Boyle Heights residents oppose USC project citing gentrification and community displacement concerns

The Los Angeles City Council meeting on September 18, 2024, featured significant discussions regarding the approval of a USC development project, which has raised concerns among local residents about potential gentrification and displacement in the Boyle Heights and City Terrace neighborhoods.

During the meeting, community members expressed strong opposition to the project, describing it as a catalyst for gentrification similar to developments seen in South Los Angeles. One speaker highlighted the university's history of impacting local communities negatively, stating that the project would take valuable land from the neighborhood and exacerbate existing issues of displacement. Residents voiced frustration over feeling ignored by city officials, particularly during election seasons when their votes are sought but their needs are overlooked.

Another resident, Carmen Descendis, who has lived in Boyle Heights for over 15 years, echoed these sentiments. She raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the project's consequences, emphasizing that while the university promotes potential benefits, the community is not adequately informed about the costs involved. Descendis called for more engagement from local council members to address the community's concerns and to ensure that residents are involved in discussions about developments that affect their lives.

The meeting underscored the growing tension between urban development and community preservation, as residents seek to protect their neighborhoods from the impacts of gentrification. The council's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen, as community members continue to advocate for their rights and needs.