In March, LA Sanitation and Environment, in partnership with Los Angeles City Council District 9 Council Member Curren T. Price, Jr. and the Trust for Public Land, celebrated the official opening of the Central-Jefferson and Quincy Jones Green Alley Networks.
The Central-Jefferson and Quincy Jones Green Alley Networks revitalize and transform 11 previously underutilized alleys in the historic Central Avenue Jazz District in South Los Angeles creating vibrant and green spaces where families can safely walk or bike to schools, parks and local businesses. The installation of lights, street plantings and public art complete the inviting and safe environment for South LA pedestrians and bicyclists. “In Council District 9, we take pride in reimagining underutilized alleyways and transforming them into green, clean and accessible spaces for the community to enjoy,” said City Council Member Curren T. Price. “With support from respected partners like the Trust for Public Land and Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment, we are repurposing blighted alleys into thoughtful and welcoming open spaces for all to enjoy. What’s more, these urban alleys are creating safer passages for walking and biking, helping to meet a great need in my District where one-third of constituents are under the age of 18,” continued Price.
The projects are the result of the partnership initiated between the City of Los Angeles and the Trust for Public Land in 2014, which created the South LA Green Alley Master Plan and works to improve the quality of life for residents and increase the climate resiliency of the LA region.
This past winter, Southern California experienced heavier than usual rainfall totals. Los Angeles in particular has struggled to adequately capture the stormwater runoff from these atmospheric river-type rain events. Combined, the Central Jefferson and Quincy Jones Green Alley Networks have the potential to capture and infiltrate more than 1.5 million gallons of rainwater annually in a normal rainy season. The alleys’ green infrastructure, which includes permeable pavement and native plants, help to filter rainfall and ensure that it doesn’t carry pollutants into the Los Angeles River while creating green space that cools urban neighborhoods from rising heat. “Projects like the Central Jefferson and Quincy Jones Green Alley Networks provide multiple benefits, promoting community resilience and recreational opportunities,” said Barbara Romero, LASAN Director and General Manager.
Los Angeles has 900 miles of urban alleys with the South Los Angeles area containing 300 of those miles. In neighborhoods struggling with drainage issues, high crime and a lack of green space, these alleys provide an opportunity for creative solutions. LA Sanitation and Environment and the Trust for Public Land have created similar green alleys across LA. In October 2020, the partnership unveiled the Bradley Plaza and Green Alley in Pacoima, an area in northeastern LA. The plaza, which was previously a smaller segment of Bradley Avenue, is now closed to vehicular traffic and includes a shade structure, outdoor fitness equipment and nature classroom.
Additional support for the Central Jefferson and Quincy Jones Green Alley Networks was provided by the following private philanthropic organizations: The Boeing Company, The California Wellness Foundation, Clifford Family Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, LA2050, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Rose Hills Foundation, The S. Mark Taper Foundation, TPL’s California Advisory Board and Wells Fargo.
Photo courtesy of Jose Lozano, Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment.