|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The City of Inglewood is making a detour in its plans to increase connectivity
between local transit hubs and the city’s burgeoning sports and entertainment
district.
On Tuesday, city officials announced it would be reimagining the Inglewood
Transit Connector from an elevated, fully automated people mover concept into a
smaller scale improvement project highlighted by dedicated bus lanes.
What would have been a 1.6 mile, three-station line, linking Downtown Inglewood to
the Entertainment District—including Kia Forum, Sofi Stadium, YouTube Theater and
Intuit Dome, new upscale housing and commercial destinations in Hollywood Park—has
been paired down to an urban improvement project. The new focus is on pedestrian
and cycling upgrades, bus lanes and smart traffic technology on and around the Market
Street area. This would benefit residents and small business immediately and avoid
construction disruption ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The City’s pivot came after opposition by businesses, major entertainment venues, and
the local community over traffic and street closures. and the loss of a $200 million
commitment by U.S. Representative Maxine Waters.
Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. said during the April 22 Inglewood Council Meeting: “We have
positioned ourselves to get the lost traffic that used to go to the Santa Monica
Promenade. We have between 4 and a half and 5 million people a year coming to the
city of Inglewood. It’s only natural that we would invest in Market Street. Thanks to
the City Council for sticking with me on this concept. We are going to continue to rise
as a city.”
