Venice public commenters clash over plan to convert Site 731 into mobility hub, citing approved affordable-housing project

Dozens of Venice residents, a nonprofit housing developer and neighborhood leaders urged Los Angeles officials during public comment to either reject Motion 3 or clarify its effect on a separate, years-old affordable-housing project tied to Site 731.

Becky Denseni Circun, a representative of Venice Community Housing (nonprofit developer), told the meeting: “Estoy aquí para hablar sobre Punto Tres.” She said she submitted written materials to the record and expressed frustration that the city had not moved forward on homelessness and housing she said the developer had already prepared for the site. “Después de que estábamos mano a mano con la ciudad defendiendo los derechos de este programa por los cuales nos cobraron quinientos mil dólares… esto tiene que parar,” she said, faulting what she described as delays and costs imposed while people remain unhoused.

Supporters of keeping or creating a transportation or parking facility at Site 731 also spoke. A commenter who identified herself as Marjorie Westman welcomed a Department of Transportation report and said Venice needs more public parking and better access: “Venice es el destino de turismo más grande en Los Ángeles… todos sus ciudadanos merece accesibilidad aquí.” Several other speakers described persistent parking shortages, cited Olympic and event-related pressure, and urged the council…