MASTER PLAN RE-IMAGINES RIVER CLEANUP, REDEVELOPMENT, PARKS ALL PART OF THE VISION.

Byline: KERRY CAVANAUGH Staff Writer

To clean up the water, create parks and spur redevelopment along the Los Angeles River, the city needs a new government authority to take responsibility for the river revitalization, according to a new city-funded master plan.

Nearly two years in the works, the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan is a 25-year blueprint on how to turn the 32-mile, concrete channel into an ``emerald necklace'' of parks, walkways and bike paths.

``The master plan is the result of tireless efforts by residents, community leaders, environmentalists and others who never stopped believing that the river, a trench entombed in cement, could be renewed, brought back to life,'' Councilman Ed Reyes said in an introduction to the plan.

``Our communities want parks. They want wildlife habitat. They want neighborhood revitalization for our families and children. No one deserves it more than them.''

Among the recommendations is better cooperation between the city, county and federal government agencies that split jurisdiction of the river, but are often hampered by lean budgets and poor communication.

The master plan recommends that the various river guardians form a joint powers authority to be responsible for the restoration, maintenance and land development of the river.

In addition, the city should establish two nonprofits - one charged with raising private donations for the river revitalization and the other charged with managing public and private dollars aimed at river projects.

While politicians have sought $80 million in federal funds for the river, the cost of ripping out the concrete and restoring the river could top $7 billion.

But that's the long-term goal. The master plan recommends shorter term projects as well.

Computer-generated images in the report show people sitting on concrete terraces built into the side of the river.

In Canoga Park, a so-called opportunity site slated for extra attention, the city could widen the concrete channel, add a large grassy park and restore some of the natural habitat.

The plan also recommends greater planning oversight of the land next to the river, so projects will complement the revitalization. To do that, the City Council should consider rezoning the land along the river to encourage pedestrian-friendly development facing the waterway.

Councilman Tom LaBonge said he has some concern that rezoning will threaten industrial land and the studios and television production facilities that line the river.

However, he supports the master plan and wants to see a bike path link the river from Canoga Park to downtown.

The draft master plan is available at www.lariverrmp.org.

The city will hold three public hearings to discuss the draft master plan. They will be held:

Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Hollenbeck Middle School at 2510 E. 6th St. in Boyle Heights.

Feb. 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Canoga Park High School Auditorium at 6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Feb. 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Metropolitan Water District Board Room at 700 N. Alameda St. in downtown Los Angeles.

kerry.cavanaugh(at)dailynews.com

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