TO: contactCD4@lacity.org, councilmember.jurado@lacity.org, Councilmember.McOsker@lacity.org, councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org, Heather.hutt@lacity.org
CC: councilmember.park@lacity.org, councilmember.nazarian@lacity.org
Dear Chair and Members of the Housing and Homelessness Committee,
Item 6 on your October 1st agenda is Councilmember Traci Park’s latest attempt to block the Venice Dell project by feigning support for an “alternative” site. The motion frames Lot 701 as a substitute for Lot 731, but Venice Dell is already fully approved, funded, and on track to deliver 120 affordable homes. Before any discussion of alternative sites, the City must make clear that it stands behind Venice Dell and will not bow to maneuvers designed to derail it.
The City Council has approved Venice Dell on Lot 731 multiple times. The project has secured nearly $45 million in County and State funding in the past two months, is under contract with developers, and includes a Project Labor Agreement to create hundreds of good jobs. The community desperately needs these homes, and delaying or undoing them would come at enormous cost.
The Board of Transportation Commissioners does not have authority to overturn past Council votes. Breaching the City’s agreements would waste millions in general funds, worsen the budget crisis, and expose the City to ongoing lawsuits. Undoing approvals for Venice Dell would also violate fair housing laws and the Housing Accountability Act.
If the City wishes to explore Lot 701 for additional affordable housing and transit amenities, that should be welcomed,. but only as more housing, not as a red herring to supplant Venice Dell.
I urge this committee to ensure that any report back makes clear:
Los Angeles is in a dire budget and housing crisis. We cannot afford to change course on Venice Dell, which is ready to break ground, while families across the city wait for affordable homes.