Wilmington finally gets a waterfront buffer

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It has been 25 years since Wilmington — a port community marked by flaming refinery towers, towering cranes and diesel-spewing ships and big rigs — proposed creation of a green buffer zone that would separate its residents from cargo containers stacked sky high.

On Saturday, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and port officials will lead a community celebration to break ground on the long-awaited 30-acre waterfront buffer project in the 10-square-mile community, about 20 miles south of Los Angeles.

Theresa Adams-Lopez, a spokeswoman for the Port of Los Angeles, said the project will take about two years to complete and feature walking trails, fountains, a playground and plazas in a terraced park setting with views of the harbor.

The program, which will include live entertainment and refreshments, is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Gulf Avenue between C Street and Harry Bridges Boulevard in Wilmington.

-- Louis Sahagun

Renderings courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles