There’s an urban revitalization effort underway in the International District in an unlikely location — residential alleys. Those involved in the undertaking do so with little to no budget and say it’s an effective way to make the area safer, spark community engagement and assist those experiencing homelessness.
After months of preparation, the South San Pedro Neighborhood Association (SSPNA) held an alleyway pop-up event Sept. 14 to showcase what is possible and inspire other neighborhoods. Residents cleaned alleys, designed and painted murals, and planted vegetable gardens and climate-ready plants.
It’s placed eyes and activity on an otherwise underused urban space more known for trash, tumbleweeds and illegal activity.
“The alleyways obviously can be pretty problematic if nobody’s watching them; kind of a security issue for the residents who live on the alley,” Tawnya Mullen, SSPNA board chair, said.
She counted at least 60 alleys between South San Pedro and the adjacent Elder Homestead neighborhood, totaling 10 to 15 acres of unused, neglected property.