With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
LA approves affordable housing rules, Santa Monica rejects anti-development measure
A row of five-story housing developments lines Fifth Street between Broadway and Santa Monica Boulevard. Architect Mario Fonda-Bonardi says buildings that are more than four stories tall can separate residents from the street.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Los Angeles voted to pass new regulations on housing developers in the city, while Santa Monica residents rejected an initiative that would have limited growth in the city.
Under L.A. city measure JJJ, developers who want to build projects that require exemptions from the city must also provide some affordable housing in those buildings. The developers must also make an effort to hire local, union workers. Because the city's zoning code is out of date, many new housing projects require exemptions to get planning approval.
JJJ received 64 percent of the vote, with its main backer saying it's a victory for people who think they're being priced out of Los Angeles.
"Residents are crying out for homes that they can actually afford and jobs that they can rely on," said Rusty Hicks, executive secretary-treasurer of the L.A. County Federation of Labor.
Support for LAist comes from
"If developers are going to be developing in our city then they need to be giving something back to the people," said Alexandra Suh from the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance, another organization that backed the measure.
But local developers fought the initiative. L.A. builder Mott Smith said JJJ's positive effects will be limited in the long run, and wont affect a large number of projects.
"It's not going to make housing more affordable, it's not going to create more jobs for union members," Smith said.
Some housing experts warned that it could also have the adverse effect of making builders shy away from breaking ground in Los Angeles altogether, and that lack of building would contribute to L.A.'s housing shortage.
"We'll see some developers who are not going to want to deal with the extra difficulty and the potentially lower (profit) margins," said USC housing expert Raphael Bostic.
Meanwhile in Santa Monica, residents rejected a measure that called for a citywide vote on each development project that is larger than three stories high. That measure, called LV, failed with 56 percent of residents voting no.
"Measure LV would've limited our ability to meet Santa Monica's housing needs," said city councilman Kevin McKeown, who said he was pleased the measure failed because it would've slowed down efforts to build denser developments in the area.
Support for LAist comes from
In March, Los Angeles residents will see one more development measure on the ballot. Dubbed the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, it calls for a two-year ban on so-called "mega-developments" in Los Angeles.
Supporters of JJJ are opposed to that measure, because it would make JJJ void for a two year period, and halt new developments that require city exemptions.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist