Working to Fill Quake-Related Needs
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Following the Northridge earthquake, I appointed a diverse group of City Council District 12 residents and business people to draft a plan, in compliance with the disaster provisions of California redevelopment law, to assist those individuals in need of additional recovery resources.
I asked the group, which we named the Earthquake Advisory Recovery Committee, to develop a plan utilizing tax increment funds to help rehabilitate single-family homes, condos, apartments and businesses damaged by the earthquake.
The committee invested hundreds of volunteer hours to develop a plan that would accomplish its goals yet protect the community from the abuses that redevelopment agencies have been criticized for.
Because their plan stripped the Community Redevelopment Agency of many of its powers--most notably eminent domain--the agency balked and battled the committee over its draft plan. Additionally, I was concerned that the plan faced amendments in council contrary to the group’s intention--which would likely have returned these powers to the CRA. For this reason the committee voted unanimously to withdraw the plan--and, I concurred.
Since that time, the committee has continued to meet in an effort to identify other resources. However, our biggest dilemma remains--determining what needs still exist.
The Times is to be commended for undertaking a poll that will assist our district, and others, in determining how much assistance is still needed.
I thank The Times for its interest.
HAL BERNSON
Los Angeles
Bernson represents the 12th District on the Los Angeles City Council.
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