Tapo Street Rebuilding Could Begin Within 6 Months

After more than three years of study, discussion and planning, the revival of quake-damaged Tapo Street could finally become reality, under a plan before the City Council on Monday.

Within six months, the city could begin repairing streets, planting trees along the thoroughfare, installing street lamps and benches and adding attractive facades on a number of the street’s box-like buildings.

While present revitalization plans are tentative at best, city officials are relieved that the process is finally underway.

“No community can afford to have blight,” City Councilwoman Barbara Williamson said. “It’s our responsibility to take care of that because Tapo Street can really be a vital part of our city.”

Merchants, too, say they are glad to see progress on the plan.

“They’ve got a lot of great ideas that are going to do so much for the area,” said Jamie Michaels, manager of Oasis Billiards. “Tapo Street has some of the oldest and best stores in the city, so when this is done I’m sure the place is going to do very well.”

Michaels, who participated on resident committees involved in the revitalization planning, added that Tapo Street, once a bustling commercial hub, has since taken on the look of “the worst kind of ghetto.” He has seen his business drop by about 30% since the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

All along Tapo Street, businesses have languished since the quake. With each passing week they have seen revenues plummet and are finding it increasingly difficult to operate their businesses. Already a number of businesses have been forced to close.

On Monday, the council is expected to endorse the broad strokes of the plan. The proposal will then be forwarded to the city planning department for more detailed review and modifications.

While a number of business owners and residents have expressed their dismay over the tortoise-like pace of the project’s planning, Williamson assured residents and business owners that it will be done.

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“This isn’t a pipe dream, it’s going to happen,” she said. “It’s going to be one of the bigger steps taken by the council.”

Williamson said the overall vision for the Tapo Street revitalization is a pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district akin to what one might find in Old Town Pasadena or Santa Barbara. The area would be extensively landscaped complete with paved walkways, fountains, small retail stores and restaurants.

One of the more contentious issues that has stalled the project’s advance has been the fate of the large lots once occupied by the Sears and Pic ‘N’ Save stores. Both stores were gutted by the Northridge quake and had to be razed because of their irreparable condition.

The lots are now vacant seas of asphalt and concrete sprinkled with shards of broken glass and debris.

Earlier, the city had threatened to seize the property through eminent domain from the landlord, Beverly Hills accountant Lawrence Morse, but he has now agreed to work with the city, Williamson said.

However, Williamson said she will likely introduce a motion at Monday’s meeting to have the property appraised in the event the city must take possession.

“I just want to be ready in case we have to do that,” she said. “I don’t want to have to wait any longer.”

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Planners from the city-hired RRM Design Group have been working with city and resident committees for seven months to mete out the most agreeable design for the area.

Michaels from Oasis Billiards said that while he has reservations concerning various aspects of the plan, he is pleased that the project appears ready to take flight.

“It’s been frustrating, but now that it looks like they’re finally going to get this started we’re extremely happy,” he said.