Congresswoman Maxine Waters Celebrates Groundbreaking of Westchester Streetscape Improvement Project

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) broke ground on a public works project that she secured one million dollars in federal funding to replace the sidewalk and plant new trees along a stretch of Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester. Congresswoman Waters joined Los Angeles Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, along with members of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association, who worked with her to secure the grant in 2008 at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, March 28.

This long-awaited Westchester Streetscape Improvement Project started earlier this year when crews removed 17 ficus trees on the west side of Sepulveda Blvd. The tree removal has cleared the way for work to begin on a new sidewalk from 80th Street to 84th Place. The overgrown trees will also be replaced with new ones that will cause less damage.

"Indeed, this is the first community that most travelers see upon arriving in Los Angeles, and the last one they see before they depart our city," said Congresswoman Waters. Until this project began, when tourists, business people, and Angelenos arrived at LAX, and came into the city via Sepulveda, they were greeted by the out of control ficus trees and the buckling sidewalks."

"I am very happy to congratulate everyone who came together, stayed focused on the goal, and made it happen including Councilmember Rosendahl; John Ruhlen, President of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association; and Sheila Mickelson, President of the Westchester Democratic Club," Congresswoman Waters stated. "They all worked tirelessly to get this project off the ground and I hope that it will greatly enhance the look and feel of this community for years to come."

###