In many ways, DLANC and other groups are looking to recreate many of the elements Seventh Street once had. Before World War II, the street boasted dozens of name-brand stores, first-rate restaurants and even had a network of transportation.

But as the city experienced rapid post-World War II suburbanization, Seventh Street lost its luster. Things only got worse during the Metro Red Line construction, which shut down parts of the street, causing more stores to close.

With those pieces in place, Bastian thinks Seventh Street can act as a lynchpin in Downtown's development. "Until a couple of years ago Downtown L.A. was a red line. No one wanted to invest here. That's changed," Bastian said. "At the end of the day, we're trying to create a plan where people can come out and maybe go to a comedy club or maybe hear a little jazz."

Westwater thinks DLANC could make that happen by helping link stakeholders with City Hall. "You can come to us and we can act as a middle man," he told the audience.

Westwater said the committees would use the suggestions from stakeholders and take action. "It showed the things we can do in the community," he said after the meeting. "I'm very happy."

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