Could they make it sound less interesting? Metro’s next series of meetings to sell closing the “710 gap” begins tomorrow. Here’s the complete schedule – each series features a Glendale meeting. A more entertaining conversation started today on LAStreetsblog, which mocked the concept of a 710 gap and asked readers to suggest more appropriate names for the project. Mayor Ara Najarian suggested The 710 (money) PIT.
While “the process” keeps spending money on outreach and studies for a project that most communities don’t want, local groups including the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter of the American Institute of Architects have been learning about a futuristic freight movement proposal that would dramatically reduce truck traffic in Southern California.
Conventional port and freeway expansions are “50-year-old ways of doing things that would be unacceptable in any other industry,” said David Alba, who presented the comprehensive GRID project to the professional group. Several in the audience expressed interest in the grand concept’s urban design and development opportunities.