$158-Million Plan to Boost Eastside Economy Is OKd

The City Council unanimously approved a $158.7-million redevelopment project Wednesday for Boyle Heights and El Sereno that supporters say promises to upgrade the area’s infrastructure and help boost the economic health of the Eastside.

For the next 30 years, a portion of local property taxes will be directed to the Adelante Eastside project and used to repair roads, rehabilitate local buildings and attract new businesses to the area.

“I’m elated,” said Al Santillanes, Eastside project manager for the Community Redevelopment Agency. “We made history today. This is the best economic tool for the community in 50 years.”

The council’s support was the final step in more than six years of studies and meetings recommending redevelopment for the area. The project approval took twice as long as boosters had hoped because of residents’ concerns that they would be pushed out of their homes to make room for new development.

Although the plan specifically prohibits using eminent domain in exclusively residential areas, some residents fear that families living in commercial zones will be forced to relocate.

“I’m mindful of the concerns of the residents and I don’t blame them, but I think they are misplaced,” said Councilman Richard Alatorre, a longtime proponent of the project. “There are still going to be apprehensions, but over a period of time their concerns will be allayed.”

Project supporters said they will meet with concerned residents to assure them that redevelopment will not disrupt the community.

“This is a great day for us, but the real work is just beginning,” said Joe Coria, chairman of the project’s community advisory committee. “Our challenge is to build up the trust in the community.”