L.A. CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ERIC GARCETTI: “NORTH ATWATER VILLAGE WILL NOT BE A PART OF IT”

L.A. Council President Garcetti publicly stated that North Atwater Village will not be included in the proposed NELA River Corridor Redevelopment Study. Garcetti states in his recent Los Feliz Ledger article:

“We are also working to protect the character of Atwater Village’s residential neighborhoods. Since the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) proposed including North Atwater Village in its study related to the creation of a Northeast Los Angeles redevelopment area, we have been in constant contact with the community and the CRA to ensure concerns were heard and addressed. Recently, the CRA announced this study was being postponed indefinitely. But if and when the study moves forward, North Atwater Village will not be a part of it.”

CRA/LA had sought to create a redevelopment project area in NELA that would include significant sections of Atwater Village. To be included in the redevelopment project area portions of Atwater Village would have been declared legally “blighted”. However, the prospect of declaring portions of Atwater Village legally “blighted” received stiff opposition from residents, businesses and community groups.

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Complete Los Feliz Ledger article, originally published March 3^rd, 2011

How We’re Working to Improve Atwater Village

By Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Council President

Atwater Village has seen an impressive turnaround in recent years, and we must keep up this momentum.

In February, the City Council approved my motion to attract more pedestrian-friendly businesses along Glendale Blvd. with a parking credit program. We  heard from the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council that one of the barriers for entrepreneurs wanting to move to Atwater Village are outdated city parking regulations that do not take into account the neighborhood’s specific attributes.

I share with the community a desire to see mom-and-pop shops and restaurants continue to fill the storefronts along Glendale Blvd. and want to ensure new construction continues to foster a “main street” atmosphere. What we do not want is what the city’s red tape could create—parking lots in front of businesses that would create a “mini-mall” atmosphere or subterranean parking lots that no small business could afford.

The new parking credit program is based on a study of the area’s metered spaces, which found that they were underused. Under the program, neighborhood-friendly small businesses can purchase “parking credits” tied to these unused metered spots rather than being required to build expensive, pedestrian un-friendly parking lots. The credits are finite, ensuring that overcrowding will not be an issue. And the money paid for these credits will be put into a special fund dedicated to future Atwater Village parking studies and improvements.

We are also working to protect the character of Atwater Village’s residential neighborhoods. Since the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) proposed including North Atwater Village in its study related to the creation of a Northeast Los Angeles redevelopment area, we have been in constant contact with the community and the CRA to ensure concerns were heard and addressed. Recently, the CRA announced this study was being postponed indefinitely. But if and when the study moves forward, North Atwater Village will not be a part of it.

http://www.losfelizledger.com/2011/03/eric-garcetti-how-we’re-working-to-improve-atwater-village/

Article any source

CRA/LA NELA River Corridor efforts slowing down

Dear NELA Community Stakeholder,

The CRA/LA NELA Staff would like to inform you that that we are postponing further activities in the NELA River Corridor Study Area until further notice. Currently the State Legislator is reviewing a budget proposed by Governor Brown which includes the elimination of redevelopment agencies statewide (see 2011-2012 Governor’s Budget Summary, pages 28 and 168-172). Our agency will have a better understanding on the future of redevelopment activities and how this may affect the CRA/LA NELA River Corridor Study Area once budget discussions are finalized.

We will include more details about CRA/LA NELA efforts in our next newsletter. Please stay tuned as budget discussions evolve. We thank you for your continued interest.

Sincerely,

The CRA/LA NELA Team

Alison Becker

Michael Cortez

Suzan Luu

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COUNCIL CANDIDATE BOX AND COMMUNITY LEADERS JOIN GOVERNOR BROWN IN ASSAILING LA'S CRA FINANCIAL SHELL GAME

In a light drizzle and speaking before news cameras and reporters, Stephen Box, candidate for City Council representing the 4th District, was joined by about 50 community advocates, neighborhood activists and community watch group members in assailing LA's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) process, the stashing of nearly 1 billion dollars in public funds, and cited incumbent City Councilmember Tom LaBonge's special relationship with out-of-town developers and political cronies with deep ties to City Hall.

"LA is in a massive budget crisis, facing shortfalls for vital services - police, fire, street and road repair - while the CRA hides $930 million in redevelopment funds in plain view, money which could be used to meet these vital needs," Box said.

"We join Governor Brown in challenging the wisdom and judgment of the City Hall politicians, including the incumbent, Mr. LaBonge, who either don't recognize this fundamental absurdity in fiduciary responsibility," Box continued, "or simply don't care about the sacrifices and hardship the CRA imposes on the people of LA by hiding money during this budget crisis."

"The dozens of people here today represent thousands of fourth district residents and organizations citywide who join me in demanding an end to this financial shell game."

The press event was held at the corner of Garfield Place and Hollywood Boulevard, in front of a 1.8 acre vacant lot wrapped in chain link fencing. Local residents have fought for years to turn the site into a city park for so long that the land is commonly referred to as "Garfield Park." Council Member LaBonge, who has held his seat for a decade, has consistently sided with developers who wish to use the public's money to build commercial development instead of a community park there.

Box is running for LA's City Council, representing District 4, which includes North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, the Hollywood Hills, Mid-City, the Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Larchmont Village, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and North Atwater Village.

For more information,

Contact: Claudia Vazquez

Campaign Field Director

ClaudiaEVazquez@gmail.com

Office: (323) 739-4269

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Hollywood CRA PAC votes for "Brown-Out" of CRA, PAC member complaint taken up by City Attorney

The Hollywood CRA PAC voted unanimously last night, January 18, 2011, for the CRA to follow the Governor's wishes and cease operations. Chair, John Walsh, called for a "Brown-Out" of the CRA - to stop the dangerous "brown-outs" of vital services. We urge and encourage other CRA PACs throughout the State to do the same.

News Update - as of January 18 at 10:30 am the LA City Attorney's Office Head Deputy of the Public Integrity Division Dave Demerjian has assigned Assistant Head Deputy Jennifer Snyder to review the Brown Act complaint on the Jan.14th CRA meeting, filed by Hollywood PAC member and CRA activist Bob Blue.

The Hollywood CRA PAC further calls for the elimination of the "special meetings" provision in the Brown Act. This action, the LA CRA and the LA City Council's collusion to attempt an illegal transfer of nearly $1 billion dollars in public money to shield it from use for public services, should become the poster child for getting rid of the constantly abused "special meeting" provision in the Brown Act. The "emergency meeting" provision is sufficient and has an appropriately high standard for qualification.

The Hollywood CRA PAC has been a leader in fighting CRA abuse for many years, dubbed "a sort feral neighborhood council" by the LA Times in 2004, the PAC counts among it's victories, saving the El Capitan Theater, Bob Blue Building, the Dunning House Apartments and stopping the Capitol Records Building giveaway.

 

CONTACT: Miki Jackson, Co-Chair Hollywood CRA PAC, 323-855-0763 or 323-255-7445

 

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CRA/LA is currently seeking to create a redevelopment project area in NELA. The so-called NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would cover most communities that lie along the eastside of the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared “blighted”, regardless of community input or actual conditions in the neighborhood.

Article any source

[Editorial] Atwater Village “Blighted?” Not By a Long Shot

By Luis Lopez

The community of Atwater Village is not “blighted”—nor are the other Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) communities targeted by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA/LA) for redevelopment.

However, this inconvenient truth has not prevented CRA/LA from including Atwater Village in its NELA River Redevelopment Project Study. The CRA’s modus operandi is to declare our homes, our businesses and our Village legally “blighted” so that it can come in solely for the purpose of selling those properties to one or more developers who will then build something CRA/the developers want, not what the community wants or needs. Their tools to accomplish their goals are to declare areas blighted and utilize the eminent domain final blow—and we would not be able to do anything about it.

The CRA/LA would like us to believe that they know best and only have the best of intentions for our village. At community meetings, they tell us that being declared a “blighted” community is not such a bad thing and that eminent domain is something that only happens in “other” redevelopment areas. They also tell us that in exchange for some incremental property taxes they will fix our streets, give us more parks (when in fact, CRA/LA will do none of this UNLESS it is part of a development project by an outside developer) and that they will never-ever increase our residential density with “low-income” housing. The CRA/LA must think that Atwater Village is comprised of dim-witted rubes foolish enough to believe that load of garbage. They are grossly mistaken.

We here in Atwater Village know that our community is not “blighted” nor has it fallen into disrepair or decay, as CRA/LA would want us to believe. Our community is very much alive and vibrant in every aspect. Today, we continue to attract new homeowners or renters while keeping residents that have lived here for generations. We are one of the most ethnically and economically diverse community in Los Angeles County; our village is a place where artists, young professionals and working class folk live side by side. Our property values remain relatively high with a low vacancy rate for both commercial and residential properties and our crime rate is one of the lowest in the area.

Atwater Village is also a self-sustained community. We enjoy the use of our own post office, library, first-rate public and private schools, numerous religious institutions and even an equestrian district—unique in the City of Los Angeles. We have a robust and diverse business community that serves the community, providing a wide range of goods, services and jobs. These are definitely not signs of a distressed or “blighted” community in need of redevelopment… not by a long shot.

More importantly, Atwater Village boasts an active civic life with a virtual army of community advocates. We have groups dedicated to preserving and improving almost every aspect of village life. We have our own Chamber of Commerce, Residents’ association, Neighborhood Council, Neighborhood Watch, support groups for our Public Library and schools as well as religious and general welfare groups. All these groups work in partnership with local government and private supporters to preserve the uniqueness of our village and improve those areas that need improvement, but certainly not redevelopment.

