A property located one block north of the Gold Line's Soto Station in Boyle Heights could be redeveloped as a pocket park.

The Department of Recreation and Parks has requested permission to begin the process of acquiring a .19-acre property at 318 North Mathews Street - called the Brooklyn Heights Parcel - for the purpose of using it for open space.  The Department will need to determine a funding mechanism for acquisition of the property and conduct an environmental study of the land prior to finalizing any purchase.

The property, which is currently improved with a duplex dating to the early 20th century, is located within an area that is "experiencing new housing development and other development" that would benefit from additional park space, according to the staff report.  Over 14,000 people live in the area surrounding the proposed park- including 5,100 people currently live within a half-mile radius.

A park at the Brooklyn Heights Parcel has the support of 14th District Councilmember Jose Huizar, according to the report.

The area surrounding Soto Station has recently seen the construction or completion of two mixed-use affordable housing developments, with similar projects currently in the pipeline.

A block north of the project site on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, two additional affordable housing developments are planned for vacant lots controlled by Metro.