El Sereno Community Opposes 100-Unit Affordable Housing Project Due to Parking Issues and Permit Concerns
Residents Voice Concerns Over Planned Low-Income Housing Development in El Sereno
Los Angeles – Community members in El Sereno are vehemently opposing a proposed low-income housing project set to include over 100 units, citing concerns over inadequate planning and community impact. Residents argue that the developer is taking advantage of the city’s lenient policies.
Previously, the lot at the intersection of S Huntington Drive and Portola had become a notorious site for illegal activities, including drug use and squatting. However, as development plans unfolded, residents raised alarms over the absence of parking spaces—a pressing issue in an already congested area—and initial demolition work that occurred without proper permits.
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado confirmed that city officials had to intervene, halting the unpermitted demolition. For two and a half years, the city has pressed the developer, Sola Impact, to comply with local regulations, even implementing nuisance abatement actions to address the ongoing problems at the site.
“The city’s push for increased housing has unfortunately led to a lack of stringent permitting,” Jurado stated, expressing solidarity with the concerned residents. She highlighted the negative repercussions for low-income neighborhoods like El Sereno, where community needs are being sidelined.
In response, Sola Impact’s CEO, Gray Lusk, defended the development, asserting that it aligns with zoning regulations. He dismissed the residents’ objections as unfounded, framing their opposition as a classic case of “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) sentiment.
Following pressure from the City Attorney’s office, Sola Impact agreed to initiate cleanup efforts at the site and has committed to ensuring ongoing security and maintenance during the demolition process. Demolition efforts are now set to officially commence on Monday, as the developer seeks to move forward with the project despite community resistance.