Atwater Village is not “blighted.” Needing street repairs does not constitute “blight.” Needing trees trimmed does not constitute “blight.” Needing up-to-date underground sewer, water and gas pipes does not constitute “blight.” These are normal needs of any community and these services are provided by the City of Los Angeles. CRA/LA will not provide these infrastructures.

The CRA/LA, and by extension our elected representatives, should not mistake our desire to improve our community with a wiliness to make a deal with the devil. The CRA/LA and their redevelopment plan is an unwelcome and unneeded element in our community.

Luis Lopez is an Atwater Village small business owner and community advocate.

Originally posted on the Los Feliz Ledger December 30th, 2010

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CRA ISSUE AND WHAT IS GOING ON WITH IT - UPDATE

By Alex Ventura

The Community Redevelopment of Los Angeles (CRA) has targeted sections of Atwater Village to declare blighted and make part of their new Northeast Los Angeles redevelopment zone. The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council has passed a motion to oppose the CRA. The motion states the position of the Neighborhood Council as opposed to the CRA in their community and to send a letter to their councilman, Eric Garcetti. The letter asks Councilman Eric Garcetti to use his position to direct the CRA to abide by the wishes of his constituency and remove Atwater Village from the CRA survey zone.

Eric Garcetti called a meeting with the Community of Atwater Village and at that meeting received letters from every community organization in Atwater Village. The Chamber of commerce of Atwater Village, FAV or Friends of Atwater Village, and AVRA the Atwater Village Residents Association, all oppose the CRA in Atwater Village and request the same from Eric Garcetti. At the meeting The Councilman suggested that the community keep an open mind and suggested that we rely on his experience with the CRA, as he believed the CRA “could” do good work in this community. Only one person at the meeting was directly for the CRA. A hand full of people wanted to see some plans but were very wary, most were opposed, as the CRA has a scandalous track record and furthermore is attempting to declare blighted one of the best and most up-and-coming communities in Los Angeles, with a low crime rate, healthy mixture if businesses, residences and wonderful schools.

As budget deficits and fiscal short falls rain supreme across the economic landscape and municipalities and governmental agencies big and small tighten their belts and cut off services for taxpayers across the county. One agency has the might and wherewithal to stay afloat and thrive. The Community Redevelopment Agency, The CRA of Los Angeles has the funds and resources to move mountains and government. For those who have never heard of this agency (and I’m betting its almost every one), let their words tell you who they are:

“The CRA/LA was established by the Los Angeles City Council (City Council) in 1948 for the purpose of eliminating blight and promoting economic revitalization within designated project areas of the City of Los Angeles (City). As a quasi-governmental entity established pursuant to the Community Redevelopment Law of California as codified in the State of California Health and Safety Code, CRA/LA has no legislative authority. A Board of commissioners (CRA/LA Board) appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council oversees CRA/LA. Under the “Oversight Ordinance” adopted in 1991, nearly every action of CRA/LA is subject to City Council review and/or approval.”

The CRA is Los Angeles’s main economic development agency. It answers to no one except The City Council. This agency has 32 economic development areas that span the city. It generates revenue for itself by selling bond debt to the tune of some 2 billion dollars to date. This bond dept is typically called revenue in their parlance but in reality it is debt. Dept that no voter has voted for and very few except the City council The CRA and Wall street are aware of. The CRA continuously and aggressively expands it project areas because the debt it sells is backed by the tax increment revenue that is derived from the redevelopment Zones it operates in. This tax revenue does not go to the city to pay for Police or fire dept or filling pot holes, this revenue does got to developers who work with the CRA and get land deals that boggle the mind and defy logic. This tax revenue goes to service the bond debt and generous salaries of the employees of the CRA The top paid being those appointed by the Mayor and of the 300 people the CRA employs the top 88 have salaries over $100,000. This tax revenue takes 100’s of million of tax dollars a year out of the coffers of city government and puts it into the hands of the CRA an organization with a terrible record of misuse, and abuse.

In The Community Redevelopment Agency/ Los Angeles newest targeted blight zone; The 100 year old neighborhood of Atwater Village has asked its City Councilman to remove it from the zone that the CRA is intending to declare blighted and develop. A meeting was held with the city councilman and community organizations and concerned stake holders. Where a bold and affirmative response was expected by Councilman Eric Garcetii at bests what was received was an impotent call to reset the dialogue in our community and a call to go back to square one on the issue. Eric Garcetti seems to think that more outreach is needed before he takes action. Despite the letters of opposition that represent the whole community, 3 public community meetings that were held, 500 flyers and 3000 newsletters that were distributed, Online forums and blogs that were and are engaged on the issue and articles that have been written in local new papers. And Garcetti feels that this is not enough.

Councilmember Eric Garcetti should do what his constituency asks him to do. Or perhaps he can’t. The CRA of Los Angeles may just have more pull in this city than any one community.

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Alex Ventura is a North Atwater Village homeowner, resident and an active community volunteer. He currently serves as on the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) Board and is Chair of the AVNC Land Use Committee. Click here for complete bio.

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OPPOSITION GROWS DESPITE “SALES-PITCH” FROM CRA/LA AND CD13 / CD4 THAT ATWATER VILLAGE WOULD BENEFIT FROM BEING DECLARED “BLIGHTED”

Community wide opposition to Atwater’s inclusion in the NELA River Redevelopment Project Area continues to grow despite “sales-pitch” by the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) and representatives from Council District 4 & 13.

CRA/LA is currently seeking to create a redevelopment project area in NELA. The proposed redevelopment project area would cover most NELA communities along the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, with no regards to the integrity of long established community boundaries and land-use development uniformity. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared “blighted”, regardless of community input or actual conditions in the neighborhood.

The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) already voiced their opposition to having Atwater Village declared “blighted”. Joining the AVNC in opposition are the Atwater Village Residents Association, the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Atwater Village. Click here for opposition letters (pdf file)

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CRA/LA MOVES FORWARD WITH ATWATER VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS DESPITE GROWING OPPOSITION

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) has willfully ignored growing calls from Atwater Village stakeholders and community groups, including the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council, that they stop their efforts to include Atwater Village into the proposed Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) River Redevelopment Project Area.

The CRA/LA is seeking to legally declare Atwater Village and other NELA neighborhoods “blighted” with the objective of creating a project area for redevelopment thru use of eminent domain. The project area would cover most NELA communities that lie alongside the river, including some significant sections of Atwater Village, with no regards to the integrity of long established community boundaries. Atwater Village’s boundaries and land-use development uniformity would be threatened by its inclusion in the proposed redevelopment project area.

At their upcoming meeting CRA/LA Board of Commissioners are expected to authorize various requests by CRA/LA Planners to move forward with their ongong efforts to declare Atwater Village “blighted”. See agenda below.

CRA/LA AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 16, 2010: Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, and Elysian Valley

AGENDA ITEM 7: ACCEPTANCE OF A $2.25 MILLION COMMUNITY CHALLENGE PLANNING GRANT. VARIOUS ACTIONS TO ACCEPT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT’S OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES, A$2.25 MILLION COMMUNITY CHALLENGE PLANNING GRANT, AND TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH GRANTEE PARTNERS TO IMPLEMENT THE NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES COLLABORATIVE PROJECT WITHIN THE PROPOSED NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES RIVER CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA (Councilmembers Reyes, LaBonge, Garcetti – CD #1, #4, #13) Presenters: Leslie Lambert / Neelura Bell /Alison Becker/

Click here for complete agenda (pdf file)

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ATWATER VILLAGE TO COUNCIL MEMBERS GARCETTI & LABONGE: OUR COMMUNITY IS NOT “BLIGHTED”!

At their November 11th meeting the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) voted to oppose the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) efforts to declare sections of Atwater Village officially “blighted” and include those sections into a redevelopment project area.

The AVNC Board also approved the following letter / statement:

“City Councilman Eric Garcetti and Tom Labonge:

We of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council seek to remove all areas of Atwater Village from the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles survey area and opt out of all CRA present operations and future operations. To adequately do so, we seek your endorsement in our actions.

In October 2010, the AVNC held a public forum on both the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed study area and CRA involvement in our community. At this meeting, there was substantial opposition from Atwater Village stakeholders. This opposition continues to this date. Accordingly, it is the will of the stakeholders of Atwater Village that the CRA/LA North East Los Angeles exclude all areas of Atwater Village from their plans to find this a redevelopment area.

Because the individuals of the community who have fully participated in the process of consensus reached the aforementioned conclusions, AVNC requests your endorsement. As the City Representatives of the two districts that make up Atwater Village, you have control to approve whether CRA moves forward in Atwater Village. As explained to us by the CRA, you, the councilmen, are the only political entities with the power to stop the CRA from any further action in our city, including the initial study phase. Accordingly, in response to the direct request of the community, please exercise this power to stop the CRA from any involvement in Atwater Village and show that you have the ability to carry out the wishes of your constituency.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council”

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CRA/LA PUTS POSITIVE SPIN ON EFFORTS TO DECLARE ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA NEIGHBORHOODS BLIGHTED FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND EMINENT DOMAIN GOALS

Eric Garcetti and Allison Becker

In a recent Daily News article the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) put a “positive spin” on their ongoing efforts to declare areas of Atwater Village blighted for redevelopment and eminent domain goals. In the news article CRA/LA focuses on less controversial elements of the proposed Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) River Redevelopment Project Area; such as the creation of “river-oriented parks and trails” along the banks of the L.A. River.

Allison Becker, an associate planner at the CRA/LA, goes on to state that “the plan” would also include the creation of residential projects, transportation centers and “green” businesses. However, notably omited is any mention that these redevelopment projects would require Atwater Village / NELA be declared officially “blighted”. This in turn would allow for property to be eminent domained for redevelopment to benefit private land developers.

