Tag: protest

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Downtown Los Angeles Loft Residents Take a Stand | Community Voices Heard: First and Broadway Park to Remain a Park, DLANC Votes Against Homeless Housing Proposal

REAL ESTATE NEWS – A community initiative led by residents of the Douglas, Higgins, and Pan American lofts have successfully preserved the planned park at First and Broadway (FAB) in Downtown Los Angeles.

Residents came out in numbers last night to voice their opposition to Councilmember Kevin DeLeon’s motion to convert the planned FAB park into “temporary” homeless housing. The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) voted against supporting the motion, citing the various arguments presented by the community. Loft residents of the Douglas Building, Pan American Building and Higgins Building were there to oppose the planned homeless encampment.

A Unified Effort

Scott Mahoy, who was integral in coordinating the opposition, thanked community members Anita, Deborah, and Allen for speaking eloquently against the proposal. Mahoy acknowledged the collective effort, stating, “It helped that we had a number of us there. Numbers matter.”

Key Arguments Presented

  1. The Need for Parks: Los Angeles ranks 80th in the top 100 most populated U.S. cities for park systems, according to The Trust for Public Land. Advocates stressed the importance of expanding L.A.’s park footprint.
  2. Safety Concerns for Children: Residents pointed out that the proposed housing site is directly adjacent to a very active playground, raising concerns about children’s safety, particularly given the lenient drug policies adopted in L.A.’s temporary homeless developments.
  3. Wasteful Spending: Opponents of the motion cited the millions already spent in planning the FAB park, arguing that another expensive, “temporary” development was wasteful and ill-conceived.
  4. Lack of Support from the Homeless Community: Several homeless individuals and service providers, including DLANC’s own homeless resident director, Rick Young, also opposed the project, stating they would not utilize such housing.
  5. Alternative Solutions: L.A. City Controller Mike Galperin has identified 26 locations across the city totaling 1.7 million square feet that could be more appropriate for homeless housing.

Next Steps

Community members are encouraged to continue their advocacy through calls and emails to Mayor Karen Bass and city council members. As of now, the planned park at First and Broadway will continue to be developed as a community green space, with its original design to be carried out by the award-winning architecture firm Studio MLA.

For more information and to get involved, residents can contact:

For an extensive city contact list, visit here.

Written by Corey Chambers, Broker and Publisher of the L.A. Loft Blog, Founder of Entar Real Estate and Financial Marketing Tech.

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DTLA Land Dilemma: Homeless Encampment or Park at 1st and Broadway?

Community Discussion at the Heart of the Matter

REAL ESTATE NEWS (Los Angeles, CA) — An important announcement went out to residents of the Douglas Lofts in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and the wider Historic Core community: A community meeting is set to take place on Tuesday, October 3rd at the courtyard of the Pan American building at 3rd and Broadway. The central issue up for discussion is whether the parcel of land at the corner of 1st and Broadway should be developed as a park or repurposed as a homeless encampment. This is a prime location by City Hall and the Higgins Building. | DETAILS

Planning and Land Use Committee Chair of DLANC, Samir Bitar, has called this meeting, and the stakes are high. The debate is emblematic of wider questions about land use, community values, and social responsibility, particularly in a city like Los Angeles where homelessness is a major concern.

Homelessness in Los Angeles

The homelessness crisis in Los Angeles has been a longstanding issue, one that has been exacerbated by rising living costs, systemic inequalities, and a lack of affordable housing. According to the most recent statistics, more than 60,000 (other figures say 100,000) people in the city are experiencing homelessness on any given night. This has prompted local governments to look for immediate, although sometimes controversial, solutions.

Public Parks and Community Wellbeing

On the flip side, parks are vital for urban communities. They serve as a communal space for relaxation, exercise, and social interaction. The mental and physical health benefits of having accessible green spaces are well-documented. Parks can raise property values, attract businesses, and serve as an identity marker for communities.

A Tough Decision

The decision to use the land at 1st and Broadway for either a park or a homeless encampment presents a complex dilemma. On one hand, providing a sanctioned space for the homeless community could offer an immediate, if imperfect, solution to a pressing crisis. On the other hand, developing the land into a park could yield long-term benefits for the broader community, enhancing quality of life and even potentially reducing crime rates.

Factors to Consider
Immediate Need vs. Long-Term Benefits: While a homeless encampment addresses an immediate crisis, a park offers long-term benefits that could enrich community life for years to come.
Community Input: Public opinion varies widely, with some advocating for a humanitarian approach to homelessness, and others worried about property values, safety, and the neighborhood’s reputation.
Political Implications: With Samir Bitar running for the city council seat for CD14, how the land is used could also serve as a political statement, reflecting the values and priorities he plans to bring to the role.
Economic Factors: The decision could have implications for property values and business investment in the area. Parks usually elevate property values and attract businesses, but their maintenance also costs taxpayer money.
Legal Aspects: Whichever option is chosen, legal considerations around land use, zoning laws, and city ordinances will come into play. Is there something that can be done about another $28 million stolen from the middle class?



The Community Meeting: A Platform for Change

For residents who care about how this decision will shape the future of their community, attending the upcoming meeting is crucial. This is a forum where community members can voice their concerns, pose questions, and offer alternative solutions. For those unable to attend, sending an email to Samir Bitar provides an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.

The Real Estate Angle

For homeowners, landlords, and investors in the area, the outcome of this decision could have a direct impact on property values. A well-maintained park often increases nearby property values, making it a potentially profitable outcome for property owners. On the other hand, perceptions surrounding homeless encampments could affect rental and sales markets in unpredictable ways.

Promises Broken

The land at 1st and Broadway is a microcosm of greater dilemmas facing Los Angeles today. The choice between establishing a park or a homeless encampment brings economic, social, and political dimensions into sharp focus. While there is no easy answer, community involvement in this decision is vital. Whichever direction the city chooses to take, it will send a clear message about the community’s values and priorities for years to come.

If you have an opinion on this matter, make it count. Attend the community meeting, or make your voice heard through other channels. For those invested in the real estate market, keeping a close eye on this situation is advisable, as it could bring about significant changes in property values and investment opportunities in the area.

This unfolding story also serves as a call to action for everyone involved—from real estate professionals to renters and homeowners—to engage in the civic processes that shape our neighborhoods, for better or worse.

For more insightful articles related to real estate and community developments in Los Angeles, stay tuned to the L.A. Loft Blog. Feel free to reach out to us for tailored advice on property investment, community engagement, and more.

Note: The community meeting will be held at the courtyard of the Pan American building at 3rd and Broadway on Tuesday, Oct 3rd at 11am. For an access code, call 323-382-3988 on Tuesday morning. | FLYER PDF

For those who can’t attend but would like to make their voice heard, you can email: samir.bitar@dlanc.com directly.

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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker. | PDF