In 2013, Sustainable Little Tokyo embarked on a community-based vision process to design a scheme for equitable and sustainable development of three pieces of public, city-owned land: First Street North, the Mangrove block, and suggestions for the Metro Regional Connector station site.
Beginning in 2012, over 200 Little Tokyo community stakeholders undertook a visioning project recognizing that this over 130-year old neighborhood faces a crossroads to a new future. The new Little Tokyo/Arts District Regional Connector station will be key to this future, bringing attention and new life as it is expected to become one of the busiest transit stations in Los Angeles County.
We now have a vision for sustainable development that brings us into the future. It is a vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the local economy, address social equity and access for all incomes and backgrounds, and preserve this neighborhood’s unique Japanese American cultural heritage. Our goal was to establish a grass-roots vision grounded in and highlighting the cultural and historical assets of this resilient neighborhood.
SLT Community Vision 2013 - 5 Priorities
These priorities are represented by permanent physical space—what we want built on this land. This includes affordable housing, affordable commercial/retail space, community and cultural space, and open / green space.
Complete, Balanced, Human Scale
- Promotes projects and programs that allow the existing community to thrive
- Ensures affordable and low income housing for all, including seniors
- Encourages appropriate density that maintains the character and feel of Little Tokyo
Strong Community Fabric
- Intergenerational and multicultural
- Strengthens and celebrates the identity and history of Little Tokyo
- Supports the development of younger generations in the area
Economic Vitality & Small Businesses
- Complements, not replaces, existing small businesses
- Supports independent, non-chain retail and strengthens legacy businesses
- Encourages and incubates community-supporting entrepreneurship
Mobility & Linkages
- Ensure safety and multi-modal transportation for ages 5-85
- Foster connections to surrounding neighborhoods
- Create pedestrian pathways that access all parts of the neighborhood
Sustainable
- Ensures green practices including recycling and limiting waste
- Promotes “Take off your shoes” and respect for existing rituals and practices
- Supports infrastructure like shared solar, greywater, and waste management
3 DAY CHARRETTE WITH 200 PARTICIPANTS FROM:
Public Agencies
City of Los Angeles, Office of the Mayor • Los Angeles City Council District 14 • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power • Los Angeles Department of City Planning • Los Angeles Department of Public Works • Metropolitan Transit Authority • Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles
Residents
Little Tokyo Towers • Miyako Gardens • Far East Building • San Pedro Firm Building • Tokyo Villa • Teramachi Homes • Savoy Community Association • Casa Heiwa • Little Tokyo Hotel • Oregon Hotel • Daimaru Hotel
Community Groups and Businesses
Little Tokyo Community Council • Little Tokyo Historical Society • Little Tokyo Senior Residents Association • Little Tokyo Business Association • Little Tokyo Public Safety Association • Kizuna • Little Tokyo Roots • Friends of Little Tokyo • NikkanSan • Rafu Shimpo • Nikei for Civil Rights and Redress • Japanese American Citizens League • Budokan of • Mr. Ramen • Mitsuru Grill & Cafe • Nirvana Bar & Grill • Little Tokyo Koban • Fugetsu-Do • Artspace • The Actors Fund • API Small Business Program • Mike Okamoto & Associates • Aihara & Associates Insurance Services • Kaji & Associates • East Los Angeles Community Corporation • Skid Row Housing Trust
Community Institutions
Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple • Koyasan Buddhist Temple • Centenary United Methodist Church, Los Angeles • Japanese American National Museum • Japanese American Cultural & Community Center • East West Players • L.A. Artcore • Visual Communications • Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles