Discussion Addresses Improvement District

Taking an early step toward revitalizing the community named for Edgar Rice Burroughs’ literary legend, the Tarzana Improvement Assn. will host a meeting Wednesday to discuss the creation of a business improvement district.

Aimed primarily at commercial and residential property owners in Tarzana, the meeting will feature representatives from two consulting firms who will discuss the merits of an improvement district and the process by which such improvements can be made.

“I think it’s the beginning of something that’s going to give a new look to Los Angeles,” said Greg Nelson, president of the Tarzana Improvement Assn.

The idea, Nelson explained, is to create aesthetic improvements in landscaping, street lights, crosswalks and benches “to really give [the community] a character and a sense of place,” he said. By doing so, organizers hope to create a unique identity for the neighborhood while also increasing commercial and residential property values.

Since the area was named after Tarzan, the fictional lord of the jungle, Nelson said members of the business community are considering improvements with a “jungle flavor” such as life-size animal sculptures along Ventura Boulevard.

Following Wednesday’s meeting, Nelson said a series of small meetings will be held to focus on the options available to community members. Working with the Tarzana Improvement Assn. will be California Downtown Resources, a consulting firm that has created successful improvement districts elsewhere in the state.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Tarzana Recreation Center, 5655 Vanalden Ave.

For more information, call (818) 881-5759.