West Hollywood Throws Party to Celebrate Road’s Reopening

Music and singing replaced jackhammers and bulldozers Sunday as West Hollywood residents celebrated the grand reopening of Santa Monica Boulevard after a two-year rebuilding and beautification effort.

“It’s just been a mess,” said Kristin Rey, an art gallery owner who brought her 6-year-old daughter to the party. “I don’t think people really believed that it would ever be done, but I’m glad it is.”

The $35-million renovation job has been billed as the most ambitious public works project in West Hollywood’s 16-year history. Construction crews widened and landscaped sidewalks, added bicycle lanes and repaved the 3-mile stretch that runs between the city’s borders with Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

A small group of residents protested the city’s $153,000 share of the party’s cost. Paul and Irene Oppenheim, who have lived in the city since its inception, carried signs that read, “Why not just cut a ribbon?” They said the city should have donated the money for a new library.

“The city is very good at congratulating itself, but not as good at responding to basic needs,” Irene Oppenheim said.

Likewise, some businesses said the event kept customers away--a common occurrence during the last two years.

Between birds chirping inside and live music outside, the owner of For Birds Only couldn’t hear customers talk. Some regulars called to complain because they couldn’t find parking near the store.

“None of us are happy,” said owner Ferdi Har, adding that he has lost 40% of his business in two years. “Even though we have loyal customers, they couldn’t put up with it any longer.”

Not everyone sulked. Hundreds of people clapped, danced, ate and schmoozed, all the while trying to avoid the heat. Hollywood resident David Comfort said the construction was a pain, but he’s glad it’s finished.

“It’s great what they’ve done,” he said. “Of all the major thoroughfares in L.A., this is the one that’s most people-friendly, pedestrian-friendly.”

City Councilman Steve Martin said Sunday’s celebration was geared to all residents, unlike the city’s Halloween and Gay Pride events, which are popular among the gay and lesbian community.

“I don’t know of any other community that would rip up three miles of its main street and not want to celebrate when it’s over,” Martin said.