Regarding Broadway

Re “L.A. plans Broadway face-lift,” Jan. 28, and “L.A.’s ‘Blade Runner’ plans,” Opinion, Jan. 30

The Times characterizes the “Bringing Back Broadway” initiative as a plan to “obliterate Broadway’s essentially Latino character.”

That conveniently omits the numerous benefits this widely supported initiative will bring about.

The revitalization of the Broadway district will encourage economic development and an appreciation for Los Angeles’ vibrant history, be an attraction for tourists and enhance the unique culture of our city.

A renewed Broadway will offer benefits for all Angelenos and add a safe and pleasant entertainment destination to the city.

Broadway is the last remaining link in the renaissance of downtown and is a critical piece of the city’s past and future.

It must be preserved and enjoyed.

Gary Toebben

President, Chief Executive

Los Angeles Area

Chamber of Commerce

Tim Rutten states, “It isn’t ethnic cleansing that’s being proposed but the replacement of working-class families with affluent loft and condo dwellers.”

This statement, although subtle, leads readers to draw the comparison between our “Bringing Back Broadway” plan and the violent events that stain world history, such as the Holocaust and genocides in Armenia and Rwanda. This completely sensationalizes the issue.

Areas of our city should be open and provide opportunities for all types of retail to thrive and all types of people to enjoy. No one is being pushed out.

Besides, there is no activity at night, and there are more retail vacancies right now on Broadway than the corridor has seen in a long time. This will change with this initiative.

And to your question on where the working-class Latino shoppers and merchants will go, Broadway is already facing competition for its shoppers from other communities, including Huntington Park.

Broadway is one of Los Angeles’ most remarkable historic resources. Is it better to let it decay in favor of an inaccurate and ridiculous perception of Broadway as the only shopping refuge for downtown’s working-class Latinos?

There is room for all on Broadway.

Jose Huizar

Los Angeles

City Councilman

District 14