Dodger Gondola Project Faces Major Setbacks as L.A. Leaders and Residents Push Back

For years, the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) — better known as the Dodger Gondola Project — has been pitched as a bold, futuristic connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, whisking riders above traffic in a six-minute aerial trip. Supporters call it L.A.’s chance to build a cleaner, faster, iconic transit link. But as 2025 winds toward its close, the project faces more turbulence than ever.

A Quick Refresher: What the Gondola Would Be

The proposed gondola line would travel about 1.2 miles, with stations at Union Station, a stop near L.A. State Historic Park, and Dodger Stadium. Private backers connected to former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have promoted it as a zero-emission way to move more than 5,000 passengers per hour on game days — and potentially daily for tourists, residents, and park visitors.

Why the Dream Is Stalling

In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12–1 to formally oppose the project, urging Metro to abandon it. While the vote isn’t legally binding, it signaled a major political shift. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who introduced the resolution, cited environmental and community concerns — especially the impact on Chinatown, Solano Canyon, and L.A. State Historic Park.

A California Court of Appeals ruling earlier in the year also struck down Metro’s original environmental review, forcing a supplemental EIR that reopened debates about tree removal, tower placement, noise, and neighborhood impacts. The city has additionally ordered a comprehensive traffic study, pausing key permits until it’s complete.

Communities Speak Out

Local opposition has been strong and well-organized. Residents warn the gondola would remove mature trees, alter the character of the State Historic Park, and intrude over communities that have already shouldered decades of infrastructure burdens. Advocacy groups say the project favors private interests over public need, pointing to the lack of a clear long-term funding or maintenance plan.

Not Dead — But Deeply Uncertain

Despite mounting challenges, the gondola isn’t entirely grounded. Metro is still reviewing public comments on the supplemental environmental report, and state lawmakers are debating legislation that could streamline some project requirements. Whether those efforts succeed — or whether political pressure ultimately stalls the gondola indefinitely — remains to be seen.

Advertisement

The Big Picture

The Dodger Gondola Project sits at the intersection of transit innovation, environmental justice, and the future of Los Angeles mobility. For supporters, it represents a chance to modernize travel to one of the nation’s most visited stadiums. For opponents, it’s an unnecessary experiment that risks community space and public resources.

Either way, the next year will be pivotal — and L.A.’s debate over the gondola is far from over.

Sources and links for further information

Associated Press: “Los Angeles officials seek to halt proposed Dodger Stadium gondola” — apnews.com 

Los Angeles Times: “Los Angeles City Council votes 12-1 to urge Metro to halt Dodgers gondola project” — latimes.com 

NBC Los Angeles: “Dodger Stadium gondola should be a no-go, LA City Council says” — nbclosangeles.com 

PR Newswire (project press release): “LA ART Gondola Project Takes Next Step Forward … with Release of Draft Supplemental Environmental Report” — prnewswire.com 

LAist: “Controversial Dodger Stadium gondola project gets new environmental report. Here’s how you can weigh in” — laist.com 

Official Metro page: “Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART)” — metro.net 

Site for public comment: “Stop The Gondola – Public Comment” — stopthegondola.org 

CEQA Notice of Availability: “Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report – LA ART Project” — ceqanet.lci.ca.gov 

Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Watts Towers. (2023, August 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_Towers

Watts Towers: A Landmark of Art, History, and Resilience in Los Angeles

The Watts Towers in Los Angeles are one of the most remarkable examples of outsider art in the United States. Built singlehandedly by Italian immigrant Sabato (Simon) Rodia over a span of 33 years (1921–1954), the towers stand as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and cultural expression.

Rodia, working without formal training or blueprints, constructed 17 interconnected towers and sculptural structures, the tallest reaching 99.5 feet. Using steel, mortar, and found objects such as glass, tile, pottery shards, and seashells, he created a visionary masterpiece that has since become an iconic symbol of Los Angeles art and heritage.

Recognition and Historic Significance

The Watts Towers are more than an architectural wonder—they are a recognized cultural landmark:

• National Historic Landmark (1990)

• California Historical Landmark

• Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument

• Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as one of only nine folk art sites in Los Angeles

Their enduring legacy highlights the resilience of both Rodia’s vision and the Watts community, which fought to preserve the towers when demolition was once proposed.

Influence on Culture, Film, and Literature

The influence of the Watts Towers extends far beyond architecture. They have been celebrated and referenced across multiple art forms:

• In music, legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus mentioned them in his autobiography.

