Sweeping Zone Changes Urged to Reduce Density

Despite protests from hundreds of residents, the Bell Gardens planning commission has voted to recommend sweeping zone changes that eventually would reduce density in the town, but could also force some business owners and residents to move. Bell Gardens is the fifth most densely populated city in Los Angeles County, with more than 15,000 residents per square mile.

If the City Council approves the new zoning plan, more than 3,000 properties in Bell Gardens would be rezoned in order to reduce density. The zoning change would also eliminate markets and other shops in residential neighborhoods, and eliminate homes in industrial and commercial zones. Business owners and homeowners would have 20 to 40 years to comply with the new law.

Some residents described the proposed zoning change as a guise to drive out low-income residents, and threatened to launch a recall drive against the City Council unless it rejects the plan.