Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 2019
Preamble
Motion by:
Garcetti, Kuehl, Bonin
Item 39: Bridge Housing on the Division 6 Bus Yard
Homelessness is an urgent regional issue in Los Angeles that requires all agencies to contribute toward solutions. On any given night in Los Angeles County, nearly 40,000 people sleep on sidewalks, in tents, in cars, or in other makeshift shelters.
In April 2018, Mayor Garcetti announced his "A Bridge Home" initiative to develop temporary housing until voter-approved permanent supportive housing can be constructed. Bridge housing provides a safe and stable environment for homeless individuals already living in a community to access services while transitioning into permanent housing. Venice is currently home to the largest unsheltered homeless population in Los Angeles outside of Skid Row and is therefore a high priority for bridge housing.
In May 2018, MTA prepared an inventory of MTA-owned property that may be suitable for temporary homeless housing. Among other properties, MTA's initial assessment identifies the former Division 6 bus yard in Venice as a suitable location. The property is large, flat, and currently vacant.
While planning and community outreach for a future joint development at Division 6 is underway, the property will not be ready for development for three years. Metro can therefore make the site available for temporary bridge housing, via a short-term lease, without impacting the long-term development of the site.
Subject
SUBJECT: BRIDGE HOUSING ON THE DIVISION 6 BUS YARD
Title
APPROVE Motion by Garcetti, Kuehl and Bonin that the Board direct the CEO to:
A. Enter into a no-fee lease agreement with the City of Los Angeles of the former Division 6 site for temporary bridge housing; and
B. Report back on MTA's ongoing efforts to address homelessness on the MTA system in April 2019, including but not limited to existing funding constraints and opportunities for additional non-transport...
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