In 1987, Whittier was hit by a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake, leaving a wake of destruction tallying an estimated $100 million in damages. In response, city leaders pledged to rebuild and revitalize Uptown Whittier.

 

In 1990, the City of Whittier unveiled a Specific Plan for Uptown Whittier, a blueprint with aspirations for rejuvenation. However, despite the crafting of regulations and strategies, the plan stumbled in execution, resulting in no substantial progress in the targeted area.

 

Moving forward to 2008, Whittier once again embarked on strategic planning with the revival of the Uptown Specific Plan. More than two and a half years were invested in meticulously drafting a 124-page plan, detailing strategies for Uptown Whittier's renovation. The plan ambitiously outlined the construction of over 1,000 housing units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space over two decades. But the cost of this grand endeavor ranged from $40 million to $73 million over 30 years. Despite approval by the City Council, significant development failed to materialize.

 

Efforts to construct a much-needed parking structure faced multiple obstacles, despite being a highlighted issue in the 2008 plan. It wasn't until 2015, seven years later, that the City was able to explore investing in a parking structure on Comstock Ave. The long-delayed project envisioned in the 2008 Uptown Specific Plan was finally completed in 2021 — 13 years after its conception, at a cost of $11 million.

 

Contentious debates persisted in 2016 over Uptown Whittier's revitalization. Three years later, in 2019, a proposal emerged for a makeover of Greenleaf Avenue, but a lack of resources, coupled with the distractions of the pandemic, hampered its realization.

 

Fast forward to 2023, when the City Council voted 4-0 to allocate $20 million to Uptown Whittier, unveiling the ambitious Greenleaf Promenade project. This plan aims to overhaul the thoroughfare, featuring enhanced walkways and modular outdoor spaces for various uses. Additionally, plans are underway for an iconic overhead gateway sign, and modernized light fixtures, with more diverse and less invasive trees and landscape. However, special interest groups continue to intervene in the decision to address the genuine needs and future of the Uptown Whittier District.

 

The history of revitalization in Uptown Whittier has been marred by obstructionism and inadequate resources, despite numerous elected officials championing the cause. Since the initial attempt at revitalization in 1990, the promise of a thriving Uptown Whittier remains unrealized.

 

Now in 2024, there's a chance to finally harness our collective efforts to ensure that the Greenleaf Promenade becomes a symbol of proactive urban renewal, leading to a prosperous Uptown Whittier. Let’s work together for a Whittier that is united in improving our community, creating better quality of life for our residents, and creating more jobs by enhancing our local business environment.