Redevelopment Agency Is Approved

The Lawndale City Council voted unanimously Thursday to give final approval to a controversial proposal to set up a redevelopment agency.

Although similar proposals had been fought in the past by longtime residents who fear losing their homes and businesses under eminent domain proceedings, the council said the move was necessary to bring additional tax revenues to the financially strapped city.

Under the ordinance establishing the redevelopment agency, the council is empowered to act as its board of directors and the city manager as executive director. Whether the agency will have the power of eminent domain will be determined later.

Council members told residents that they are only interested in redeveloping the city’s flagging commercial areas and said they will hold several more public hearings before recommending any areas for redevelopment.