Leaders of the Fairfax Business Association (FBA) are hoping to enhance the charm of the area by strengthening ties between the eclectic mix of businesses that occupy the stretch of Fairfax Avenue between Melrose Avenue and Beverly Boulevard.

The Fairfax District has undergone many changes over the years, and leaders are working to keep the area evolving in a positive way. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The association held a meeting at Canter’s Deli on Tuesday evening to discuss issues affecting the area, and to reach out to business owners who have a vested interest in the commercial district’s future. The FBA is led by chair Jacqueline Canter, of Canter’s Deli, and vice chair Ruth Williams, director of advocacy for the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, who plan to reorganize and rebuild the organization and address problems such as parking, graffiti, trash and loitering.

The FBA dates back to the early 1990s when Canter helped organize the neighborhood’s merchants and moved forward with projects such as installing landscaped medians near Fairfax and Melrose Avenues, creating the Fairfax Village Gateway, installing decorative sidewalks and pedestrian lighting, and making streetscape improvements. But over the past decade-and-a-half, the landscape has changed in the Fairfax District, with many of the old Jewish and family-owned businesses closing and being replaced by a new mix of trendy clothing and skateboarding shops. The new businesses have brought a younger element to the area that is anchored by iconic mainstays like Canter’s Deli. Canter and Williams are hoping to harness the new energy and revitalize the district so it remains an attractive destination.

“The businesses coming in have to work with the other businesses,” Williams said. “There has to be cohesiveness. People need to realize that they have to get together to get things done.”

Approximately 30 people attended the meeting on Tuesday, at which Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, and Capt. Eric Davis, commanding officer of the LAPD’s Wilshire Division, outlined efforts to enhance the district. Koretz said parking is a problem throughout the city’s commercial areas, and it will be difficult to find large sums of money to build new parking structures or provide parking in surface lots. He said he is hopeful, however, to work with Fairfax High School for additional parking that could potentially be shared with the businesses.

Koretz said the palm trees along the street are in bad need of trimming, and he is working to expedite the work so it will occur sometime later this summer. He encouraged the business owners to band together like many other commercial neighborhoods do when forming business improvement districts so they can raise private funding for sidewalk cleaning and other aesthetic improvements that the city doesn’t provide.

“I have been coming here for over fifty years and have seen a lot of changes on Fairfax,” Koretz said. “So whatever we can do that would improve this business community and make it successful, we are on board with that. We want the area to be safe, look good and attract more business.”

Davis said the police department will continue to help by addressing issues such as crimes committed by the homeless and graffiti. One issue that has come with the proliferation of new businesses in the area is crowds that flock to the stores for new product launches or special events. Davis, and the area’s senior lead officer, Art Gallegos, said police have monitored crowds and have tried to keep them from disrupting neighboring businesses. Many attendees agreed that the crowds are much less of an issue lately now that stores hosting the special events limit people from waiting for long periods, ensure there is adequate security, and provide trash receptacles. Authorities said they will continue to prevent people from loitering in the area and will enforce laws prohibiting skateboarding.

“The area is changing, but at the same time, we have to remain respectful of everyone’s rights,” Davis said. “It is something where you have to have an active dialogue and discussion. We are working on those issues. We have had undercover vice officers in this area, and we are open for suggestions.”

Residents and business owners with specific concerns about criminal problems are encouraged to contact Gallegos, the senior lead officer for the Fairfax District neighborhoods north of Beverly Boulevard, or Geoffrey Taff, the senior lead officer for the neighborhoods south of Beverly Boulevard, at (213)473-0476. People seeking assistance with homeless issues are encouraged to contact Courtney Kanagi, outreach coordinator for People Assisting the Homeless, at (323)960-3333.

Some representatives of the new businesses on Fairfax Avenue stated they are committed to working with the FBA to solve problems. An assistant manager of the skateboarding and clothing shop Supreme, who goes only by the name Courtland, said the shop wants to be a good neighbor.

“We are willing to do everything we can,” he said. “Trash was an issue, so we brought trash cans outside. We encourage people not to get in line too early and work with the police department. We are trying to cooperate.”

Williams added that she was encouraged by the turnout, and the next step is to hold meetings, the next of which is scheduled for August at the NCJW/LA council house, she said. New board members and board officers are encouraged.

“If you have a problem, you can pick up the phone and we will work on it together,” Williams said. “It means we will have a voice.”

Anyone seeking information about joining the FBA is encouraged to call Canter at (323)651-2030 or Williams at (323)874-0728.