NEIGHBORHOOD GETTING FACE LIFT IN VAN NUYS.

Byline: Dominic Berbeo Staff Writer

VAN NUYS - Workers replaced trees and renovated sidewalks along Van Nuys Boulevard on Monday as part of a federally funded project to spruce up blighted areas.

Local residents and authorities were able to choose how to spend $3 million from the federal Targeted Neighborhoods Initiative program to spruce up the area along the boulevard, between Victory Boulevard and Calvert Street. Similar grants went to 11 other areas citywide.

Key projects that started Monday along Van Nuys Boulevard were renovating store facades and replacing some trees with others that will provide better visibility and more shade, said Sandy Kievman, an assistant to City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

Kievman said hundreds of local residents and business owners attended meetings over the past two years and voted on spending priorities.

``We're all excited about this,'' said Dennis Davis, co-owner of the Europa Bicycle Center, a fixture on Van Nuys Boulevard for 28 years. ``We've seen this area go from very pedestrian-friendly, with mom-and-pop shops, to kind of unkempt.''

It will cost about $160,000 to replacement of 43 Wilson holly and yew pine trees with Mexican fan palms, flame and maidenhair trees that will provide more shade, said Ron Lorenzen of the city Department of Public Works.

In addition, benches will be installed, and new trash cans will be placed along the sidewalks. New crosswalks are to be painted green. All the work is to be completed by spring, Kievman said.

Other projects funded with TNI grants in the area include founding a coed soccer league in which 400 children participate at Delano Park, Kievman said. Funds also are being used to help support programs for the homeless and improve sidewalks and streets.

``We had about 350 people come out for the first planning meeting about two years ago, and everyone is excited,'' said Penny Meyer, a member of the local police advisory board who has been active with the TNI project.

Other neighborhoods targeted by city officials under the program include Canoga Park, Pacoima, North Hollywood, Highland Park, South Crenshaw, Exposition Park West, Central Avenue, Washington Boulevard/Mid-City, Echo Park, Boyle Heights and Harbor-Gateway.

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Map: Site off beautification project