Neighbors Tell Downey Council They Oppose Proposed Transitional Housing at St. Mark's

Several nearby residents addressed the council during public comment to oppose a proposed transitional housing project at St. Mark's church and former school.

One resident who lives directly behind the site said traffic from the site's back gate already causes unsafe driving and that locating the project adjacent to existing houses would remove privacy and diminish quality of life. "I'm not against having housing in the area," the resident said, "but I'm against it being there." Another resident who lives on Dolan Avenue said drilling activity had occurred and that many neighbors believed the city had agreed earlier the project would not proceed; they asked for clarity on the city's position.

City Manager Bradley told the council the city had received no official submittals or plans for St. Mark's to date and offered to have the Community Development Director meet with residents to share available information. Council members asked staff to follow up and promised to connect residents with planning staff if and when an application is submitted.

The council did not act on the matter during the meeting; residents were told staff would provide whatever information is available and engage with neighbors if a formal application is filed.