On July 24th, without prior consultations or hearings, the Los Angeles City government announced via press-release that it will turn the public parking lot at Midvale and Pico into a low-barrier 30-unit shelter for unhoused persons. We have several concerns about the project:
- It stands to decimate business. Pico and Westwood are the heart of our business district, which is struggling to recover from COVID-induced vacancies, and local businesses depend on the parking lot on which the shelter will stand. Many, such as Starbucks, have closed their doors due to issues with the homeless. This project is likely to crush the small business owners and workers trying to stay afloat and put food on the plate.
- It hurts families. Our neighborhood is filled with families that are already on edge because of troubling run-ins with the homeless. These run-ins include shootings, assaults, and attempted rapes. With a budget for one unarmed guard, the City cannot guarantee safety for nearby residents.
- It defies the will of voters. Worst of all, the City is rushing the project through with minimal community involvement, public transparency, or legitimate analysis. Our leaders are proving a danger to democracy.
The City of Los Angeles has only one other Homeless Shelter situated in a residential neighborhood. The site, shown in the photo, is in North Hollywood and has led to increased crime, encampments, and danger to residents nearby.
Especially as other, better sites are available, it defies common-sense that the City would consider locating a homeless shelter right next to kids and small businesses. That the City would do so with little-to-no transparency and public participation in the decision-making process undermines trust in our Democracy.
FIRST OUR STREET, THEN YOURS! Help us fight back against City Hall's terrible plan.
About us: We are an all-volunteer organization composed of concerned residents, businesses and neighbors, and 100% of proceeds go to stopping this ill-conceived project.
Use of funds:
All donations will be used for Public Relations activities and Legal Expenses to oppose the Midvale-Pico Interim Homeless Shelter Project.
