Ventura Boulevard Businesses Get Boost

Tarzana became the first community in the Valley to establish a business improvement district along Ventura Boulevard.

In a 12-0 vote, the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved a property-based business improvement district for Tarzana for a half-mile between Reseda and Burbank boulevards.

Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino and Woodland Hills will be awaiting the Council’s decision on their respective business improvement districts, according to Rosalind Stewart, deputy to Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

“It’s been a fairly long process, about five years in the making, and we’re very happy that it is now put in place,” said Greg Nelson, president of the Tarzana Improvement Assn., the group that spearheaded the efforts in cooperation with the Tarzana Property Owners Assn. and the Tarzana Chamber of Commerce.

The plans call for the planting of trees and flowers along sidewalks, brick paving on sidewalks, ornate pedestrian lighting fixtures, sculptures and other decorative items, said Nelson, who attended Wednesday’s council meeting.

“I think the business community is very excited about getting more shade along the boulevard and having it be a more comfortable place for the residents to gather and shop,” he said.

Said Helen Itria Norman, president of the Tarzana Property Owners Assn., who also attended the meeting: “It will be pedestrian-friendly and shopper-friendly with a high regard for security.”

The city of Los Angeles will award the first of five annual payments of $57,000 in December, Nelson said.

Norman added that additional funding will come from the property taxes paid by business owners in the business improvement district as well as fund-raisers.