In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rapidly industrializing New York City built thousands of new apartments to house the new middle class. Steel frame construction, electricity, purified water and elevators were recent inventions that allowed high density development of city property. Underground subway lines were built near the apartments. You could travel anywhere in the city for a nickel.

Los Angeles is currently facing a crisis of housing and near gridlock in our commuting. The mid-20th Century ideal of the single family home connected by wide boulevards and freeways is now collapsing. Freeway shootings are evidence enough of our social despair and rage caused by an inability to move around and widespread firearms. Despite our rising property values, we Anglenos are living in an environment of violent and aggressive driving, air pollution, and low density dullness. We have the worst of the urban problems without the amenities of pedestrian life that make cities like Paris, New York and San Francisco so livable.

The New York Public Library has digital collections which illustrate the wonderfully civil and practical apartment houses that were built early in the 20th Century. These buildings sit squarely on the sidewalk, allowing pedestrians to walk in and out of the front entrance without using a car. Architects designed these buildings in the classical style with balance, order and rhythm that helped order and calm the urban chaos.

Los Angeles should rezone areas on Van Nuys Boulevard near the “Busway” to allow apartments up to 13 stories tall near public transport routes. This would help insure increased rider ship in the years to come, as well as revitalizing the currently shabby downtown Van Nuys area. With thousands of new residents occupying these apartments, restaurants, shops and a healthier form of getting around (also known as walking)would emerge.

Rick Caruso: are you listening? We need your help!