A controversial 33-bed interim homeless housing facility proposed on the city’s Westside received unanimous support from the Los Angeles City Council on Friday, Oct. 20, despite continued objections by critics who say there are at least two other locations within the same council district – but further from residential homes and local businesses – that would be more appropriate.
In a 14-0 vote with one councilmember absent, the City Council approved nearly $4.6 million in construction costs for the project at 2377 Midvale Ave. and 10901 W. Pico Blvd., two adjacent parcels across from the former Westside Pavilion that currently operates as a city-owned parking lot.
The housing facility, slated to open next year, will back up to single-family homes along Midvale Avenue and be next to small businesses immediately along Pico Boulevard.
Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents Council District 5 where the interim homeless housing project will be built, and Mayor Karen Bass both support the project. But for months, they’ve heard from nearby residents and business owners who oppose it.
In comments before the City Council’s vote on Friday, Yaroslavsky acknowledged those who oppose the project and pledged to do her best to make the project a success.
“I’m committed to doing right by you and the entire neighborhood,” Yaroslavsky said, addressing those who live or work near the project site, about two dozen of whom attended the City Council meeting.
Yaroslavsky pledged to work with the community, police department and service provider to develop “a robust neighborhood security plan.”
“And if it becomes clear after this project opens that it isn’t working, we will make any necessary adjustments or, if absolutely necessary, we’ll shut it down,” Yaroslavsky said.
“But let me be absolutely clear: We need these beds. I wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t,” she continued.
The councilmember, who was elected last November, said…
Read the full article here
