A planning meeting in Los Angeles turned chaotic on Thursday as local residents expressed their anger towards a developer proposing a new senior living facility.
Residents from Woodland Hills confronted Akhilesh Jah over plans to replace a single-family home with a large 71-unit senior living complex, as reported.
During the tumultuous Los Angeles City Planning Commission hearing, Jah had to raise his voice above the crowd, insisting, “It’s my turn to speak! When you spoke, I didn’t interrupt, did I?” But the crowd was not receptive.
“He’s just a perv,” one attendee shouted, according to video footage from the meeting.
Another woman yelled, “You lie, shame on you!” which led to her being escorted out by officers.
Things escalated further when one individual threatened, “I’m going to do black magic on you.”
The meeting showcased the residents’ strong opposition to Jah’s proposal to demolish a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home on Del Moreno Drive, intending to build the proposed facility that would include a cafeteria and a medical office.
Local residents argued the project didn’t fit the character of their quiet neighborhood, highlighting their frustration over the absence of parking for the development.
The property is located directly across from Taft High School, flanked by residential homes on one side and commercial buildings near Ventura Boulevard on the other.
Additionally, residents voiced concerns regarding the site being in a fire zone identified by the LA Fire Department.
Jah, who transitioned from aerospace engineering to development, mentioned his plan includes eight low-income housing units. Under California’s current housing laws, developments that incorporate affordable housing can often bypass certain local regulations regarding density, height, and parking.
This situation has left many residents feeling as though their neighborhood guidelines are being overlooked.
Most of Jah’s requested variances received approval from the commission, though he still faces more hearings and permitting hurdles. He indicated that the project could take years to break ground.
Residents are determined to continue their fight against the proposal.
The struggle in Woodland Hills reflects a broader conflict across California, where developers are increasingly leveraging state housing laws to propose projects that might have been previously restricted by local zoning ordinances.
Jah has reportedly spent years analyzing California’s housing laws and zoning rules, seeking properties where state incentives permit higher density developments.
His projects have faced significant pushback in the San Fernando Valley, with local residents concerned that such large-scale developments could irreversibly change the suburban landscape.
