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INTRO: HOW TO EMBRACE AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITHOUT DESTROYING SAWTELLE-JAPANTOWN:




Summary:

Current laws and policies that govern the construction of affordable housing are set to funnel much of LA's large-scale affordable housing construction into the historic core of Sawtelle-Japantown, partly because similar neighborhoods in the City of Los Angeles currently enjoy special protections.

Working within this reality, the Sawtelle-Japantown community has created an alternative zoning and land use plan for the neighborhood that fulfills the state's requirements for affordable housing without damaging the neighborhood's historic character or its vibrant community. The Alternative Plan would also make possible an increase in green space, as well as services the community has long wanted and needed.

To implement the Alternative Plan, at least three things will have to happen concurrently. As a stakeholder, you can help:




WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Help create a positive future for Sawtelle-Japantown by signing the amended petition:

Download this PDF petition form, fill it out including your signature, and send it to our petition inbox.

Be sure to include your Zip code, and be sure the file / printed page remains in color, as the City Planning department requires zoning colors to be presented to signers.

If your residence is not in West LA or Sawtelle, fill in the address and Zip code of your West LA / Sawtelle work or church address – in this case you are still a stakeholder.

You can also drop off your petition at:

  • - Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery: 1905 Sawtelle Blvd. (corner of Missouri Ave)
    Hours: 10 - 4:30 (closed Wednesday), 10 - 4 (Sunday) [Holidays: 10 - 1]

  • - 1721 S. Bundy Dr. (between Nebraska and Iowa).
    Mailbox: any time, any day.

  • - Pick Up: we also have volunteers to pick up your signature. Text or call (310) 309-1696.

An alternative way to access the petition is on the Save Sawtelle Facebook page.


And you can help your Sawtelle-Japantown community by volunteering.




NEWS ARTICLES FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION:



CITY OF LOS ANGELES RESOURCES:



WHAT MAKES SAWTELLE JAPANTOWN UNIQUE AND WORTH PROTECTING:

The Sawtelle District is an abundantly diverse community. We are made up of a multitude of ethnicities, including Japanese American, Native American, African American, Caucasian, Mexican, Central and South American, Persian, European, African, Russian, Chinese, Cambodian, among others. We are diverse as well in our genders, religions, and income levels. We live together in a harmonious neighborhood, that is also the only L.A.-designated ethnic enclave on the Westside of Los Angeles.

City planners often speak about the ideal of walkable neighborhoods with a diversity of income levels, green space, easy access to shops, and short travel distances to all of life’s necessities and entertainment options. Sawtelle-Japantown has much of that today. The City’s current policies incentivize the elimination of these aspects of our area. This is distressing because our Alternative Affordable Housing Plan would redress environmental injustice in Sawtelle (via a creative use of Hybrid Industrial rezoning) while providing the same amount of affordable housing for new residents.



INSPIRING VISIONS FOR SAWTELLE-JAPANTOWN'S ALTERNATIVE PLAN:



UPDATES:

  • NEW APROVED ED 1 project destined for 1721 S. Colby Avenue:
    7 stories, 143 units. It is unclear how much parking will be included.

  • EXISTING ED 1 project at 11418 Missouri:
    4 stories, 44 units, NO parking, NO setbacks, and NO required greenspace. Environmental appeal (CEQA) denied on 3/13/2024.

  • Read Kady's OP-ED Piece.

...see more on the forums.




Many thanks to the community for making the video and this website a reality!



Sawtelle-Japantown Street Sign