A former bus and rail yard in park-poor South Los Angeles will be converted into an "urban wetland park".
"The South Los Angeles Wetlands Park project will cost $19 million in proceeds from bond issues for parks and clean water and will take up to two years to build, city officials said. It will include a small lake, marshes with native plants, footpaths, a community center and a winding waterway."
"The nine-acre MTA yard, which stretches from Avalon Boulevard to San Pedro Street in an industrial area on 54th Street, had been used as a transit hub for more than 100 years and was once a train barn for streetcars. The lot is paved and encircled by rusted chain-link fencing and razor wire, 'a barren, underutilized concrete pad,' Councilwoman Jan Perry said."
"Surrounded by homes and schools, the site will make 'an ideal locale for green space,' Perry said."
"Under the city's agreement with the MTA, the lot will be cleaned of toxics, then handed over to be developed as a wetland."
FULL STORY: Urban wetlands park to be developed in South L.A.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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