I’ve been anxious / nervous / apprehensive about the Great Streets Lankershim project coming to fruition.

Since we only get one shot at this, I want it to be done right.

While I can point to the Reseda and Van Nuys Blvd. projects having the most dedicated bike lane infrastructure in the valley, the streets still make you want more.

Cars can maintain their 35mph+ speeds and people who walk still feel like second-class citizens.

Furthermore, the street architecture is bland to the point that you think the bollards are temporary.

At least the green paint on the road covering parts of Reseda Blvd. breaks this monotony from time to time.

Lankershim is a wide street and there’s already a ton of activity around the Chandler – Magnolia zone.

With the narrow sidewalks, it’s not that inviting of a place to walk.

 

It’s also pretty wide street that in most cases you have to push the “beg button” to cross.

While I’m eager to see some of the design suggestions at the Community Open House this next Wednesday, call me skeptical.

For the last month, there has been a left turn arrow turn signal at Lankershim and Magnolia waiting to be turned on.

So, we’re encouraging more cars to shuttle through here?

Throwing down bike lanes is one thing, but unless you design the street to be people friendly, then you’re really not getting anywhere.

I hope to see more than just pretty pictures at the open house and that you show up to voice your opinion too.

The open house takes place at the North Hollywood Rec Center at 11430 Chandler Blvd. on Wednesday, Feb 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.