Affordable Housing in Valley Advances Despite L.A. Leaders’ Opposition

Despite setbacks, four affordable housing projects in the San Fernando Valley are moving forward, despite opposition from Los Angeles leaders and homeowners

The San Fernando Valley, which has historically been a bastion of single-family homes, is seeing a surge in affordable housing projects. According to reports, nearly 2,400 new apartments for low- and moderate-income residents were proposed in the region, with the majority of them abandoned due to opposition from homeowners and city leaders.

However, four of the projects, totaling 800 units, have managed to overcome the obstacles and are now moving forward. The developments, which were initially opposed by Mayor Karen Bass and most of the City Council, are being met with resistance from those who are concerned about the impact on the community.

Background: Mayor’s Initiative and Zoning Laws

In 2022, Mayor Bass signed an executive order aimed at promoting growth and affordability in Los Angeles. The initiative, Executive Directive 1, eliminated certain permitting hurdles for 100% affordable housing developments, allowing them to be built faster. However, some developers saw an opportunity to apply the rules to single-family-home sites, which were not intended for multifamily projects.

Opposition and Backlash

The proposal was met with fierce opposition from homeowners, who were concerned about increased traffic, parking, and the disruption of the character of their neighborhoods. Opponents argued that the developers were taking advantage of a loophole in the mayor’s initiative to build apartments where they were never intended.

City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents the area, stated, “The reality of these [projects] was that the impact was disproportionate. It wasn’t by design. It was by opportunism.”

Conflict and Litigation

The conflict led to a series of lawsuits, with YIMBY Law, a statewide nonprofit, filing a suit against the city on behalf of the rejected projects. A community group, the Ethel Avenue Neighborhood Assn., also sued the city over the approved project.

The city’s attorneys argued that Bass’ revised order merely clarified that multifamily projects were prohibited on single-family-home parcels, making the denials proper. However, three separate judges rejected this argument, ruling that the city must approve the projects.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, the four affordable housing projects in the San Fernando Valley are moving forward, offering a glimmer of hope in the city’s ongoing struggle to address its housing crisis. The success of these projects highlights the need for a shift in the city’s approach to housing, moving away from resistance and towards embracing growth and development.

FAQs

* What is the current state of affordable housing in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is facing a severe housing crisis, with many residents struggling to find affordable options.
* What is the controversy surrounding the affordable housing projects in the San Fernando Valley?
The projects were initially opposed by Mayor Karen Bass and most of the City Council, and later by homeowners, who were concerned about the impact on the community.
* What is the current status of the projects?
Four projects, totaling 800 units, are now moving forward, despite the opposition and legal challenges.