North Hollywood Redevelopment

Regarding articles on North Hollywood redevelopment, Jan. 30-31.

Considering that the original Community Redevelopment Agency plan was overreaching, it isn’t a failure that reality has fallen short of its goals. We don’t need a hotel and five eight-story office buildings. Neither do we need to add greatly to the density of apartment units that already exist within a two-mile radius.

What we do need is a lower-profile, serviceable business and entertainment strip that functions similarly to and complements Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. The artsy character that has already developed will ensure that it remains unique, but we need to cultivate the foot traffic necessary to support its growth. This means not only more retail shops and restaurants, but perhaps small businesses that provide services to the arts and entertainment industries.

Designing an interesting and inviting avenue is also important to attract visitors. Whereas the subway may carry in more people from out of the area, we should be able to consider the Metro [Red Line] to be one of the many services provided for the neighborhood, as opposed to a pillar on which to build a major destination.

Whether the CRA or Metropolitan Transportation Authority deserve credit or blame, this district of North Hollywood is more promising than it has been in years and has an opportunity to be one of L.A.’s many unique and desirable neighborhoods.

DAN CAPLAN

Valley Village