At its hearing on July 25th, the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission approved revisions to the Taco Bell site project at Colorado Boulevard and La Roda Avenue as part of a compromise that Nader Ashoori (the owner) reached with The Eagle Rock Association (TERA). The compromise reflects important changes to the site’s redesign and includes pedestrian safety enhancements, redesigned vehicular circulation, robust landscaping, and additional trash receptacles.
TERA had appealed the Department of City Planning’s decision to allow for Taco Bell façade improvements, which is a grandfathered use otherwise prohibited under the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan. While TERA did not oppose the existence of the Taco Bell, it was dismayed at the City’s failure to require grade separation between the drive-through and sidewalk. This lack of delineation has led to countless pedestrian/vehicular conflicts and endangered residents walking along La Roda. In response to the appeal and through active negotiation, Mr. Ashoori agreed to build a decorative metal fence that will sit atop a cement base and fully separate the sidewalk from patrons using the drive-through. Mr. Ashoori also agreed to remove the curb cut along La Roda, and improve the existing sidewalk, curb, and gutter.
These changes along with two drought tolerant landscaped areas along Colorado, the site will be well positioned to enhance and compliment the public realm. This compromise comes at an important time for Colorado, as the $12M Take Back the Boulevard initiative funding that TERA helped secure along with Councilmember Huizar will enter phase two of improvements beginning later this year. Improvements include signalization of the Colorado / La Roda intersection, bump-outs to shorten pedestrian crossings, and continental crosswalk striping. These changes are critical to ensuring that Eagle Rockers remain safe while walking, biking, and driving along Colorado and are widely supported by residents and business owners alike.
We commend TERA and Mr. Ashoori for working together to build a better Eagle Rock for all.