The former site of the American Legion Hollydale Post in Downey could be redeveloped with veterans supportive housing, according to an agenda item from this week's meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
The County-owned property, located at 11269 Garfield Avenue, has been vacant since late 2018. Less than a year later, the County is considering entering into an exclusive negotiation agreement with non-profit developers Abode Communities and PATH Ventures to potentially develop up to 100 affordable housing units for veterans.
The two firms responded to a request for proposals issued for the sit earlier this year by the Los Angeles County Development Authority, beating out five other teams. Their project would include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, reserved for households earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income. Hal of the units would be set aside as supportive housing for homeless veterans, and the remaining would serve families with limited means - with a preference for veterans.
Besides housing, the proposed development would include a 2,900-square-foot ground floor commercial space, to be used as a Workforce Development Hub serving residents and the surrounding communities. Other features would include a resident center, laundry facilities, courtyards, offices for supportive services staff, and parking for 70 vehicles.
The Board of Supervisors voted to authorize the County Development Authority to enter into a 180-day negotiation period with the development team, with the possibility of two 90-day extensions.
The project combines two of the most prolific builders of subsidized affordable housing in the Los Angeles area. Abode and PATH both have multiple projects in developments, including supportive housing in places such as Westmont, Hollywood, and Boyle Heights.
The development site is located near the path of the proposed West Santa Ana Branch light rail line, which could include a station nearby on Gardendale Avenue.
Interested in finding affordable housing? Visit housing.lacity.org.