Becker frequently mentions “the plan” or “our plan” in the news article. Her repeated emphasis on a “plan” seems to confirm suspensions by some that CRA/LA already has a finalized redevelopment plan for this area. This would run totally contrary to Becker’s repeated statements at numerous community meetings. Becker has repeatedly stated that CRA/LA has “absolutely no redevelopment plan” and that any potential plan would only be crafted after community input is provided and the NELA River Redevelopment Study is completed. Becker has refused to elaborate on her comments or disclose “the plan” she repeatedly cites in the news article.

Allison Becker is a long time public servant and NELA resident. Prior to working for CRA/LA Becker worked as Planning Deputy for Council President Eric Garcetti (CD13).  Becker’s NELA residence is not within the proposed redevelopment project area.

Two cities moving ahead with plans to transform Glendale Narrows into LA river walk [Daily News]

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CRA/LA is having Open Houses on the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. The so-called NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would cover most NELA communities that lie along the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Elysian Valley. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared officially “blighted”. Click here for a map of the proposed “blighted” area (pdf file).

Elysian Valley Open House

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Dickerson Employee Benefits

1918 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles CA 90039

Community Open House: Atwater Village

Thurs. November 18, 2010 - 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Atwater Branch Library

3379 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90039

Community Open House: Cypress Park

Sat. November 20, 2010 10 am - 12 pm

Cypress Park Recreation Center

2630 Pepper Ave, Los Angeles, 90065

Article any source

UPDATE: NELA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA STUDY OPEN HOUSES

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is having Open Houses on the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. The so-called NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would cover most communities that lie along the eastside of the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Elysian Valley. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared officially “blighted”. Click here for a map of the proposed “blighted” area (pdf file).

Glassell Park Open House

Saturday, November 6th, 2010 - 10am to 12pm

Glassell Park Community Center

3750 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles CA 90065

Elysian Valley Open House

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Dickerson Employee Benefits

1918 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles CA 90039

Community Open House: Atwater Village

Thurs. November 18, 2010  - 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Atwater Branch Library

3379 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90039

Community Open House: Cypress Park

Sat. November 20, 2010 10 am - 12 pm

Cypress Park Recreation Center

2630 Pepper Ave, Los Angeles, 90065

Article any source

CRA/LA GETS A 2.25 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO “SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE” THEIR REDEVELOPMENT AND EMINENT DOMAIN ABILITIES FOR PROPOSED NELA REDEVELOPMENT AREA.

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) has won a 2.25 million dollars Housing & Urban Development (HUD) grant. According to the grant application the 2.25 million dollars will help fund CRA/LA effort, together with the Departments of Planning and Transportation, to modify the NELA Community Plan. The ensuing Community Plan change is expected to “significantly enhance” CRA/LA’s redevelopment and eminent domain abilities once the proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project Area is adopted.

CRA/LA is already using 1 million dollars Tax Increment funds from the East Hollywood / Beverly – Normandie (EHBN) area to subsidize their efforts to declare sections of Atwater Village and Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) “blighted”.

Click here for NELA HUD grant application (pdf file)

For more information about the proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project area visit CRA/LA website at: www.crala.org/nela or the LA City Clerks website at:

http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=08-3459

or contact:

Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles
Alison Becker, AICP - Associate Planner
6255 Sunset Blvd., Suite 2206
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.960.2660
abecker@cra.lacity.org
Article any source

CRA/LA NELA REDEVELOPMENT AMBITION TARGETS PREDOMINATELY LATINO NEIGHBORHOODS AND RAISES THE SPECTER OF “CHAVEZ RAVINE” STYLE FORCED RELOCATIONS



Aurora Vargas, who vowed that, "they'll have to carry me [out]." Here, L.A. County Sheriffs forcibly remove Vargas from her Chavez Ravine home. Bulldozers then knocked over the few remaining dwellings. Photograph dated May 8, 1959.

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) has targeted Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) neighborhoods for inclusion in a new redevelopment project area. CRA/LA is seeking to have these mostly Latino neighborhoods declared officially “blighted” for redevelopment and eminent domain purposes.

The proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would include mostly Latino neighborhoods that lie along the Los Angeles River, including neighborhoods within the communities of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Elysian Valley. Neighborhoods need to be declared “blighted” prior to the creation of a new redevelopment project area or for the use of eminent domain. CRA/LA consultant, Tierra West Advisors, will start their “blight survey” this November. The survey is supposed to include a comprehensive technical study and mapping of “blighted” and underutilized parcels. Click here for a map of the NELA “blighted” study area (pdf)

Growing concerns about CRA/LA possible motives have left some area residents and small business owners wondering if they may have to confront “Chavez Ravine” style forced relocations. Many in Atwater Village / NELA still remember the forcible removal of an entire population, mainly Mexican-Americans, from the Chavez Ravine community (now home to the Dodgers Stadium) thru the use of eminent domain.

CRA/LA has not publicly acknowledged which parcels are slated to be eminent domained. However, City documents already reveal that discussion of eminent domain is “anticipated” in the not-yet-released Preliminary Report for the proposed project area.

