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Council approves Boyle Heights–El Sereno redevelopment area after contentious public comment
Summary
Council voted 12–0 to create a redevelopment area covering Boyle Heights and El Sereno, with supporters citing tax-increment funding to revitalize housing and businesses and opponents warning of displacement and inadequate outreach.
The Los Angeles City Council approved the creation of a redevelopment area covering parts of Boyle Heights and El Sereno after public hearings and debate. The ordinance (item 12) passed on a 12–0 vote.
Opponents from the East Side criticized the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and warned that redevelopment often leads to displacement and eminent-domain actions; speakers said community outreach had been insufficient and that residents lacked meaningful opportunity to comment. Supporters, including council members and CRA proponents, said eminent domain had been removed from the plan’s agenda, described years of meetings and consultations, and argued redevelopment would generate tax-increment financing (cited figures in the hearing included more than $170 million over time) to revitalize housing stock, sustain light-industrial and small-business employment and reinvest locally.
Union and community advocates called for oversight amendments to protect residents; councilmembers emphasized that the plan was years in the making and urged support to retain local jobs and improve housing. The council adopted the ordinance and sent it forthwith.
