Real Estate Central

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ — The American Planning Association
(APA) announced today that Echo Park has been designated one of 10 Great
Neighborhoods for 2008 through APA’s Great Places in America program. APA
Great Places is a national program that exemplifies communities with
exceptional character and highlights the role that planning plays in
creating communities of lasting value. Echo Park is a 120 year old,
walkable Los Angeles community just west of Downtown. An acceptance
ceremony will be held on October 8th at 8:30 AM at Echo Park Lake.

Echo Park is a diverse community home to working class families and
blossoming artists, and has had to work twice as hard as other communities
to create, maintain and advocate for their great community. The community
is remarkably dynamic with countless ethnic groups at all income levels.
Today, Echo Park is home not only to the annual Lotus Festival, the Cuban
Festival, and historic Filipinotown but also 4-star dining alongside
spectacular burrito stands. The area features perfectly preserved
craftsman-style homes, as well as modern architecture, great schools, parks
and libraries.

Los Angeles urban planners have navigated issues of affordability and
gentrification, historic preservation and pedestrian safety while guiding
Echo Park’s growth and development. APA has singled out Echo Park because
of its breathtaking topography set in the hills above downtown, historic
architecture, pedestrian-oriented streets and stairways, and engaged
residents who, over the years, have gone to great lengths to protect and
preserve their community.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa explained, “for generations
people have come to Echo Park, raised their families, started vibrant
businesses, and given back to the neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Today kids, parents, and grandparents representing numerous backgrounds and
cultures come together in Echo Park, making this community an outstanding
example of the great neighborhoods found throughout Los Angeles.”

“We’re excited to select Echo Park as one of this year’s Great
Neighborhoods,” said APA Executive Director Paul Farmer, FAICP. “The
neighborhood has a long history of citizen activism that has inspired not
only spirited public debate, but also committed and motivated residents who
are helping to keep Echo Park a great place to live,” he said.

APA Great Places are neighborhoods where people want to be — not only
to visit, but to live and work every day.

About the American Planning Association - Los Angeles Section

American Planning Association - Los Angeles Section (APA LA) is one of
eight local sections of APA’s California Chapter. Comprised of more than
2,000 members in the Los Angeles region, APA LA brings local APA members
together to share information and resources that make our communities
stronger and healthier. APA LA sponsors a number of professional,
educational and social events throughout the year.

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[Via Real Estate Newswire]