Committee denies Unite Here appeal, clears West Harbor SEIR and advances amphitheater project

The Los Angeles City Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee voted 3-0 to deny an appeal by Unite Here Local 11 and to certify the final subsequent environmental impact report (SEIR) for the West Harbor modification project, advancing the Port of Los Angeles waterfront redevelopment to the full City Council.

The committee’s action affirms the Board of Harbor Commissioners’ certification and adopts findings of fact, a statement of overriding considerations and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the project. Council member Nithya Rodriguez moved the committee decision; the roll call vote was Councilwoman Tracy Park: Yes; Council member Tim McCosker: Yes; Council member Rodriguez: Aye.

Why it matters: West Harbor would redevelop a 42-acre portion of the Port of Los Angeles waterfront in San Pedro with restaurants, attractions and a midsize waterfront amphitheater that speakers described as a catalytic development for local jobs, restaurants and tourism. Supporters told the committee the project will create union jobs and long‑term economic activity; the appellant argued the SEIR does not require sufficiently specific or enforceable mitigation to limit vehicle miles traveled (VMT), air-quality and traffic impacts on nearby neighborhoods.

Public testimony and positions Supporters — including Port officials, the West Harbor developer and local labor and business groups…