The Fourth & Central project in Los Angeles.?
The Department of City Planning will hold two hearings for projects in and near Little Tokyo on Wednesday, Nov. 20 — one at 9 a.m. for the First Street North (FSN) affordable housing development and the second at 11 a.m. for the $2 billion 4th& Central mixed-use project.
The Little Tokyo Service Center, developers of the 248-unit FSN project currently under construction on Judge John Aiso and Temple streets, is seeking approval for planned modifications regarding dimensions of the public right of way along Aiso Street. When completed, this project will allocate up to 50% of the units for homeless individuals and families.
The 11 a.m. hearing will center around Continuum Partners, developers of the 4th& Central site, who have submitted their final environmental impact report (EIR) for review.
Both hearings are only accessible through Zoom or telephone. To attend through Zoom, go to: https://planning-lacityorg.zoom.us/j/81677913136
Meeting ID: 816 7791 3136
Passcode: 132731
Alternatively, call (669) 900-9128 or (213) 338-8477, then enter the meeting ID when prompted.
4th & Central is an upcoming $2 billion mega-project that will consist of three distinct sites around the intersection of 4th Street and Central Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. The bulk of the project will take the place of the current Cold Storage warehouse building located between Central and Alameda.
The project will consist of 10 buildings ranging in height from two to 30 stories, along with a mix of residential, office, retail space, and 1,589 residential units.
Little Tokyo Against Gentrification, Greater Los Angeles JACL, J-Town Action & Solidarity, and Save Our Seniors Network said in a statement, “The developer has avoided promising a definitive number of affordable housing units…”
All projects are required to submit an EIR, which outlines how the project will impact the surrounding community, and hold a public hearing.
According to the statement released by the four organizations, “The 4th & Central EIR currently suffers from major omissions, including a lack of acknowledgement of the historic character of Little Tokyo and a clear, scientifically backed plan to mitigate the harmful effects of construction pollution.”
Members of the community have also expressed support for the project, including Centenary United Methodist Church, the owners of the Little Tokyo Marketplace mall, and some residents and merchants.
The four organizations’ demands are as follows:
1. Minimum of 50% affordable housing units.
2. Protection of seniors, childcare centers, churches, and temples from toxic pollution. Zero emissions, green demolition and construction practices.
3. Main tower reduced to 15 stories and moved to the south side.
4. 50% reduced rent for new, legacy, and community-serving businesses and groups.
5. Meeting spaces accessible and affordable for community groups.