Over fifty years ago, when Alena Cindy Giardina purchased her residence in Inglewood’s Morningside Park, the locality was already bustling. Hollywood Park featured an energetic racetrack, the Forum was a hub for shows, and the Lakers played nearby.
In the past ten years, Inglewood has evolved significantly. The Metro line has expanded. Hollywood Park has been redeveloped into a multi-purpose shopping center, and the new SoFi Stadium has introduced major events to the area.
Future Developments
Plans are underway for the construction of a luxury hotel and apartment complexes. Giardina, with roles in Parks and Recreation and the City Council, recounted an evening chat about her initial impressions. She mentioned that the city was on the brink of “exploding [and] becoming a really fabulous community.”
Inglewood’s new identity is highlighted by events such as the recent 19th annual Hard Summer music festival which attracted tens of thousands to Hollywood Park. Concurrently, the Kia Forum hosted concerts, and SoFi Stadium had its own events, including hosting FIFA World Cup games.
Adjusting to Events
Residents face frequent road closures, congestion, and parking battles. Chandra Richardson, an Inglewood resident of five years, checks local event schedules before planning outings. A recent Target visit proved challenging due to oversights about an ongoing game.
Parking fees near events sometimes soar beyond $100 per vehicle. Within blocks of SoFi, new signs enforce limited parking, preserving spaces for residents. Additionally, a curfew now minimizes late-night noise.
“There are times when the stadium or the concerts that are outside of the stadium are so loud that we can hear them here,” Christyn Carter shared. Her home, located two miles from Morningside Park, is affected during late evening events.
While triple-paned windows offer some relief, the sound is occasionally enjoyable. Richardson added, “If we’re watching a game, I like to hear the roar of the crowd from SoFi.”
Benefits Amidst Change
In quieter periods, the area’s additions are beneficial. Residents enjoy leisurely activities in spaces like the new Cane’s, and others bond at local eateries.
Claudine Cooper, a fitness instructor at Hollywood Park’s Iconix, acknowledged positive changes. Giardina echoed sentiments about the city’s evolution, citing pride in its diverse community.
Economic Impact
Despite benefits, not everyone is pleased. The Lennox-Inglewood Tenants Union protested SoFi’s construction, labeling it “a crisis for renters.” Inglewood’s real estate landscape has dramatically changed; between 2016 and 2021, homes skyrocketed by 84% in price.
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