Universal Expansion, LA River Bike Path Extension Almost a Go

Our seven-year wait for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios may finally be coming to a close: today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the $1.6-billion NBCUniversal Evolution Plan. In addition to the new theme park attraction, the plan is a major expansion of the Universal Studios lot, with new office, retail, and studio space, along with two 500-room hotels. But what's got Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky excited (among other things) is Universal's contribution of $13.5 million to help revitalize the LA River and improve its adjacent bike path. The money will close most of the 6.5-mile gap in the bike path between Griffith Park and Studio City, and Universal will also build a trailhead park along the river. Hollywood Patch says that today's vote instructed the county lawyers to draw up the approval documents; once that's done, one last vote will finally see the project fully approved. The City of LA approved the project earlier this year.
· County Approves Expansion of Universal Studios Theme Park [HP]
· NBCUniversal Archives [Curbed LA]