South L.A. Parking Lot to Become Homeless Housing

A city-owned parking lot in South Los Angeles could be redeveloped into a low-income apartment complex catering to homeless Angelenos. According to a motion put forth by 8th District Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, the City is considering a long term lease agreement or a potential sale of the property at 88th Street and Menlo Avenue to Community Build Inc., a nonprofit organization which specializes in youth programs and economic develompent in South L.A. Taking control of the property would allow Community Build to facilitate the financing of a proposed 62-unit homeless housing project that would also include family service and open space components.  The proposed development has already been selected by the City’s Housing and Community Investment Department as part of its “managed pipeline,” which will allow the Community Build and partner organization WORKs (LLC) to apply for Low Income Housing Credits in July 2017. Community Build was established in 1992, in response to the riots which tore through South Los Angeles following the not guilty verdict in the trial of several police officers charged with the beating of Rodney King.  They are responsible for managing two community centers, as well as the Greater Leimert Park Village/Crenshaw Corridor Business Improvement District.