By Rachel Lampert
Los Angeles is home to many different housing programs. Recently, LA has been considering more of these opportunities for the community. Lawmakers in California of last year created the Senate Bill No. 4. (Chapter 771) that discusses housing development regulations for those unhoused. Aside from this, the bill dives deeper into developing religious and higher education systems as well. The bill states. “This bill would specify that a housing development project that is eligible for approval as a use by right under the bill is also eligible for a density bonus, incentives, or concessions, or waivers or reductions of development and parking standards, except as specified.”
A Catholic Church in Los Angeles named, “The Archdiocese” announced on Wednesday, August 14th that they will collaborate with a brand new non-profit “Our Lady Queen of Angels Housing Alliance.” These two organizations will come together to plan more affordable housing in Southern California. The plan is to develop apartments right next door to L.A. City College. These apartments will cater to local college students and youth exiting out of foster care. Amy Andersen – executive director of Queen of Angels Housing speaks about the housing units. “The properties are in transition because our communities are constantly changing.” She also says, “It does create this opportunity to re-evaluate what can be done with that land.” Andersen feels there are constant changes to be made.
A glance at what some of these projects will look like is a 74-unit apartment known as “The Willow Brook.” The apartments will then be located on the northern side of LA City College in East Hollywood. Pricing will be varied from $400 and $500 per month which is much less compared to other housing options. If you have any questions you can call Archdiocese of Los Angeles || LA Catholics (213) 637-7000 or Our Lady Queen of Angels Church (213) 629-3101 for more information.
References:
California Legislative Information. (2023, October 11). SB-4 planning and zoning: Housing development: Higher education institutions and religious institutions. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB4
Wagner, D. (2024, August 14). Why the Catholic church plans to develop affordable housing in LA, and how they aim to do it. LAist. https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-catholic-church-archdiocese-affordable-housing-development-nonprofit-our-lady-queen-of-angels-alliance