For more information about CRA/LA NELA redevelopment efforts go to:

www.crala.org/nela

Or attend their Open House:

Glassell Park Open House

Saturday, November 6th, 2010 - 10am to 12pm

Glassell Park Community Center

3750 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles CA 90065

Elysian Valley Open House

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Dickerson Employee Benefits

1918 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles CA 90039

Atwater Village Open House

Thursday, November 18th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Location to be determined

Cypress Park Open House

Thursday, November 20th, 2010 - 10am to 12pm

Location to be determined

Article any source

SAVE THE DATES: NELA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA STUDY OPEN HOUSES

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is having Open Houses on the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. The so-called NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would cover most communities that lie along the eastside of the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Elysian Valley. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared “blighted”. Click here for a map of the proposed “blighted” area (pdf file).

Glassell Park Open House

Saturday, November 6th, 2010 - 10am to 12pm

Glassell Park Community Center

3750 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles CA 90065

Elysian Valley Open House

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Dickerson Employee Benefits

1918 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles CA 90039

Atwater Village Open House

Thursday, November 18th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Location to be determined

Cypress Park Open House

Thursday, November 20th, 2010 - 10am to 12pm

Location to be determined

Contact Michael Cortez for more information about the Open Houses: mcortez@cra.lacity.org

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More information and news about the CRA/LA…

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA (CRA) INFO AND HELPFUL LINKS (pdf file)

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT KELO AND CRA (pdf file)

ARE ATWATER VILLAGE AND NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES “HOPELESSLY BLIGHTED”? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

CRA/LA USING TAX INCREMENT FUNDS FROM THE EAST HOLLYWOOD / BEVERLY - NORMANDIE REDEVELVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA TO SUBSIDIZE EFFORTS TO DECLARE SECTIONS OF ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA RELYING ON DECADE OLD CENSUS STATISTICS TO VALIDATE ONGOING EFFORTS TO DECLARE ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

Article any source

HANDOUTS FROM 10/09/2010 ATWATER VILLAGE CRA-LA FORUM

QUESTIONS AS SUBMITTED BY THE ATWATER VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL 9/30/2010 AND RESPONSES BY THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES (CRA/LA) PROVIDED ON 10/9/2010 (pdf file)

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA (CRA) INFO AND HELPFUL LINKS (pdf file)

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT KELO AND CRA (pdf file)

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The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is seeking to create a redevelopment project area in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA). The project area would cover most NELA communities that lie alongside the river, including some significant sections of Atwater Village, with no regards to the integrity of long established community boundaries. Atwater Village’s boundaries and land-use development uniformity could be threatened by its inclusion in the proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project Area.

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CRA/LA Community Open House: Atwater Village

SAVE THE DATE

CRA/LA Community Open House: Atwater Village

Thursday, November 18th, 2010 - 6pm to 8pm

Location TBD

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is havinga Open House for area stakeholders to learn more about their efforts to create a redevelopment project area in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA). The so-called NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would cover most communities that lie along the eastside of the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Elysian Valley.

For more information or to sign up with CRA/LA's "intreseted parties" list contact Michael Cortez at mcortez@cra.lacity.org or at 323.960.2664

Other news on the CRA/LA…

ARE ATWATER VILLAGE AND NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES “HOPELESSLY BLIGHTED”? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

CRA/LA USING TAX INCREMENT FUNDS FROM THE EAST HOLLYWOOD / BEVERLY - NORMANDIE REDEVELVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA TO SUBSIDIZE EFFORTS TO DECLARE SECTIONS OF ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA RELYING ON DECADE OLD CENSUS STATISTICS TO VALIDATE ONGOING EFFORTS TO DECLARE ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA SEEKS 3 MILLION DOLLARS TO “UPDATE THE NELA COMMUNITY PLAN” PRIOR TO ESTABLISHING THE NELA L.A. RIVER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

ATWATER VILLAGE’S COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES AND DEVELOPMENT MAYBE THREATENED BY ITS INCLUSION IN A CRA/LA PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF LOS ANGELES SEEKS TO CREATE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA IN ATWATER VILLAGE

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NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES CRA/LA TOWN HALL PUBLIC FORUM

The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council will be hosting representatives from CRA-LA and local community activists to discuss the Pros and Cons of Community Redevelopment in your area.