• In literature, they appear in Don DeLillo’s novel Underworld.

• On film, the towers have been featured in iconic movies such as La La Land and Ricochet.

These references reflect the towers’ place in both local identity and global culture.

Community and Public Space

The site is also home to the Watts Towers Crescent Greenway, a 0.2-mile rail-with-trail pedestrian and bike path. This space allows visitors to experience the towers while enjoying outdoor recreation, blending community engagement with cultural preservation.

Why the Watts Towers Matter

The Watts Towers are more than sculptures—they are a story of human determination, creativity, and cultural pride. They remind us that art can rise from unlikely places and stand the test of time, inspiring generations.

Watts Towers. (2023, August 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_Towers

Explore More About South Los Angeles

For those interested in learning more about the rich history of South Los Angeles, we recommend checking out The South LA Recap by Eric Craig on YouTube. The channel dives into fascinating hidden details of the region’s past and offers valuable insights into the cultural landscape surrounding the Watts Towers.

Advertisement

You can also visit Eric Craig’s website for additional resources: South LA Recap

Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter.  https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/

At STM Daily News, we’re passionate about uncovering the stories that shaped Los Angeles. Visit our YouTube channelto explore more history, culture, and hidden gems of the city—from landmarks like the Watts Towers to the people and events that defined LA’s past. Subscribe today and discover the history of Los Angeles, one story at a time. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVyhnfS344AWOC6s7sDNHHKG

Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by Daily News Staff

A Personal Perspective:

Hey there, I’m Rod. On my YouTube channel, I go by Railfan Rod because I’ve always been fascinated by transportation—especially trains, but also planes and automobiles. Growing up in Los Angeles, I witnessed both the decline and the rebirth of Los Angeles public transportation.

Today, I’m launching a new podcast series and a dedicated urbanism section on Daily News to share stories, reflections, and interviews about the challenges and resistance to mass transit in America. Through these conversations, I hope to highlight how transportation shapes our cities, our environment, and our daily lives.

A Growing Mass Transit Consciousness

In recent years, public sentiment has started to shift in favor of mass transit. More Angelenos—and Americans in general—are realizing that cars alone cannot solve our transportation problems. With worsening congestion, rising fuel prices, and environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable and efficient alternatives is stronger than ever.

Los Angeles public transportation is expanding to meet that need. Every new rail line, bus rapid transit project, and infrastructure investment brings us closer to a city where mobility is cleaner, more efficient, and more equitable.

👉 Learn more from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) about the benefits of public transit.

Looking Back: The Push for LA Metro in the 1970s

I vividly remember the debate in the 1970s about reintroducing rail transit to Los Angeles. At the time, the city was struggling with gridlocked freeways and dangerous levels of smog. Visionary leadership came from Mayor Tom Bradley, Los Angeles’ first African-American mayor, who championed plans to create a modern LA Metro system.

His vision was bold: revitalize downtown Los Angeles while building a transit network of light rail, subways, and improved bus service. These ideas laid the foundation for what would eventually become LA Metro history.

In 1990, the opening of the Metro Blue Line marked a turning point. It was the first rail line of the modern Metro system and symbolized Los Angeles’ commitment to mass transit after decades of car-centered planning.

👉 Watch the 1990 Metro Blue Line Grand Opening and Mobility Promo

Opposition and the Freeway Mentality

Not everyone embraced this vision. Many argued that the solution was simply to keep building more freeways. But decades of freeway expansion proved ineffective—traffic congestion only grew worse.

For a deeper look at L.A.’s forgotten streetcars, check out the Electric Railway Historical Association of Southern California.

Advertisement

Mass transit, by contrast, offers lasting solutions:

• Reduced traffic on overcrowded roads

• Cleaner air and reduced emissions

• Greater accessibility for all residents

• Stronger, more connected communities

To move forward, Los Angeles must continue challenging misconceptions and expanding its commitment to sustainable public transportation.

A Lifelong Passion for Transit

My passion for transit began when I was a kid. I’d spend hours playing with toy cars and model trains, imagining a city where trains, buses, and planes worked together seamlessly. Growing up near the rail lines that served the Port of Los Angeles only deepened my love for transportation.

Though Los Angeles dismantled its once world-class streetcar network in favor of buses and freeways, the remnants remind us of what was lost—and what can still be rebuilt. A stronger, greener, more connected Los Angeles public transportation system is within our reach, and it’s a future worth fighting for.

Visit https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge/urbanism/ for the latest articles and videos.