Portion of Figueroa Street to Get More Improvements

The signs of a neighborhood redevelopment program are glowing along bustling Figueroa Street in Highland Park.

The project, which is moving into its second phase this month, focuses on illuminating sidewalks and streets with lights between Avenues 54 and 61.

The commercial zone is one of eight major thoroughfares targeted for redevelopment through the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, a project that operates on $3.9 million in federal transportation funds. The program was founded in 1994 by Mayor Richard Riordan’s office to enhance transit-dependent areas throughout the city.

The street lighting improvements, scheduled for completion by spring, were suggested by residents and business owners who cited security as one of their primary concerns at a community meeting two years ago.

“The goal of the project is to create a safe, self-contained community where residents can shop, eat, work and have all the services they need,” said Sergio Tejadilla, chairman of the Highland Park Recognized Community Organization, the local advisory board for the neighborhood project.

The first phase of the project, completed last month, included the installation of 22 trash receptacles, four street lights, three bus shelters and street banners between Avenues 52 and 61. Additional improvements intended to make pedestrians feel safer have been introduced, such as trimming trees, steam cleaning sidewalks and removing graffiti along the main shopping street.