Demolition of Pico-Aliso Housing Project Begins
The long-awaited demolition of the Pico-Aliso housing project began Thursday as a wrecking ball crashed into 16 of the 577 units that will be leveled in the first phase of a $50-million renovation.
In January a brief ceremonial demolition was held, but Thursday’s work marked the beginning of what authorities expect to be a five-month dismantling of the project.
Last month, more than 40 residents protested what they view as forced displacement from their homes. They said not all of the current residents will have units available in the new project.
City Housing Authority official Diego Cardoso called Thursday “a historic day for East L.A. and the city. I’m proud to be part of a new precedent for public housing which improves the quality of life for residents.”
Thursday’s demolition began near the corner of 3rd and Clarence streets at the Aliso Extension, which along with the larger Pico Gardens makes up Pico-Aliso.
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