Bass Crenshaw Line Deir Comments

October 26, 2009 Board of Directors Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

Dear Board Chairman Najarian: I am writing to express my support for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. The passing of Measure R and the introduction of Federal stimulus funding presents a long-awaited opportunity to reduce congestion and increase mobility, accessibility and quality of life for residents in the Crenshaw Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods. Currently, the Crenshaw Transit Corridor is plagued by frequent congestion and insufficient connections with other transportation systems in the Los Angeles area. An LRT system will meet the needs of thousands of residents in the Crenshaw Transit Corridor who need a fast, affordable, and reliable transportation system to access surrounding neighborhoods. Furthermore, the construction of an LRT system will bring thousands of quality construction, engineering, and contracting jobs to the South Los Angeles area. In conjunction with many concerned community members, I strongly urge Metro to be considerate of the numerous community landmarks along the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. Specifically, I encourage you to consider below-grade stations at Crenshaw Blvd./Martin Luther King Blvd. and Crenshaw Blvd./Slauson Ave. in order to preserve historic aesthetics at Leimert Park and Hyde Park. In addition, I urge Metro to strongly consider below-grade light rail between Exposition Blvd. and Florence Ave. I also advocate the extension of the Crenshaw line to the proposed Wilshire subway system in order to create a fully integrated transportation system in the Los Angeles area. As a dedicated advocate of improved transportation in this region, I encourage Metro to continually solicit, consider, and incorporate the feedback of community members that will be most affected by this project. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact my Deputy Director Jenny Wood at (323) 937-4747 for any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass 47th District

Capitol Office: State Capitol ι P.O. Box 942849 ι Sacramento, CA 94249-0047 (916) 319-2047 ι Fax: (916) 319-2147

District Office: 5750 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 565 ι Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 937-4747 ι Fax: (323) 937-3466