L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti visited North Hollywood on Monday to officially open NoHo Plaza, a public space developed by the NoHo Business Improvement District. The former alley off Lankershim Boulevard is now furnished with planters, tables, chairs and umbrellas to create an urban park. The NoHo BID spearheaded the project through the city’s People St. program, which allows community groups to partner with the city to improve unused public land. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation installed the colorful pavement, perimeter planters and other materials. The NoHo BID purchased the furnishings and will maintain the plaza and host public events there. “The People St. initiative allows community groups – who know their neighborhoods the best – to partner with City Hall to create great public spaces that make our communities more livable and prosperous,” Garcetti said. NoHo Plaza is the first project to open under the People St. program, with two others scheduled to open this month, including one on Bradley Avenue in Pacoima. People St. projects are considered temporary installations that are subject to a one year, renewable memorandum of understanding between the transportation department and the community group. If a project is successful, the city and community partners may seek funding to make it a permanent conversion.
