenue. This was one of my dreams come true,” said Glendale City Councilman Vartan Gharpetian. “We started small and are going to expand it from here to turn it into a promenade and also a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment, so it will help downtown as well as Maryland Avenue itself.”

On Tuesday during lunchtime, the bluegrass group the Fair Market Band, performed a number of songs in front of Dr. Kaur’s Wellness Solutions, including “You Are My Sunshine” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” .

The Glendale City Council collaborated with Stashimi, a newly launched local music app company, to provide free entertainment in hopes to attract pedestrian traffic along the paseo.

If the Maryland Paseo proves successful, the city will consider turning the pilot project into an ongoing program, contingent on the responses of businesses, drivers and pedestrians.

Along the brick-paved street, the city also set up bean-bag toss games, shaded tables and chairs as well as large tubs filled with ice and free beverages for passersby.

Terra d’Oliva, owner Vladimir Stefanovich, said she welcomes the events. “It’s such a beautiful street. When you look at the layout, it’s almost like there’s supposed to be something like this, a walkway, where you have another place to go,” Stefanovich said.

According to Urartu Coffee owner Urik Ghazalian, when the street is open to traffic, cars simply pass through without paying attention to the local businesses and services, so he hopes the events and street closures will give people a reason to stop and explore the area.

“It’s not all places that they have that kind of thing for art. Art is very valuable, and I believe appreciating this kind of knowledge and skill. It helps the community,” Urik said.

His son, Youra, agrees that Maryland Paseo’s free entertainment is a great idea. “Here in Glendale, which I consider a hidden gem, it’s very diverse compared to other cities and it’s great to see small talent who have not yet reached Hollywood,” he said.

However, because of the limited exposure and soft opening, few said they knew about the paseo’s events.

Pasadena resident Mandy Abbott came to Glendale for a doctor’s appointment. On the way back to her car, she heard music and happened upon the event.

“This is the first time I have been to this area in Glendale. It’s cute, I really like the whole street atmosphere,” Abbott said.

Nonetheless, some of those who caught a glimpse of the musical performance on Tuesday said they hoped to return.

Glendale resident Molly McGuire said she feels Maryland Avenue is a great outdoor space.

“It’s great, something that is free to come and enjoy. Hopefully it continues, because we would definitely keep coming back,” she said.

The Maryland Paseo has events scheduled several times a week during lunchtimes and evenings. Described as “a little bit of everything,” it will feature a variety of visual and performance artists, including musicians, dance groups, DJs and film screenings.

Access to the parking structure on Maryland will not be affected by the street closures.

For more information about upcoming events on the Maryland Paseo, visit glendaleca.gov, scroll down from “Businesses,” click on “Glendale Economic Development Department” and scroll down to “News.”

Toy is a contributor to Times Community News.