WHEN: SATURDAY, October 9, 2010

WHERE: CHRIST’S CHURCH OF GRIFFTH PARK

3852 EDENHURST AVENUE

(in Central Atwater Village)

TIME: 1:00PM – 3:00PM

The CRA-LA will present their plans for redevelopment that includes areas of Atwater Village as well as Glassell Park, Cypress Park, and Elysian Valley. Also at this forum, local residents/activists who will share their experiences with CRA-LA. This is your chance to ask your questions, voice your opinion, and find out how to be more involved in the decision-making in your neighborhood. This Forum is to help illuminate the issue and allow you to decide if redevelopment is right for your community. QUESTION AND ANSWER AFTER PRESENTATIONS

PANEL ATTENDEES:

Michael Cortez, Community Relations, CRA-LA, Hollywood

Bob Blue- A small business owner of Bernard's Luggage Company on Vine Street since 1955 in a 78-year old historic building designed by Architect Jules Weyl. Became involved in a heated struggle to save this building after CRA designated it "Blighted" and eminent domain it to make room for the controversial $400 million dollar W Luxury Hotel. Mr. Blue fought back, hired Robert Silverstein who filed a lawsuit against the city and won. Besides being a CRA Watchdog, Mr. Blue is the past chair of the Hollywood Studio District NC and a board member of Hollywood Heritage, a historical preservation group in Hollywood, and a board member of the Hollywood Highlands Democratic Club.

Miki Jackson- Resident of Highland Park who works as a consultant in public policy, advocates for People With HIV/AIDS and works with Aids Healthcare Foundation. Member of the Hollywood CRA’s Citizen’s Project Area Committee(PAC), board member of the Hollywood Highlands Democratic Club and past Co-Chair of the NE CPAC, which formulated the current Northeast Community Plan. Blogger of “Miki’s PointedView” on hollywoodhighlands.org web site. Member of Van de Kamps Coalition.

John Walsh- Political analyst and activist. Works as a substitute Teacher for LAUSD. Chair of Hollywood CRA Citizen’s Project Area Committee(PAC). Active in MTA corruption/safety issues, supports buses for mass transit, historic preservation, land use, development, especially in Hollywood. Blogger of “Walshconfidential” on hollywoodhighlands.org web site.

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ATWATER VILLAGE TOWN HALL MEETING: CRA/LA PUBLIC FORUM, OCTOBER 9TH

Town Hall Meeting: CRA/LA Public Forum

Saturday, October 9th - 11:00am to 12:30pm

Christ’s Church – 3851 Edenhurst Ave

Free lunch provided by the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council

For more information contact Alex Ventura, AVNC Land Use Chair, at alex@atwatervillage.org or go to http://www.atwatervillage.org/

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The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is seeking to create a redevelopment project area in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA). The project area would cover most NELA communities that lie alongside the river, including some significant sections of Atwater Village, with no regards to the integrity of long established community boundaries. Atwater Village’s boundaries and land-use development uniformity could be threatened by its inclusion in the proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project Area.

Other news on the CRA/LA…

ARE ATWATER VILLAGE AND NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES “HOPELESSLY BLIGHTED”? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

CRA/LA USING TAX INCREMENT FUNDS FROM THE EAST HOLLYWOOD / BEVERLY - NORMANDIE REDEVELVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA TO SUBSIDIZE EFFORTS TO DECLARE SECTIONS OF ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA RELYING ON DECADE OLD CENSUS STATISTICS TO VALIDATE ONGOING EFFORTS TO DECLARE ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA SEEKS 3 MILLION DOLLARS TO “UPDATE THE NELA COMMUNITY PLAN” PRIOR TO ESTABLISHING THE NELA L.A. RIVER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

ATWATER VILLAGE’S COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES AND DEVELOPMENT MAYBE THREATENED BY ITS INCLUSION IN A CRA/LA PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF LOS ANGELES SEEKS TO CREATE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA IN ATWATER VILLAGE

Article any source

ARE ATWATER VILLAGE AND NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES “HOPELESSLY BLIGHTED”? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is currently seeking to create a redevelopment project area in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA). The so-called NELA River Redevelopment Project Area would cover most communities that lie along the eastside of the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Elysian Valley. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared “blighted”. Click here for a map of the proposed “blighted” area (pdf file).

When it comes to creating a new redevelopment project area what does “blighted” actually mean?

According to California Redevelopment Law for an area to be considered "blighted” it must be predominantly urbanized and have a combination of conditions “so prevalent and so substantial that it causes a reduction of, or lack of, proper utilization of the area to such an extent that it constitutes a serious physical and economic burden on the community that cannot reasonably be expected to be reversed or alleviated by private enterprise or governmental action, or both, without redevelopment”.

California Redevelopment Law goes on to list the “prevalent and so substantial” conditions that must exist in order for an area to be consider “blighted”. These conditions include 1) buildings in which it is unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work. Including buildings of substandard, defective, or obsolete design or construction given the present general plan, zoning, or other development standards. 2) Adjacent or nearby incompatible land uses that prevent the development of those parcels or other portions of the project area. 3) The existence of small sized lots that are in multiple ownership and whose physical development has been impaired by their irregular shapes and small sizes. 4) Depreciated or stagnant property values. 5) Impaired property values due in significant part hazardous wastes on property. 6) Abnormally high business vacancies, abnormally low lease rates, or an abnormally high number of abandoned buildings. 7) A serious lack of necessary commercial facilities that are normally found in neighborhoods, including grocery stores, drug stores, and banks and other lending institutions. 8) Serious residential overcrowding that has resulted in significant public health or safety problems. 9) An excess of bars, liquor stores, or adult-oriented businesses that has resulted in significant public health, safety, or welfare problems. 10) A high crime rate that constitutes a serious threat to the public safety and welfare.

