Westside Traffic

Re “Building on the Past for a Future Westwood,” Opinion, Dec. 26: While parking has been an issue in Westwood for years, the greater problem today is congestion. There are simply too many cars attempting to enter the area. An easier means of entry to Westwood Village needs to be implemented. Space and noise may preclude light rail, but alternatives to the car need to be studied and implemented in West Los Angeles or many of these enclaves will die.

One of the biggest factors in the success of the 3rd Street Promenade is the large number of people who live within walking distance. The busiest times in Westwood today are normal business hours. Much of the foot traffic in the area is created by people who work in the area. That does not bode well for a renaissance.

I don’t blame people for having fought the Ballona Wetlands project. They need only look at the traffic on Wilshire Boulevard or watch the congestion at the corner of Wilshire and San Vicente any morning or evening during rush hour for an example of poor planning. Worse, those periods of heavy traffic are growing. This threatens the entire way of life on the Westside.

MICHAEL SOLOMON

Los Angeles