Locals Upset Over New Law for Burned Lots in Los Angeles
On Tuesday, residents expressed their anger after California senators approved a law intended to create a new option for buying burned lots in Los Angeles, aiming to facilitate the construction of low-income homes.
The bill, SB 549, sponsored by State Senator Ben Allen from Santa Monica, aims to allow Los Angeles County to form a resilient reconstruction authority. This authority could potentially collect local property taxes, with expectations that it could secure at least 40% of necessary funds for rental or purchase.
The initiative is a result of recommendations from the “Blue Ribbon Commission,” which was set up by LA County supervisor Lindsey Horvath to establish reconstruction guidelines in the area. Some community members were supportive, seeing this authority as a means of gaining local control over reconstruction, rather than relying on city or county government.
However, the proposal has faced significant backlash. Many locals were taken by surprise when it was announced, particularly because the Blue Ribbon Committee had held meetings in private.
“It’s just a ridiculous suggestion to interfere with our community even more. When will people stop voting for these risky decisions and start waking up?” one resident voiced in a community chat.
Another comment read: “I have no issue with middle-income residents moving into newly constructed apartments. I grew up in a working-class neighborhood and lived among various hardworking people, like teachers and small business owners.”
The state Senate’s passage of the bill comes just a week after Governor Gavin Newsom allocated $101 million towards low-income housing in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Many residents are struggling financially to rebuild, particularly those without insurance or those who didn’t have it in the months leading up to the fire.
While some residents welcomed the idea that previous workers in Pallisard could afford to return, others were outraged by the thought of introducing lower-income individuals into the neighborhood.
It was noted that to qualify as supportive housing, at least 40% of the units must be available for individuals with connections to care facilities—like prisons or hospitals.
There’s a lingering concern among residents regarding the state’s and local governments’ ability to manage fire risks and expedite reconstruction efforts. Some locals feel disillusioned, contemplating selling their land rather than rebuilding.
The concept of “affordable” housing continues to divide local leaders post-fire. Critics argue that such housing already exists in affluent areas like the Pacific Palisades, where trailer parks are home to many fixed-income residents who bought properties when prices were low.
The bill is set to go before the state legislature on Wednesday for further discussion. If it passes, it could influence existing policies and serve as a litmus test for the political landscape ahead of the governor’s election, potentially garnering favor among radical Democrats interested in land redistribution.
