Last month, Adriana Lorenzo, who runs a childcare business in Boyle Heights with her husband, was taken aback by a massive dust cloud that covered her front yard. The dust was a result of a building demolition a few doors down to make way for a new affordable housing complex. The unexpected demolition disrupted her daily schedule and raised concerns about the impact on the community.
The building being demolished, Wabash Market, was located on the corner of Wabash and Evergreen. The demolition caught many community members off guard, including Lorenzo, who only learned of the impending demolition when the bulldozers arrived. The lack of communication and transparency surrounding the project led to frustration and protests from neighbors and stakeholders.
One of the main concerns raised by the community was the lack of parking in the new housing complex. With 52 units planned, the absence of parking spaces raised worries about increased congestion and limited parking availability in an already densely populated area. The community-led coalition launched a petition demanding the developer, Community Nest LLC, to add parking and change the units to very low-income to better serve the community.
Crystal Orozco, the owner of a healing arts and community space next to the development site, emphasized the importance of community input in affordable housing projects. She highlighted the need for open dialogue and collaboration between developers and residents to ensure that the development aligns with the community’s needs and values.
Despite the push for more affordable housing in Los Angeles, the developments often fail to reflect the income levels of the communities they are built in. The project at 2840 Wabash Avenue targeted tenants with higher incomes than the average resident of Boyle Heights, raising questions about the inclusivity and affordability of such projects.
The expedited nature of the development under L.A. Mayor Bass‘ Executive Directive 1 has also raised concerns about the lack of community engagement and oversight in affordable housing projects. The directive aims to streamline the approval process for affordable housing but may overlook crucial aspects such as parking and income eligibility for tenants.
The demolition of the former Wabash Market, a historic building in the community, further fueled discontent among residents. The building had served the neighborhood for nearly a century before being demolished without much prior notice or consultation with the community. The destruction of a mural on the building’s wall added to the sense of loss and disconnect felt by residents.
Moving forward, community members, stakeholders, and organizations like the East LA Community Corporation are advocating for amendments to Executive Directive 1 to ensure more community input and transparency in affordable housing developments. The goal is to create a more equitable and sustainable approach to addressing the city’s housing needs while respecting the voices and concerns of the communities affected by these projects.