Central Los Angeles : FROM ALLEYS TO PARKS

A project to convert crime-ridden alleys into parks or recreation areas in Southwest and South-Central Los Angeles is underway.

So far, two alleys between 90th and 92nd streets have been converted, said Bob Hayes, spokesman for the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering.

The alley conversions are the result of a City Council vote in 1993 to develop the Nuisance Alley Conversion Pilot Project in two Central City council districts.

Since then, 23 locations have applied for the project, Hayes said.

The alleyways targeted for the makeovers were hotbeds of illegal activity, from dumping to drug dealing to prostitution, Hayes said.

The next alley to be converted is at 78th Street and 78th Place between Crenshaw Boulevard and 10th Avenue.

Officials also are considering revamping the alley located on 90th and 91st streets between Main and Wall streets.

The conversion costs $11,000 to $12,000 per project.

“When you convert these alleys, suddenly people feel good about their homes because this blight has been erased,” Hayes said.