In a decisive move to protect the vibrant cultural heritage and working-class residents of Boyle Heights, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved Councilmember Kevin de León’s amended Boyle Heights Community Plan Update, signaling a resounding victory for residents and businesses facing the relentless pressures of gentrification.
“I stand firm with my community in our shared commitment to defend Boyle Heights from the tide of gentrification that is destroying communities through displacement and the erasure of cultural heritage,” said Councilmember de León. “Too often our efforts to protect residents and businesses are reactive and come only after the damage is done. So I’m proud that this plan will protect residents and businesses through proactive and intentional statutory measures that expand affordable housing, deliver the most inclusionary housing in the city, and prioritize the needs of residents and businesses.”
Boyle Heights, like many historic working-class neighborhoods, has been grappling with the increasing detrimental impacts of gentrification, which has forced low-income Latino families out of their homes and threatened the very essence of this vibrant community. Neighboring areas such as Highland Park and Echo Park have already witnessed significant displacement and an erasure of their cultural legacy due to unchecked gentrification.
Councilmember Kevin de León, a staunch advocate for Boyle Heights residents and businesses, led the charge in fortifying the community’s defenses against gentrification by recommending several key elements that will protect local residents and businesses.
-Key features of the plan include:
-Expands affordable housing options to counteract the rising cost of living, providing much-needed relief for residents facing displacement.
-Increases the percentage of affordable units for new housing developments, ensuring economic diversity within the community.
-Provides displaced residents the first right to return, offering a lifeline to those who have been pushed out of their homes.
-Introduces a Local Preference Plan that prioritizes individuals and families who currently reside in Boyle Heights or have been displaced from the neighborhood.
-Mandates that 60% of new housing units in 100% affordable housing projects must consist of at least two bedrooms to ensure multi-generational families have a place in Boyle Heights.
Proposes measures such as a vacancy tax, limitations on rent hikes for commercial properties, tax incentives for landlords who retain local legacy businesses in their properties, and ensures new commercial developments have shop sizes consistent with local small businesses.
Makes provisions for the establishment of youth education and social services facilities within the community to support the development and empowerment of young residents.
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