Walkway along L.A. River gets approval

GLENDALE — A project that aims to create an aesthetically pleasing, half-mile pedestrian walkway alongside the Los Angeles River was given the green light, thanks to a unanimous vote by the city council Tuesday night.

Officials will now move forward on applying for a state grant of nearly $1.3 million, necessary to begin the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk Project — which will extend from Bette Davis Park to Flower Street.

"This is a very big deal," said Larry Smith of North East Trees, which is building the project for the city. "It's extremely positive for the city of Glendale to do this."

Officials will not receive word if the grant is received until June of next year. If it is, construction will begin early in 2008, said project manager John Pearson.

Both pedestrians and bikers would be allowed to use the walkway, which will run across the river from Griffith Park and under the Interstate 5 freeway. The path would also contain a small park near ABC 7 studios.

If the project is completed, plans have also been set aside for future phases that would extend the path even further, Pearson said. The project is part of the Los Angeles River Master Plan, which has created similar pathways around the river.

Though council members gave the green light on project, they had several questions regarding security along the path.

Pearson's presentation showed some areas of the Riverwalk that had no fence separating the pathway from the river.

"We're going to get kids with their bikes going down these side slopes," Mayor Dave Weaver said.

If a strong current is going at the bottom of the river, anyone who falls in could get swept away, he said.

The council also had concerns about gang activity and muggings that could go on if the area isn't watched.

Councilman Bob Yousefian suggested putting cameras along the pathway to keep an eye on the activity.

These issues will be addressed as the project moves forward, Pearson said.

"The Riverwalk project will be something Glendale can be proud of on both a human and specific community-needs level," said Joanne Hedge, president of the Glendale Rancho Homeowners Assn., whose community sits close to the river.

Councilman Frank Quintero was also positive about the project.

"I'm very, very happy we finally reached the design stage," he said. "It's going to offer incredible recreational opportunities for everyone."

QUESTION

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