A public planning meeting in Los Angeles devolved into a shouting match Thursday as residents vehemently opposed a developer's proposal for a 71-unit senior living facility in the Woodland Hills neighborhood.
The project, proposed by developer Akhilesh Jah, aims to demolish a four-bedroom single-family home on Del Moreno Drive and replace it with a multi-unit senior residence that would include a cafeteria and a medical office. Jah, an aerospace engineer who transitioned to development, stated that the project would incorporate eight units designated as low-income housing.
Under California's housing laws, which offer incentives for projects including affordable housing, developers can sometimes bypass local restrictions on density, height, and parking. This aspect has reportedly left some residents feeling that their neighborhood's zoning rules have been undermined. The property is situated across from Taft High School, with residential homes on one side and commercial properties along Ventura Boulevard on the other.
Concerns raised by residents included the development's scale, its proposed lack of parking, and its location within an LA Fire Department designated fire zone. The proposal has ignited a broader debate across California, where developers are increasingly utilizing state housing laws to advance projects that might have faced significant hurdles under traditional local zoning ordinances.
During the planning commission hearing, tensions escalated, leading to officers escorting a woman from the room. Shouts from the crowd included personal insults directed at Jah and threats of "black magic." Jah was heard attempting to regain order, stating, "It's my turn to speak! When you spoke I didn't interrupt, did I?"
The commission approved most of the variances sought by Jah, though further hearings and permitting processes are still required. Jah indicated that construction could be several years away. Residents, however, have stated their intention to continue opposing the project. Jah has reportedly spent years studying California housing laws and zoning regulations to identify properties where state incentives could permit denser development. His projects have encountered strong opposition in the San Fernando Valley, where residents fear that large-scale developments could irrevocably alter their suburban communities.