Blythe Story Distorted

The Times’ story on the city’s housing construction project on Blythe Street in Panorama City (“L.A. Boosts Commitment to Blythe Street,” Times Valley Edition, Aug. 27) was unduly negative and not entirely accurate.

In my 23 years of experience, I have never seen greater potential for success than on Blythe Street. The community impact team organized by the city has the full, coordinated involvement of building owners and key residents, social service groups and governmental agencies, including outstanding law enforcement and youth program work by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The expanded participation of the 5,000 community residents is part of the next step, not a major hurdle. In the past, many of the residents have turned out for community cleanups, Neighborhood Watch meetings and other activities in the ongoing effort of revitalizing Blythe Street.

The Times reported that residents did not attend the recent seminar, implying a lack of interest. It did not report that the working session was held only for staff members of the involved social and governmental agencies.

The larger project previously proposed, Project Renaissance, died of natural causes; it never got far enough along to develop the detailed plans that required approval--or disapproval--by city officials.

The developer will not be paid a $500,000 fee up front, as The Times stated, but will receive portions as the job progresses, with 50% held in reserve until completion, to cover any cost overruns. And LACA, the nonprofit social service agency that is a partner in the project, will receive nearly one-half of these funds to provide increased services on Blythe Street.

Finally, the city is not pessimistic and is not about to give up on Blythe Street. There may not be city funds available today for the rest of Blythe Street, but that doesn’t mean the job won’t get done. We will continue to leverage funds, take advantage of whatever city, state, and federal resources are available, and work to take the next step in the revitalization of Blythe Street.

GARY W. SQUIER. Squier is general manager of the city Department of Housing Preservation and Production .