Jobs and Opportunities Reseda is Rising “Reseda Rising” is Councilmember Blumenfield’s multi-front initiative to reinvest in the community and help Reseda attain its former glory as a center for entertainment and small business. Recognizing the challenges presented by the dissolution of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in 2011, Blumenfield launched this initiative to develop a shared community vision for Reseda and to support the commercial activity that will make Reseda once again into a destination for commerce, art and culture. What were derelict buildings, and are now vacant lots, one day will become quality retail for the community, apartments for residents, and a family-friendly attraction bringing people to Sherman Way, Reseda’s “Great Street.”
Future of the Reseda Theater In June 2016, Councilmember Blumenfield secured a unanimous vote to pursue an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Laemmle Theaters and Thomas Safran and Associates (TSA) to redevelop the old Reseda Theater. The TSA/ Laemmle team was selected via a Request for Proposal (RFP) that Blumenfield ensured would specifically seek an entertainment use for the historic site, consistent with the community’s vision. Their plan proposes to incorporate a new Laemmle multi-plex with new affordable senior housing. Blumenfield ensured that as part of the plan the old marquee will be restored, welcoming a new generation of movie goers.
Reseda Town Center and Hockey Rink
The old Reseda Theater sign and marquee.
Another project in the works, the new Reseda Town Center, is envisioned to be developed, inpart, as a public-private partnership on Sherman Way.
While strategizing about how to best serve the community, and turning over every rock to find the resources to do it, Councilmember Blumenfield found Proposition K funds that were put aside in the 1990’s specifically for an ice rink. However, the funds were not sufficient to build out a first class rink. Consequently, Blumenfield sought out and has partnered with the Los Angeles Kings to develop a proposal to build and operate the rink. This will leverage the Prop K funds and create a unique recreational center for the Valley. Much of the property for this projects is former CRA-owned property which makes the process complicated, the opportunities time-limited, and the revitalization possibilities all the more important.
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