LOS ANGELES, CA – Metro’s Planning and Programming Committee advanced two critical affordable housing projects in Boyle Heights located on the Metro-owned sites at 1st/Soto and 1st/Lorena at the direction of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District and the Vice Chair of Metro. Next week, the Metro Board of Directors will consider allowing Metro staff to move forward with Joint Development Agreements and ground leases for affordable housing projects at these sites with Bridge Housing Corporation, East LA Community Corporation (ELACC), and A Community of Friends.
“Both the Los Lirios project located at 1st/Soto and the Lorena Plaza project located at 1st/Lorena have been in the works at Metro for the better part of the last decade,” said Chair Solis. “Despite several setbacks, both joint development projects are moving forward and are anticipated to begin construction before the end of the year. These projects will bring over 110 units of vital housing to provide homes to individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income families. We must continue to prioritize affordable housing in Boyle Heights to combat the rapid gentrification and displacement taking place in the community. I am pleased to see that Metro is utilizing all available resources and assets to make Los Angeles County an affordable and healthy place to live for all.”
Monica Mejia, Chief Executive Officer of ELACC, said that the Los Lirios project is rooted in community.
“ELACC is excited to continue our work on Los Lirios Apartments, an affordable housing development that was conceived of and by Boyle Heights residents through our team’s tremendous efforts engaging local stakeholders in a community-driven design process,” said CEO Mejia. “We are thankful for the ongoing support from Metro and Supervisor Solis and look forward to fully realizing this project together.”
Dora Leong Gallo, President and Chief Executive Officer of A Community of Friends, shared that the organization is grateful for the advancement of the Lorena Plaza project.
“A Community of Friends is thrilled to move our Lorena Plaza project forward,” said President and CEO, Dora Leong Gallo. “We are grateful to the Metro Board and staff, and to Supervisor Solis, for standing by our project and for their staunch support of including supportive and affordable housing projects in their joint development program.”
For more information on the projects, visit: Joint Development – Boyle Heights (metro.net)
CONTACT: Kimberly Ortega, Acting Communications Director, (213) 361-6435 or KOrtega@bos.lacounty.gov