The Los Angeles City Council committee on Thursday approved an amended proposal from Mayor Karen Bass to purchase the Mayfair Hotel for approximately $83 million and repurpose it as interim housing. The proposal is part of Bass’ Inside Safe initiative, which aims to bring unhoused individuals into motels and address encampments across the city.
The full council is set to vote on the proposal on Friday following a meeting where the Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee discussed details and considered public testimony.
This discussion followed a joint session held by the Housing and Homelessness Committee and the Government Operations Committee the previous day. Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who chairs the budget committee, stated that while the discussion might not go as late as the previous meeting, they are prepared to spend as much time as needed. Blumenfield and Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez introduced amendments to ensure accountability and address concerns of residents near the hotel.
The committee approved the amendments 4-0 and the amended proposal 3-1. Councilman Tim McOsker voted against the proposal due to concerns about a dramatic change in city policy regarding permanent interim housing.
The Government Operations Committee unanimously supported the amended proposal, while the housing committee voted 3-1 in favor, with Rodriguez being the sole “no” vote.
If approved, the city plans to operate and maintain the hotel as interim housing by August 31 and reopen it by January 2024. The funding for the acquisition and renovation of the hotel comes from various sources, including federal grants, bond measures, and city funds.
The Mayfair Hotel would be used as interim housing for unhoused individuals from Skid Row for two years before accommodating individuals from other parts of the city.
Concerns have been raised by nearby residents regarding the impacts on safety, local businesses, and cleanliness. The hotel’s participation in a previous temporary homeless shelter initiative resulted in issues such as drug overdoses and property damage. However, the Weingart Center, the nonprofit agency set to operate the facility, has assured that the operation will be different and will provide mandatory services aimed at moving individuals towards permanent housing.
Hernandez, who represents the area, passed amendments to address the community’s needs, including funding for street cleaning and access to the mayor’s office.
The amended proposal will be considered by the council during Friday’s meeting.
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