Popular Robertson Blvd. Block To Be Pedestrian-Only On Weekends

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A bustling stretch of Robertson Boulevard will become a pedestrian only zone on weekends, as part of a pilot program aiming to reimagine city space and create more room for outdoor activities. The street will be closed to cars from Santa Monica Boulevard to El Tovar Place between 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Monday.

Adjacent to West Hollywood Park and just north of Melrose Avenue, the section of Robertson Boulevard includes popular bars and restaurants such as The Abbey, which has been in business since 1991. Due to narrow sidewalks and foot congestion, people often venture into the street during night hours, which can create a traffic hazard.

The three-month test program will start on April 1. City Councilmembers John Erickson and Jon D'Amico co-sponsored the motion. D'Amico previously attempted to create a similar zone in 2012, but was unable to garner enough support to push it through.

“Imagine a yoga class on Sunday morning along Robertson Boulevard with 50 or 60 people doing yoga. Imagine that we could, at the end of the spring, start AA meetings in the parking lot.... Imagine that we could have food trucks with carts from West Hollywood businesses along Robertson,” Councilman John D'Amico said during Tuesday's meeting as quoted by the Los Angeles Times. “I think the opportunities are so big and so great.”