Inglewood Councilwoman Gloria Gray is proving to be a politician who keeps her promises. After a triumphant run for District One, she promised to hold a town hall meeting within her first 100 days. She recently held her first meeting at the Inglewood Senior Center located at 111 North Locust Drive.
The town hall is being deemed a success as more than 100 residents came out to address their concerns about everything from pandemic rent control policies and crime in the Market Street business area, to sidewalk and street repairs and over-sized digital billboards.
“It’s so heartwarming to see so many people come out,” said Gray. “This town hall is to inform you about Inglewood city’s different services that are available to you.”
Gray kicked off the program with a strong front of support from city and state officials. Attendees were greeted by State Senator Steven Bradford, Mayor James T. Butts Jr., City Treasurer Wanda Brown, and Councilmembers Alex Padilla of District 2 and Dionne Faulk of District 4, and more.
The meeting featured presentations by representatives from different departments crucial to the city’s operation. Lt. Nicole Loudermilk from the Inglewood Police Department addressed resident’s concerns about crime and safety; Christopher Jackson, Jr. from the Economic and Community Development Department shed light on upcoming developments throughout the city; Louis Atwell from the Public Works Department discussed ongoing projects and infrastructure improvements; and Sabrina Barnes of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department emphasized the importance of community engagement and the development of recreational facilities.
Bettye Griffith, representing the Residential Sound Insulation Department, addressed concerns related to noise pollution and offered potential solutions. Lisa Trifiletti shared updates on the Inglewood Transit Connector Project, and Dr. James Morris from the Inglewood Unified School District, providing valuable insights into how the district is progressing.
A diverse group of attendees ranging from seniors to business owners participated in the hours- long meeting. Overall, most were grateful to have a platform for open communication with key city officials.
Linda Morgan Sam is a church administrator at Morningside United Church of Christ at 8722 Crenshaw Blvd. She attended the meeting to request that the city move a jumbotron blocking the church’s historic bell tower.
“I was really encouraged that they would reach out to us and maybe move the jumbotron,” said Morgan Sam. “It was absolutely beneficial to come to this town hall today being able to talk directly to these departments is what the community needs, to get a contact phone number and put your plan into action.”
Several residents from the Osage Senior Villa were in attendance because the new stadiums have displaced many homes and businesses near their residence.
“We wanted to make sure that we wouldn’t have to move because many of the people who live in this building are between 50 to 100 years old,” said Joyce Nelson, 78.
“I don’t know what happened, but a lot of homes and businesses have been removed. I have been here since 2010. I hope I don’t have to relocate,” she added.
