Construction of a controversial homeless housing project in West Los Angeles remained in limbo Wednesday after a local business owner filed a claim alleging the city violated state law.
Construction of the Midvale Housing Project, a 33-unit interim housing facility in the Rancho-Pico area, started two weeks ago, but as of Tuesday, any further work has been suspended, according to the Midvale-Pico Coalition, a group formed to advocate against the project. Leiauna Anderson, a leader of the coalition, called it a “big victory” for local businesses.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the office of City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents the Fifth District. In 2023, the councilwoman spearheaded plans for the interim housing facility, citing a need to bolster shelter and beds for unhoused residents in her district.
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Bureau of Engineering personnel identified a city-owned parking lot, located at 2377 Midvale Ave. near Pico and Westwood boulevards, for construction of the facility, which would feature amenities such as laundry units, storage, a pet area, office/case management conferencing space, dining areas and security fencing. The City Council previously allocated $4.6 million to support the project.
In the lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Brian Collesano, owner of Saucy Bird, a restaurant and catering company located directly across the street from the Midvale Housing Project, sought a temporary restraining order to prevent its completion. Attorney Darin Margules is representing Collesano in the case.
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The lawsuit said the city violated California’s eminent domain law when it changed the use of the parcel of land from parking to housing without holding public hearings.
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