BURBANK : Crowd of 2,500 Gets Unruly Vying for 25 Housing Spots

A sometimes unruly crowd of more than 2,500 that gathered Monday at Burbank City Hall to apply for 25 vacancies on a low-income housing list had to be dispersed by police who were worried that people might be injured.

The incident illustrates “the very severe need” for low-cost housing in the city and county, Burbank Mayor George Battey said.

Monday was the first time in four years that the Burbank Housing Authority has accepted applications under a federal program providing subsidies for low-income tenants.

The announcement that the city would begin accepting applications drew people from across Los Angeles County.