Hayvenhurst Boulevard, straddling the western edge of Van Nuys Airport, was pushed out of its formerly north-south straight alignment in the early 1960s. The purpose: to accomodate the expansion and safety needs of the airport.
What resulted is a confoundingly obtuse roadway that twists and turns through industrial streets and ends up connecting with Balboa Boulevard.
In the postwar era, any order coming from men in neckties with important titles was unquestioningly obeyed by the American public.
Photograph caption dated July 11, 1960 reads, “Re-aligning Havenhurst – Federal Aviation Agency approval was obtained for re-alignment of Haybenhurst avenue, Councilman James Corman announced after conferences with federal officials. Shown at proposed intersection at Roscoe Boulevard are three interested officials (from left) Airport Commissioner Harry Dow, Corman and Public Works chief Ed Cox.”
Credit: LAPL
Actually Hayvenhurst’s curves means a bit more. Once upon a time the whole Valley was owned–a remnant of the old San Fernando Mission land title.
The northern half of the Valley sold in the 1870’s as part of setting off the new city of San Fernando.
Roscoe Bl was the dividing line. North of Roscoe was one survey–south of Roscoe another. So going across the Valley, Coldwater Cyn, sepulveda, Woodley, Hayvenhurst’s, Balboa, white Oak, Louise all bend to match the different surveys.
Just an odd Valley story–like turning a Van Nuyss to Owensmuth (Canoga Park) street into Van-Owen into Vanowen.
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Thanks Jon. Good information.
A
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