Photo: Diane Edwardson, July 1, 2009. Trees on the Silver Lake side of the 2 Freeway would all be cut down and we would get 8-16' high sound walls. Photos shot from the Oak Glen Overpass facing north toward Silver Lake and the 5 Freeway. (Click on photos to enlarge.)
Trees do more than just clean the air and store carbon. Trees trap particulate matter and have other benefits to neighborhoods next to freeways. Studies point to reduction of the heat island effect, stormwater recharge, aesthetic improvements, havens for wildlife and increased opportunities for exercise and increased property values. Physical and visual access to green open space has proven positive health benefits for people's physical and mental health, particularly children, elderly and people with limited mobility. The EPA cites a host of studies here.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, November 29, 2010. All of the trees atop the retaining wall would be cut down and soundwalls would even be built atop the retaining walls, creating an even larger concrete canyon at the Oak Glen overpass (facing north) of the 2 Freeway.
If you live on the hills adjacent to the 2 Freeway in Silver Lake or Elysian Heights (Echo Park), between the 2 Freeway Terminus and the 5 Freeway, you should care very much about the plans for the Terminus Redesign. MTA & CalTrans have tried to minimize our concerns regarding the trees.
Go to the MTA's Community Meeting tomorrow. Your health and well being, in addition to your property values, will affected by the long term plans for the Terminus.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
6 - 8 pm
Los Angeles, CA 90026
info: metro.net/sr2
We've written extensively about the 2 Freeway Terminus Redesign.
