Municipal Facilities Committee approves leases, parking agreement and funding transfers; farmer’s market must meet zero-waste rule

The Los Angeles City Municipal Facilities Committee voted to approve a series of lease and funding actions that will keep transitional housing and city office space operating, continue repair work at the Lankershim Arts Center and renew a private parking-pass arrangement. Committee members also adopted an amendment requiring the city hall farmers market agreement to comply with the city’s zero-waste policies.

The measures moved through the committee with brief staff presentations and unanimous voice votes. Council member Padilla, Council member Lee and Council member Gerardo registered affirmative votes on the items as presented in the meeting record; where a member was recorded as saying “Aye” or “Yes,” the item was recorded as approved.

Renewal for Venice transitional housing lease

The committee approved a proposed nonprofit ground lease allowing Venice Community Housing Corporation to continue operating a transitional housing site at 650 Westminster Avenue in Venice (ZIP 90291). Amy Benson, Director of Real Estate for the Department of General Services (GSD), said the property has been used by Venice Community Housing Corporation (VCHC) since the early 1990s to provide temporary housing and supportive services. Benson said the site has historically housed up to eight families and offers case management, housing navigation, life skills and parenting support in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and Saint Joseph Center.

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