What do you think our town should look like in 20 years? In 100 years?
What do you think our town should look like in 20 years? In 100 years?
117 years ago today scores of construction workers labored in what we now call “Old Town.” They transformed a sheep ranch into what an area newspaper envisioned as “the model community and ideal place to live.” It was springtime in Los Alamitos in more ways than one.
Our town has undergone many changes over the intervening century. This March provides three unique opportunities for us to again transform our community, for better or for worse.
These events include a unique opportunity to look back and learn, and two chances to look ahead and help make our town a “model community” for the next 100 years:
1. A look back this Sunday: Have you read Larry Strawther’s outstanding new book, A Brief History of Los Alamitos & Rossmoor?
This Sunday afternoon at 3, between church & your St. Patrick’s celebrations, our Los Al-Rossmoor Library lets you hear some of our history directly from Larry himself. And even buy his book (the perfect Father’s Day gift!). Call or stop by the library to reserve your place (562-430-1048).
2. “Open House” on proposed Katella trucking terminal this coming Tuesday: This is our chance to learn about and express our perspectives on the ProLogis terminal from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the old Cypress Golf Course Clubhouse, 4921 Katella Ave.
3. A week from Monday, March 25, 6-8 p.m., discussion of Los Al land use changes proposed for General Plan update at a special joint meeting of three key commissions at city hall.
Last month almost all of our volunteer planning, traffic, and recreation commissioners gave a second night of their busy month to work together on our town’s future. The discussion was candid and vigorous, and the commitment to our town was obvious.
You’re invited to join in as our commissioners continue discussing of the future of ten “opportunity sites,” including:
Site # 10, Arrowhead Products’, large parcel on Katella Avenue. Your commissioners were split between a desire for future retail vs. Arrowhead’s good jobs now. Can we have both?
Site # 6, “Town Center,” where a multi-story mix of retail, restaurants, and residential is being considered to incentivize a new “downtown” along much of Los Al Boulevard.
Site # 7, Civic Center & Supermedia, where a developer is currently lobbying for “high end” multi-family residential, while the update envisions retail.
The discussion should be lively and informative. It starts with light appetizers and you are invited if you live or work in or near Los Alamitos.
Lots of good information and a survey are at LosAlGeneralPlan.org.
Better yet, go to the online version of this article at NewsEnterprise.net to express your opinion and other interesting content on the news site.
You can also share your opinion and learn more at LetsFixLosAl.com where our four regular contributors are striving for a positive perspective.
And please try to get out to as many of these three upcoming events as you can.
Because ultimately we all benefit if the plans for our area’s future include the best ideas each one of us has to offer. And that includes you.
Working together we can make greater Los Al a “model community” for the next 100 years.
