To the editor: I live on Silver Lake Boulevard. After Metro discontinued Line 201, and before my mobility was affected, I walked to Sunset Boulevard to catch a bus to my final destination. I had a senior Metro pass. (“How Los Angeles Wastes Millions That Could Be Spent Fixing Its Streets and Sidewalks,” editorial, Nov. 19)
Now, due to the poor condition of the sidewalk between Berkeley Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, I either use a ride-sharing service, ask a friend for a ride, or I don't go. I fell a couple of times and at least once I had to call the paramedics to help me up. Fortunately I never got hurt.
I don't know how much it would take to finance the repair of the problems you point out in your editorial, but solutions have been needed for a long time.
Sue Kamm, Los Angeles
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To the editor: If the city of Los Angeles doesn't have the money to fund a capital infrastructure plan, officials should consider rezoning single-family neighborhoods to allow for denser development.
Sprawling suburban housing does not generate enough property tax revenue to pay the costs of maintaining basic elements such as roads, sidewalks and street lights.
Such a change wouldn't even require the large apartment towers that scare NIMBYs. Smaller apartment buildings, townhomes, and mixed-use developments would go a long way toward generating the revenue needed to maintain our infrastructure.
The city could solve its maintenance problems and the housing crisis at the same time.
Justin Johnson, Beautiful Beach
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To the editor: I'm so glad the Times editorial board shed light on this achievable goal of repairing basic infrastructure like crooked sidewalks and broken streetlights. I would also include adding street trees (for more shade) and removing graffiti on this short list.
We need to call on city officials to run, not walk, to achieve this goal. We have until the summer of 2028 and the arrival of Olympic Games sponsors from around the world to make our City of Angels shine.
Wally Marks, Los Angeles
