At its meeting on August 8, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission voted in favor of four affordable and permanent supportive housing developments.  The projects, which come from three different developers, would create over 200 residential units in South Los Angeles, Mid City, Sherman Oaks, and Downtown.

Chesterfield Apartments

Earlier this year, Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation filed an application with the Department of City Planning to build the Chesterfield Apartments, a five-story, 43-unit apartment building at 48th Street and Normandie Avenue.  The project, which would replace a currently vacant lot, would be priced for low- and very-low income seniors who are currently unsheltered and face chronic health conditions.

Abode Communities is designing the Chesterfield, which would have a modern exterior and a rooftop deck.

Mercy Housing Sherman Oaks

Mercy Housing of California is seeking to redevelop a triplex at 14534 Burbank Boulevard in Sherman Oaks with a four-story, 55-unit apartment complex priced for low- and very low-income seniors.  The project, designed by TCA Architects, would also include a roof deck, a rear yard, a community room, and 17 basement parking stalls.

Mery Housing received the support of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council and 4th District Councilmember David Ryu, who spoke in favor of the proposed development at its hearing.

“Homelessness is the crisis of our time,” said Ryu. “Projects like these will save lives, they will give people a brighter future, and they will help address homelessness in Sherman Oaks.”

Amani Apartments

The Amani Apartments, a second project from Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation, would replace a long-vacant lot at Pico and Crenshaw Boulevards with a five-story, 54-unit apartment complex.  The proposed development, which is also designed by Abode Communities, would be priced for low- and very-low income households.

The project is eligible for streamlined permitting through SB 35.

Although several residents expressed discontent with the project's lack of parking, a representative of City Council President Herb Wesson urged the approval of the Amani development.

713 E. 5th Street

The Commission's final vote of the day was to approve plans from Skid Row Housing Trust to redevelop the Edward Hotel, a 46-unit single-room occupancy building at 713 E. 5th Street.

The proposed development, designed by Togawa Smith Martin, would consist of an eight-story building featuring 50 apartments - each featuring a private kitchen and a bathroom - priced for extremely low- and very low-income households.  Plans also call for 433 square feet of space for supportive services and a single surface parking space.

The project site is currently vacant, according to the Planning Department.  Its former residents have been relocated into another nearby building.

Skid Row Housing Trust is planning a similar redevelopment of the Hart Hotel at 508 E. 4th Street.

Interested in finding affordable housing? Visit housing.lacity.org.