LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles moved closer today to establishing a Bridge Home temporary housing facility in Venice, even as the project is being challenged by area residents.
The City Council voted to begin lease negotiations with Metro for the 3.1-acre site at 100 Sunset Ave., previously home to a bus yard. The Metro board tentatively agreed in February to lease the property to the city for three years, but details of the lease have not yet been finalized.
The city plans to spend nearly $16 million to build and furnish the temporary housing project, which will also include hygiene, storage and food services.
The Venice Stakeholders Association is challenging the project, asking the California Coastal Commission to reverse its approval of a coastal development permit for the project that was approved in December. Th group is also fighting in court to force the city to complete a full environmental impact report before the project goes forward.
A spokesman for the City Attorney's Office said a motion to stop the project was denied by a judge, so the project can continue for now. Another court hearing in the case is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 11.
The council on Tuesday also instructed the city's homeless coordinator to identify additional funds for the operation of the Venice housing site.
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