Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Student Housing
Video by Eric Burse
Local residents of a University Park housing complex held a press conference Thursday to discuss efforts to protect a rent-controlled housing complex from demolition.
The 33-unit building is in close proximity to USC and is home to 15 college students and 15 other residents. The building has been identified by local developers who would like to demolish the building to clear space for luxury and student housing construction.
The LA Human Right to Housing Collective organized the news conference outside the building at 2913 Flower St. with the intention of voicing public opposition to the proposed demolition.
"We will fight to the end for our housing, but the problem is much larger than just one building," said Nohemi Armendariz, resident of the building and member of LAHRHC.
Residents of this neighborhood of University Park have felt consistent pressure of land speculation by student housing developers, most recently by Symphony Development who built the West 27th Place apartment complex near USC.
If the plan goes forward, demolition would begin in 2014.
Armendariz said the goal of LAHRHC is to stop the demolition of 2913 Flower and displacement of families, and to preserve and expand existing affordable and rent-stabilized housing. The group also fights in support of strengthening LA's Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
9th District Councilwoman Jan Perry attended the press conference in support of local residents and families. She has been a longtime advocate of affordable housing in South LA.
