Regarding the Development at Briggs & Foothill

The proposal to build a five-story 80-unit project with 80 parking spaces at Briggs and Foothill has the inherent disadvantages of being too large with insufficient parking.  This will contribute to the already limited parking and high traffic at that location created by three nearby schools, a busy park, the sheriff’s station and steep narrow streets. The potential for evacuations in this high fire hazard area with limited ingress/egress exacerbates the potential threat to life and property.  

In addition to these physical issues, the developer will be designating 25 units for TAY (Transitional Age Youth – 18 to 25 years) tenants. This development will remain a transitional living facility for the LA County Dept. of Mental Health for the life of the building. The LACDMH website states within the TAY program, “Priority populations include the following:” 

• TAY struggling with substance abuse disorders
• TAY who are homeless or at risk of homelessness 
• TAY aging out of children’s mental health, child welfare or juvenile justice systems
• TAY leaving long-term institutional care
• TAY experiencing their first episode of major mental illness

The size of the “designated” units is unknown; however, per information stated by Abode, a partner in the project, “occupancy standards” per unit size can vary from three to seven occupants, possibly bringing the total of TAY residents to a maximum of 175 persons. A goal is to have one or more dependent children living with a parent. It is not clear if there will be a trained public health counselor on site 24/7, or if there will be any enforced mandated parameters to remain in an independent living facility. Will the facility at Briggs be designated as a subsidiary of the LA County Dept. of Mental Health?

The remainder of the units will be 100% Low Income Housing, presumably also governed by the above “occupancy standards.”

Why not offer market rate units with adequate parking and the government required percentage of low income units? 

If you are supportive of this project or if you have concerns about the possible impact on our community, please write or email our LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger at kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov or write to: 500 W. Temple St., Room 869, Los Angeles, CA 90012.             

Your Opinion Matters!

Eleanor Wacker
La Crescenta