Click here for California Redevelopment Law, Health & Safety Code Section 33030-33039

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For more information about the proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project area visit CRA/LA website at: www.crala.org/nela or the LA City Clerks website at:
http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=08-3459

or contact:

Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles
Alison Becker, AICP - Associate Planner
6255 Sunset Blvd., Suite 2206
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.960.2660
abecker@cra.lacity.org

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Other news on the CRA/LA…

CRA/LA USING TAX INCREMENT FUNDS FROM THE EAST HOLLYWOOD / BEVERLY - NORMANDIE REDEVELVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA TO SUBSIDIZE EFFORTS TO DECLARE SECTIONS OF ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA RELYING ON DECADE OLD CENSUS STATISTICS TO VALIDATE ONGOING EFFORTS TO DECLARE ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA SEEKS 3 MILLION DOLLARS TO “UPDATE THE NELA COMMUNITY PLAN” PRIOR TO ESTABLISHING THE NELA L.A. RIVER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

ATWATER VILLAGE’S COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES AND DEVELOPMENT MAYBE THREATENED BY ITS INCLUSION IN A CRA/LA PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF LOS ANGELES SEEKS TO CREATE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA IN ATWATER VILLAGE

Article any source

CRA/LA USING TAX INCREMENT FUNDS FROM THE EAST HOLLYWOOD / BEVERLY - NORMANDIE REDEVELVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA TO SUBSIDIZE EFFORTS TO DECLARE SECTIONS OF ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is using Tax Increment funds originally allocated for redevelopment projects in the East Hollywood / Beverly – Normandie (EHBN) area to subsidize their efforts to declare sections of Atwater Village and Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) “blighted”.

CRA/LA, with City Council approval, reallocated $1,000,000.00 in Tax Increment funds originally authorized to finance a mixed-use redevelopment project on Vermont Ave. The $1,000,000.00 will now help fund their effort to amend the EHBN Earthquake Disaster Assistance Project Area, to incorporate NELA communities into that existing project area, or establish a completely new project area along and near the Los Angeles River. CRA/LA has unilaterally decided to create a completely new project area named the “NELA River Redevelopment Project Area”.

The EHBN Earthquake Disaster Assistance Project Area was created in response to damage caused in that area by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. It consists of two separate areas totaling 656 acres: East Hollywood and Beverly-Normandie. The stated goal of this 16 year old project area is to 1) help repair, restore and/or demolish earthquake-damaged residential and commercial buildings; 2) to support the reconstruction and re-occupancy of the damaged commercial centers; and 3) to restore confidence in that area.

The East Hollywood and Beverly-Normandie communities do not share any common border with the Los Angeles River or Atwater Village / NELA. The EHBN redevelopment project area is located approximately 5 miles west of Atwater Village / NELA, separated by the communities of Los Feliz, Franklin Hills, Echo Park and Silver Lake. The EHBN area is also located within an entirely different Community Plan Area. More importantly, the Atwater Village / NELA did not suffer any profound damage from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

CRA/LA has not explained or justified the reallocation of $1,000,000.00 from an “earthquake disaster assistance” area to another area not affected by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The City Council approved transfer of funds has not gone unnoticed. Prior to approving the reallocation of funds, the City Council received a public comment on this matter. The concerned stakeholder wrote, “We do not see how the East Hollywood-Beverly Normandie Earthquake Disaster Project translates into a Redevelopment area along the river and especially in territories not even near the designation. The name of the new area is North East Los Angeles River Redevelopment Project Area, far away from East Hollywood and Beverly Normandie and not related to any common Community Plan.” (Click here to read the complete public comment)

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For more information about the proposed NELA River Redevelopment Project area visit CRA/LA website at: www.crala.org/nela or the LA City Clerks website at:

http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=08-3459  

or contact:

Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles

Alison Becker, AICP - Associate Planner

6255 Sunset Blvd., Suite 2206

Los Angeles, CA 90028

323.960.2660

abecker@cra.lacity.org

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Other news on the CRA/LA…

CRA/LA RELYING ON DECADE OLD CENSUS STATISTICS TO VALIDATE ONGOING EFFORTS TO DECLARE ATWATER VILLAGE / NELA “BLIGHTED”

CRA/LA SEEKS 3 MILLION DOLLARS TO “UPDATE THE NELA COMMUNITY PLAN” PRIOR TO ESTABLISHING THE NELA L.A. RIVER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

ATWATER VILLAGE’S COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES AND DEVELOPMENT MAYBE THREATENED BY ITS INCLUSION IN A CRA/LA PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF LOS ANGELES SEEKS TO CREATE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA IN ATWATER VILLAGE

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