Council adopts resolution opposing the proposed Dodger-Stadium gondola

The Los Angeles City Council voted on Nov. 12 to adopt a resolution urging Metro to reject the proposed Los Angeles Aero Rapid Transit gondola project, a privately proposed aerial transit line between Union Station and Dodger Stadium.

Councilmember Eunice Hernandez, sponsor of the resolution, said the project was "not a regional transit solution" and characterized it as a private unsolicited proposal that would take public land for private use: "This is not public transportation. It's a half a billion dollar gimmick," Hernandez said on the council floor. Public commenters from Chinatown, Olvera Street merchants, environmental groups, and neighborhood associations repeatedly questioned the EIR, raised concerns about parkland being taken at LA State Historic Park, and described potential construction and privacy impacts.

Speakers during public comment argued the project would harm local communities and questioned its traffic-reduction benefits. Edward Flores, a longtime Olvera Street merchant, said the gondola "has no business being placed in Olvera Street" and warned the project would turn the area into a stadium-access corridor rather than public space. Other speakers supported the project for transit modernization and access to the stadium.

The council—s resolution expresses the city—s official opposition and directs the city—s representatives to inform Metro of the council—s position that the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) is deficient. The council adopted the resolution by an 11-2 vote.

The resolution does not itself block Metro or other regional agencies from proceeding, but it signals the city's formal objections and asks Metro not to certify the SEIR.