August 04, 2004

Toluca Subway Yard

The historic Los Angeles subway site at 1304 West 2nd Street is threatened by redevelopment and may be demolished. The subway station and tunnel, constructed in 1925 as part of the City's first underground subway tunnel, were purchased by Meta Housing Developers. They intend to build 276 loft-style apartments on this land, which is at the northwest entrance to downtown Los Angeles. (Look here to see photos!)

The site, known historically as the Toluca Subway Yard, has been an
informal neighborhood park for the past 30 years since the subway
ceased operation. The tunnel entrance was sealed just last year. The surrounding area is a high density residential community with no open space within walking distance. Local residents and community groups are urging the city council to preserve the subway yard as a sanctioned urban park that celebrates the history of downtown Los Angeles.

There will be a hearing regarding the development THIS FRIDAY, August 6, at City Hall. The developers are lobbying city council for easements to build
their compound closer to the street and to change the zoning from mixed
usage (store fronts and apartments) to apartments only. Opponents of the project do not feel that Meta Housing has the best interest of our community in mind, and have argued that the developer has not asked for input from local residents, or posted any information about the upcoming hearing.

Quick action is needed, as the hearing is this Friday. Those who are interested in helping should do one or more of the following:

- Email letters of protest to info@belmontartpark.com. The letters will be forwarded to the City Council.

- Attend the upcoming hearing at City Hall. The meeting will be held at:

Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring Street
10th Floor Hearing Room
10am, Friday, August 6th


- Submit letters to:

The Los Angeles City Planning Department
Community Planning Bureau
Room 667
City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
Case # APCC 2003-9929 SPE SPP



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