Urban Renewal, L.A.-Style

By Janice Castro

SOME MERCHANTS IN BURNED-OUT LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORhoods may not be able to rebuild, even if they have the resources. They need permits. Many Angelenos in the ravaged areas are expected to oppose permits for so-called nuisance businesses: liquor stores, pawn shops, auto-repair shops and cheap motels. Says one gang member: "We were doing some renovation to the neighborhood. There are too many liquor stores in our community."