Los Angeles Council reviews multiple sites for new Children's Museum location

The Regular City Council meeting held on March 28, 2000, focused on the ongoing discussions regarding the potential site for a new Children's Museum in Los Angeles. The meeting began with an overview of the challenges faced in selecting a suitable location, emphasizing the need for site control and environmental clearance for any proposed site.

Council members discussed various potential locations, including the Hansen Dam area and an art park near Little Tokyo. Each site was noted to have associated environmental issues that needed to be addressed in the coming months. Councilman Padilla expressed his commitment to the Hansen Dam site, highlighting its expansive open space and the community's enthusiasm for the project. He noted that the Children's Museum would serve as a regional attraction, benefiting not only his district but the entire city.

Councilman Wax supported the idea of exploring multiple sites, suggesting that the council should consider all six proposed locations to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. He emphasized the importance of public input and the need for the Children's Museum to be accessible to all children in Los Angeles.

Councilman Hernandez raised concerns about the centrality of the proposed sites, arguing that the museum should be located in an area that is easily accessible to the majority of the city's youth. He pointed out that the initial vision for the museum was to serve children across the city, particularly those in underserved areas.

The council ultimately agreed to allow the Hansen Dam and art park sites to compete equally with other proposed locations. They emphasized that no final decision had been made and that further environmental reviews and public consultations would be necessary before any lease agreements could be finalized.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to move forward with the exploration of all proposed sites, ensuring that the decision-making process would be thorough and inclusive. The council's commitment to transparency and community involvement was reiterated, setting the stage for future discussions on the Children's Museum project.