The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to approve $1.5 million in funding for a makeover of a key corridor in Downtown Long Beach. 

A resolution adopted by the Board on June 4 authorizes the Department of Public Works to provide Highways-Through-Cities funding to the City of Long Beach for its 1st Street Pedestrian Improvement Project, which has now been in the works for a decade.

Renderings of proposed improvements to 1st StreetCity of Long Beach

The makeover, which would impact the stretch of 1st Street between Elm Avenue and Pacific Avenue, was initiated by a 2015 Metro call for projects. Plans call for the addition of new landscaping, concrete paving, and street furniture to the corridor.

The $1.5 million from the County has previously been stated to be used to install the original Metro Blue Line rail car #100 on 1st Street for use as commercial space. Metro donated the retired light rail vehicle to the City of Long Beach in 2021.

Renderings of proposed improvements to 1st StreetCity of Long Beach

Plans from RJM Design Group show the vehicle set up at the eastern edge of the corridor, adjacent to Elm Avenue.

Construction of the total $5.5-million project is expected to commence in Fall 2025.

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