Silver Lake and Echo Park, two of Los Angeles' original streetcar suburbs, are evolving.  Recent years have brought an influx of apartment buildings and small lot houses, prompting fears of gentrification and changing neighborhood character amongst some residents.  It now seems that Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell is looking to assuage their concerns.

Earlier today, O'Farrell put forth two motions seeking to put stricter regulations in place for new construction in both Silver Lake and Echo Park.

The first motion, which focuses on Echo Park, states that the community's neighborhood streets are inappropriate for large commercial developments and high-density residential uses due to topography, historic identity and limited infrastructure.  If adopted, it would call upon the Planning Department to report on the existing zoning and land use patterns along Echo Park Avenue, Scott Avenue, Logan Street, Lemoyne Street, Montana Street and Morton Avenue, and its impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods.

The second motion is framed as a response to a pattern of demolition and redevelopment in Silver Lake, which is known for "significant architectural landmarks" that range from early 20th century homes to Mid-Century modern desgins.  If adopted, it would instruct the Planning Department to report on how current R3-zoned properties in Silver Lake's residential neighborhoods could impact the character of adjacent lower-density areas.

O'Farrell concluded both documents with a request for recommendations from the Planning Department for zoning and land use amendments that would "ensure that any potential future development complements, and is consistent with, the scale and character of the built environment," of Silver Lake and Echo Park.

Both motions have been referred to the Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee for consideration.