Laurel Neighborhood News

by Kathleen Rolinson and John Frando

Laurel Business Improvement District

In a recent survey, a significant number of Laurel merchants indicated strong support for a creating a Business Improvement District (BID), a self-imposed assessment district that collects fees to pay for promotion, marketing, public safety, beautification, and maintenance, beyond that normally provided by the city. Laurel businesses are on their way to joining the ranks of those with successful BIDs in Lakeshore, Rockridge, Montclair, Fruitvale, and most recently in Temescal.

A Laurel Business Improvement District would build upon the successes of the nearly completed streetscape improvement project, leading to increased value for the businesses, commercial properties, and the surrounding neighborhood. Residents can show support for the BID by continuing to patronize Laurel businesses, encouraging their neighbors to do so, and asking merchants about their position on the BID, which will soon come under a final vote. Let's build a vibrant, successful commercial district together.

Developer to Present Designs

Robert McGillis, architect, developer, and principal of Philip Banta & Associates, accepted an invitation by the Laurel Village Association to speak to the neighborhood about his company's proposal to construct live/work units on the vacant lot at 35th Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. Join us at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, at the meeting room at World Ground Café, 3726 MacArthur Boulevard.

Laurel School Mural

Students participating in the Learning for Life after-school program created a "Peace Begins With Me" mural of 200 hand-painted tiles at the school playground. The tiles express their visions for peace in the community and are part of a violence-prevention lesson plan that teaches everyday peace-keeping skills and strategies. See the Learning for Life Web site at www.sflfl.org.

Community Policing at Motels

Neighbors have reported seeing prostitution near the Oaks and Highlander motels. Police ask the community for help documenting any suspected activity, including where, when, and a physical description of persons involved. Call Officer Kamilah Jackson, at 777-8643.

Coming Events in the Neighborhood

Laurel Neighborhood Garage Sale: The Laurel district is prime shopping ground on Saturday, June 11. Laurel neighbors will be hawking their wares throughout the neighborhood. For more information or to join the festivities, contact Stella Lamb at stellalamb2000\@yahoo.com, or at 531-0972.

Streetscape Dedication: Save the date, Sunday, July 10, to join residents, merchants, and the district council office in commemorating the completion of the Laurel Streetscape Project. See Councilmember Jean Quan's Web site for details and schedules, at www.jeanquan.org.

Laurel Block Party: Join your neighbors it's a party! The third annual Laurel block party takes place on Saturday, July 23, on California Street between Patterson and Brown. Contact Stella at stellalamb2000\@yahoo.com, or at 531-0972, with questions.