Beverly Hills : Downtown Redesign Plan

City officials, concerned by the surge in trendy shopping malls across the Westside, presented plans for the redesign of the central business district at a breakfast meeting of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Civic Assn.

“Beautification as an end in itself is not worthwhile. It should be a means to an end, as part of a reinvestment strategy,” said Bob Walsh, deputy city manager.

The urban design proposals, which include street-side flower pots, granite-banded sidewalks and special lighting, are part of a proposal that would include parking structures and other capital improvements for the downtown district.

Responding to complaints from business people on streets that are not part of the central business district, Walsh said the city would undertake similar studies for their areas if asked.