Los Angeles County officials have paused two controversial homeless housing projects in Santa Monica, giving developers more time to discuss the matter with city residents.
Santa Monica only learned of the planned projects recently – when the permits for necessary work were submitted for approval. The news caused an immediate firestorm, with Mayor Lana Negrete vowing to ensure that residents’ voices are heard.
Part of the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, the two supportive housing facilities would serve people with serious mental illness. The 49 transitional housing units would replace two former senior living homes on Ocean Avenue. This is a popular, beachfront tourist destination where hotels rent for upwards of $1,000 per night, according to Negrete.
The city does not have the power to approve or deny the projects, but these kinds of plans are supposed to involve community input. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath agreed that there had been a lack of transparency and communication with residents. She worked with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and St. Joseph Center — the non-profit tasked with running the facility — to have the project placed on hold.
“I am completely disappointed by the lack of proper communication with Santa Monica residents about the proposed interim housing projects on Ocean Avenue," Horvath said.
"We must move urgently to house people with acute mental health needs, but not at the expense of transparency or community partnership.”
Negrete expressed her appreciation for the pause, which was announced on October 14.
“This decision shows a willingness to listen and collaborate. But the work has only just begun — we must continue building real accountability, transparency, and community engagement into every step of these processes. It’s essential that future projects in Santa Monica receive the same level of review and community input they deserve. I’m grateful to have helped bring this issue to light for both the County Supervisor and our community.”
Read more at the Santa Monica Daily Press.