LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- After nearly a two-year review process of Master Plan alternatives, the Gateway to LA Property-Based Business Improvement District (PBID), encompassing the hotels, offices and parking facilities along Century Boulevard, announces its endorsement in concept of Los Angeles International Airport's Alternative D.
"We believe that Alternative D does a better job responding to the needs of the Century Corridor than any other Master Plan alternatives that have been prepared to date," stated Gateway president, Grant Coonley.
As Gateway's most significant neighbor, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has the greatest single impact upon PBID members. As a result, Gateway to LA began an early and ongoing dialogue with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) representatives and submitted suggestions to LAWA and City officials, which were incorporated into Alternative D.
"We are pleased that our early and ongoing dialogue resulted in a number of Gateway's suggestions being incorporated into the plan," said Coonley, adding, "This includes our request that the Automated People Mover be elevated to ensure that the walkability of the Century Corridor is not negatively impacted; that the Consolidated Rental Car Facility allow public access for Gateway member shuttles and others; and that a mechanism for ongoing collaboration be established between Gateway and LAWA."
A Gateway to LA/LAWA Working Group has been created to continue discussions with LAWA and City officials on specific aspects of Alternative D as project-level details are developed.
Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn said, "I am very pleased that following a rigorous review of Alternative D, Gateway to LA has unanimously endorsed in concept our plans for the future of LAX. We look forward to continuing to work with Gateway's property owners to refine and improve our plans."
Gateway's vision for the revitalization of the Century Corridor includes a potential day-use conference center and shopping destination, which would complement Alternative D and unify the area from a transportation and visitor-serving standpoint.
About Gateway to LA
The Gateway to LA Property-based Business Improvement District features 12.3 million square feet of improvements, including the largest concentration of hotel rooms in Los Angeles County, office buildings, restaurants, small businesses and several major public airport-parking facilities. Gateway to LA is the most convenient destination for easy access to LA's civic and business centers, the Pacific Ocean and California's theme parks and attractions. Recognized for its towering architectural pylons that are colorfully lit at night, the Gateway to LA PBID hosts millions of travelers annually, as well as more than 30,000 employees who work in the area.