email hcd re venice dell

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To: gustavo.velasquez@hcd.ca.gov, zachary.olmstead@hcd.ca.gov, matt.schueller@hcd.ca.gov, pablo.espinoza@hcd.ca.gov, kyle.krause@hcd.ca.gov, jennifer.seeger@hcd.ca.gov, jenny.cho@hcd.ca.gov, megan.kirkeby@hcd.ca.gov, janeen.dodson@hcd.ca.gov, brandon.williams@hcd.ca.gov, tyrone.buckley@hcd.ca.gov

Cc: councilmember.park@lacity.org, mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org, cityatty.help@lacity.org

Bcc: marvistavoice@gmail.org 

Subject: Please Investigate Violation of Housing Element Law - Venice Dell

Dear HCD Executive Team,

I am writing to express my deep concern over what appears to be a violation of Housing Element Law by the City of Los Angeles in Venice / Council District 11. 

As a long-term resident in the community, I strongly support affordable housing, including permanent supportive housing to address LA’s housing crisis. That’s why I was excited about the Venice Dell project, which includes 120 low-income units. Unfortunately, after 7.5 years of delays by a small group of opponents, certain LA officials have recently taken unprecedented actions to obstruct the project, putting its financing at risk.  

Despite the City’s prior approvals and the Coastal Commission’s unanimous vote in favor of the project on December 11, the City of LA took a last-minute step to block progress. A day before the Coastal Commission’s meeting, the Board of Transportation Commissioners suddenly voted to withhold the transfer of the city-owned parking lot, citing the need for a transit hub—a justification never publicly discussed in the years of project planning. This move appears to be a deliberate attempt to stall the development without a formal City Council vote.  

Opponents have shifted their objections over time, citing everything from parking concerns to project height, and now, a supposed need for a transit hub tied to the 2028 Olympics. These arguments seem to mask broader NIMBY opposition to low-income housing. 

We find it unacceptable that, after years of public input and multiple approvals, the City is using last-minute maneuvers to derail much-needed affordable housing.  We urge the Housing Accountability Unit to take action and hold the City of Los Angeles accountable to its housing commitments. We are happy to provide further information if needed.  

Sincerely,