why we are opposed to this project, at this site

•Pico Boulevard at Midvale Avenue is at the heart of a commercial district that has served the West LA, Rancho Park, Cheviot Hills and Westwood communities for decades. Restaurant and retail closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic hit an already fragile commercial district struggling from the closing of the Westside Pavilion Mall.

•The future UCLA Research Park at Pico and Westwood Boulevards presents a unique opportunity for this commercial district to become revitalized. Restaurants and shops moving into empty storefronts will infuse this community with services that our community needs and deserves, in concert with Mayor Bass’ Executive Directive to develop and support small businesses.

•The removal of the 41 spaces in parking lot #707 would directly impact nearby businesses that are retail, customer-facing establishments. The shops and restaurants’ patrons heavily utilize the parking lot at peak times when there is no street parking available.

•Section 41.18 in the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, sometimes known as the “no camping” ordinance allows the city to enforce the rule that individuals may not camp on sidewalks and in doorways of businesses. This ordinance actually does not stop anyone from entering businesses, loitering around businesses, or sitting on bus benches that may be outside of businesses.

•The placement of an interim homeless housing facility will congregate a large number of homeless individuals in a retail/commercial/residential district not already inundated with encampments and loitering. Many businesses in the area have already indicated they will not renew their leases and vacate the area should this project proceed.