Council Seeks to Preserve Character of Olvera St.
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday ordered the drafting of a charter amendment for the June 2 primary election that would allow merchants on Olvera Street to negotiate long-term leases to keep their businesses at the historic tourist spot.
The 13-0 council vote directed the city attorney’s office to draft the ballot measure that would exempt the merchants from the competitive bidding process required by the city to run a business on municipal property.
The measure is supported by Councilman Richard Alatorre and the rival merchant groups on Olvera Street who want to remain there to protect its unique Mexican flavor.
Final council approval is needed by Feb. 28 before the measure can be placed on the ballot. A simple majority of the votes cast would be required for passage.
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