Central Avenue to Center Stage

Over the years Central Avenue--once the vibrant business, professional and cultural heart of black Los Angeles--has taken a beating. Poverty, drugs, street gangs, poor housing and business flight have taken hard tolls on what had been safe and pleasant neighborhoods when Tom Bradley was coming of age.

For decades the neglected area has been talked about in the past tense. Now, finally, Mayor Bradley seeks to turn around this long-time poor and now increasingly Latino area by improving the delivery of city services and encouraging private support to revitalize a 40-block pilot area near 46th Street and Central Avenue. It is the beginning of a commitment that must be maintained to help all of South-Central Los Angeles.

The new programs, to be paid for primarily from existing budgets, will take effect as early as Friday, when a new police substation opens at 935 E. 42nd St. in what was once a high school.

To attack blight and decay, the Public Works Department will set up a new automated trash separation and pick-up system, and a hot-line for residents seeking the removal of abandoned furniture and other bulky items from an area that has become a dumping ground.

To spruce up dilapidated houses, the Community Development Department will use workers supervised by the Watts Labor Community Action Committee to paint and make minor repairs on 200 homes. Homeowners will be able to qualify for $25,000 low-interest loans for other improvements.

To address the shortage of affordable housing, the city’s new housing department will work with local nonprofit developers to create 100 units.

To tackle poverty and the scarcity of jobs, the city’s Economic and Business Development Office will provide financial advice and a $1-million fund for guaranteed loans, gap financing and other revenue for minority and small businesses that need help to survive--and create employment.

South-Central home-owners have long complained of inferior city services, from undependable trash pick-up to inadequate police protection. Mayor Bradley’s belated interest is welcome, but it’s only a start.