When Alena Cindy Giardina purchased her home in Inglewood’s Morningside Park over 50 years ago, the area was already thriving. Hollywood Park was a hub with a vibrant racetrack, the Forum hosted prominent shows, and the Lakers played nearby. But over the last decade, the city has reached new heights. The Metro line expanded, Hollywood Park became a multi-use shopping center, and the new SoFi Stadium brought major events to the community. Plans for a luxury hotel and new apartment complexes are also underway.
Giardina, a former Parks and Recreation commissioner and City Council member in Inglewood, shared during an evening chat, “When I moved in, the city was on the verge of becoming a fabulous community.”
The neighborhood has transformed significantly, especially on event weekends. Recently, Hollywood Park hosted tens of thousands for the 19th annual Hard Summer music festival. Simultaneously, the Kia Forum held two concerts. SoFi Stadium, known for hosting eight FIFA World Cup games, is set to hold two concerts soon. Inglewood’s residents frequently find their neighborhood bustling with visitors during such events.
Adjusting to Frequent Events
Residents face challenges like road closures, heavy traffic, competition for parking, and noise during large events. They have adapted to the changes. During the Hard Festival, for example, closed streets in Hollywood Park saw crowds navigating them, and bumper-to-bumper traffic extended from SoFi Stadium.
Chandra Richardson, a five-year Inglewood resident, checks events in the area before planning her day. “The only time I get stuck is if I have something on Century Boulevard,” Richardson explained. Proximity to major venues makes this area particularly busy.
Nearby parking can charge over $100. Surrounding neighborhoods have introduced two-hour parking and tow-away zones to keep spaces available for residents. A curfew was also introduced last year to manage late-night noise. Christyn Carter, another resident, noted the noise impacts, “concerts going late can affect my and my babies’ sleep.” Richardson, though, appreciates the triple-paned windows that help block noise. Sometimes, the lively atmosphere is welcome.
Benefits of Development
On quieter days, the new developments show benefits. Hollywood Park hosts various activities, drawing residents and locals. Claudine Cooper, a fitness instructor, remarked on the positive impact she’s observed.
To Cindy, the growth and diversity are a testament to the city’s evolution. “I’m proud to be part of this new experiment,” she said, “a melting pot where people enjoy life together.”
Economic Pressures
Not everyone is pleased with the changes. The Lennox-Inglewood Tenants Union organized protests around SoFi’s construction. They described the stadium development as a crisis for renters. Inglewood, once one of the county’s most affordable areas in 2016, saw home prices rise by 84% by 2021.