There is a major problem with the new proposal that needs to be addressed first before this project, or anything like it, can begin. This proposal will be a huge project and will involve hundreds of people’s lives, their homes, business people who do not live in this area and other property owners for years to come.

The big problem will be parking. I have been a property and store owner on Melrose for over 40 years. I have doubts if this project can or should ever be started. Thank you for bringing this issue forward to our community.

Richard J. Jebejian

Melrose District

After reading your article, I felt that I had to respond. Sorry to say that this feels like deja vu with local government organizations trying to push something over on the people of Melrose Village, except for the fact that we are in the middle of a horrific pandemic and the deadline [to apply for a grant} for this project is less than 30 days away. Both of these obstacles hinder our outreach ability to inform and poll the local residents as we did for the Stanley Plaza project.

This proposal, as it stands now, has way too many unanswered questions and some unreasonable and unnecessary ideas. Melrose Avenue is a main east-west artery. The proposed “traffic diet” with a reduction of one lane in each direction on Melrose, to allow for a 22 block bicycle lane, will force all that additional traffic into our local residential neighborhoods. The impact will be substantial.

We have heard for years from the merchants and restaurants that one of the biggest problems on Melrose is parking. This proposal includes a great reduction in parking spaces. We have not seen a traffic impact study nor have we heard how they plan to accommodate for the loss of existing metered parking spaces. Our local, residential streets already bear the burden of additional parked cars stemming for Melrose. This proposal will increase that number, leaving fewer spaces available for residents and our guests.

My objection to this proposal is the necessity of an immediate timeline and total lack of transparency as this project was being developed. As a longtime local resident, and knowing my neighbors, I’m sure we would all support and be delighted to see improvements made to Melrose Avenue. I personally love the idea of trees, repairing and improving the sidewalks and additional lighting.

Karen Hebert

Stanley Avenue

Is the plan for thousands of cars to magically disappear? Beverly and Santa Monica boulevards are already beyond capacity during normal times and making Melrose one lane will only exacerbate this bad situation.

Yes, it is nice for the few people that live in the neighborhood, but at the expense of the thousands that drive through? If there were transportation alternatives, like elevated rail lines, then this might be a plan that makes sense. But until then, spare us the pain.

Harlan Levinson

Los Angeles