Council approves expedited acquisition of Temple Beverly Park, aims to close escrow by Feb. 1

The Los Angeles City Council approved findings under council rules to expedite the city’s acquisition of Temple Beverly Park at 227 North Lake Street near Temple and Alvarado, allowing staff to meet a February 1 escrow deadline. City staff told the council the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners had acted to acquire the property and that the quick action was necessary because of the short turnaround.

A staff speaker told the council, “Because there's a very short turnaround, and in order to make this work, we would have to close escrow by February 1.” Council recorded a vote of 14 ayes to approve the findings and the acquisition action.

Council member Goldberg described the action as a routine implementation step tied to earlier council decisions and to ballot-authorized funds. “This is a friendly Prop 5. We have an opportunity to get almost a 2 acre park… the decision, to use Prop a 2 funds was made by this council last November,” Goldberg said, noting no additional dollars were requested at this meeting and that the item moves the previously authorized funds and acquisition forward.

The council’s action authorized staff to proceed with steps required to close escrow and complete the acquisition consistent with earlier council approvals. The meeting record does not show a new appropriation; council members said the purchase will use previously authorized Proposition A2 funds. The council did not discuss additional design, programming or future maintenance commitments at the meeting.