The restaurants of the NoHo Arts District will receive a huge boost this weekend when the LA Al Fresco program brings outdoor dining to a stretch of Magnolia Boulevard. It is believed to be the first project of its kind that reclaims roadway space beyond the parking lane for dining purposes.For almost two years, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian has been working with the NoHo community to expand outdoor dining options for neighborhood restaurants. The project assumed greater urgency following the onset of the COVID pandemic, which has devastated the restaurant industry around the world.
"Our NoHo Al Fresco program will be a lifesaver for some of the extraordinary independent restaurants that make the NoHo Arts District what it is. L.A. restaurants and their employees have suffered so much during this pandemic, and this program will provide dining opportunities for patrons who are eager to meet in a safe and socially-distanced environment," said Krekorian.
At least eight of the participating restaurants including Tamashi Ramen House, Eat, and Republic of Pie are set to expand over the next several days.
Krekorian noted that the Los Angeles Department of Transportation responded quickly to his requests to erect the barriers that allow for al fresco dining along the busy stretch of Magnolia, between Lankershim and Vineland. The area retains two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane, with the center lane removed.
"I applaud the Department of Transportation for working expeditiously to bring LA Al Fresco to my district," Krekorian said. I appreciate that our Citys transportation professionals are keeping people safe while they help us reimagine how best to use our streets and sidewalks.
This project would not have been possible without local businesses, property owners, and LADOT coming together and working with my office to revive the NoHo Arts District during this critical time, added Councilmember Krekorian. This is a great example of the kind of teamwork between neighborhoods and the city that will lift us out of this crisis, save businesses and jobs, and retain what is unique and special about each community.