USC's 'Back Alley' Project
While searching for this recent paper about China, the U.S. and carbon dioxide, TTLA instead belatedly came across something right up our alley -- a significant L.A. research and recommendations project regarding, yes, alleys.
For more information about the Back Alley LA Project, organized by USC's Center for Sustainable Cities, take a look at this anchor page, and then download the free-of-charge .pdf titled, "Transforming L.A.'s Alleys -- What, Why, and How: A Green Alley Guide."
Published last June, and co-authored by Arly Cassidy, Ross Stephenson, and Kathryn Tung, the pamphlet begins by pointing out that:
"Currently 914 miles of alleyways exist within the City of Los Angeles. With blacktop, uneven paving, poor lighting, and minimal landscaping, many of these alleys are considered dangerous, polluted, and a nuisance to their communities."
That introduction, titled "Why is it important?", concludes, "Revitalizing Los Angeles allys would help combat and address these concerns while providing beautiful, open green space."
More from TTLA in the future about our own interest in the city's alleys, and experience with one in particular.
Photo Credit: The image accompanying this post was taken by Flickr user ChazWags It was used under Creative Commons license.