N.1. 21-2300 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROGRESS AND POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS OF THE ENHANCED RESPONSE TO HOMELESSNESS PILOT PROGRAM AND PALLET SHELTER
I support the continuation of the ongoing project for the pallet shelter. Out of all the city's of Los Angeles, Redondo Beach has been one of the only cities which has successfully produced results. I believe the continuation of this project would provide greater opportunities for more permanent solutions. I would hope that all of the council would consider that each district should house all of the shelters. I think it to be abhorrent that this consistent argument of the ongoing residents of a back and forth on whether or not this issue is a north and south Redondo problem. My fear is that the program will end if is not consistent. The houseless residents already have inconsistent housing as it is, due to nomadic patterns, I would hope that our council considers a better solution that considers consistent movmenet of this program.
Thank you for your discussion to continue the pallet shelter program. It was gratifying to hear from the Police Chief that contrary to some assertions by others, there is not an uptick in crime in the surrounding areas. It makes sense to continue the program in its current location while exploring other possible areas within the City that could accommodate the program per the City zoning that allows it. It was more than disappointing to watch Council Member Emdee's indignant meltdown when the motion and subsequent discussion didn't go to her liking, and to make this another of her north vs. south political ploys rather than discussing the merits of the program, its success, and how the City can best keep it! Ms. Emdee was proposing locations over which the City has no control. That's not a prudent way to conduct reasonable business. Kudos to the other four Council Members for maintaining calmness during their discussion. And thank you, Council Member Obagi for clarifying YOUR discussions with residents of the District where the program resides expressing their support for the program and its current location. Bravo, Council Member Loewenstein for calling out Ms. Emdee on her use of the term "mansplaining" to inappropriately label those with whom she disagrees.
I live in District 4 and I'm proud of our district for hosting the Pallet Shelter. I am not supportive of moving it. This is a great program that our residents are proud of...we should continue to be the host of this program in District 4.
I oppose extending the pallet shelter program in the current location. City council and the Mayor lied to us in indicating that this location is temporary and would be moved to South Redondo after that time. I have observed many more homeless in our neighborhood since the first of the year and have complained to the city. Michael Webb lied about contacting all residents that complained as he has not reached out to me. Mayor Brand did not reply to my outreach.
The problem is not with the shelter. The problem is not with helping those who need help. The problem is the blatant disregard for residents of district 4 who have shared concerns like a broken record at the kingsdale location that no one seems to be listening to. The deal was 6 months at kingsdale and then move the location. You cannot turn a deaf ear to concerns of one district after promising one thing to start the initial process. Kingsdale has taken the initial steps to ensure this is a success, now it’s time to work together and move to a new location. I have faith council members Obaji, emdee and horvath will speak up against keeping it where it is.
We are opposed to any extension of the Pallet Shelter at Kingsdale. The Administrative Report on this issue touts the success of the shelter. However, the report fails to address the negative impacts to the area outside the shelter on both residents and businesses such as:
The increase of crime committed by transients in the area including thefts and vandalism suffered by nearby residents since the shelter has opened. The report does not include crime data. Data would show that transient crime has increased at a faster rate and to a higher level than in other parts of our city. This appears deliberate.
The increase of losses due to theft suffered by nearby businesses like Ralph’s, Target, and Ulta Beauty.
The loss of revenue at the local retail stores and restaurants due to customers avoiding the area due to safety concerns. Ralph’s has recently hired armed security due to safety concerns for its customers and employees. Along with a spike in theft.
Home prices in the area have been effected by the proximity of the homeless shelter. Realtor.com says that having a homeless shelter nearby decreases a home’s value by 12.7%. Homeowners must disclose a homeless shelter nearby when selling.
When the Pallet Shelter was being considered last year residents submitted over 100 eComments regarding the issue. The majority expressed concerns over the negative impacts that the shelter would have on the local area around the site. The city has done little to address those concerns other than posting some “No Camping” signs and providing 24 hour security inside the shelter, while our concern was for outside the fence. The residents who live near the the shelter have had their safety, property values, and quality of life impacted. If the council believes that the shelter has had no negative impacts then they should have no issue with moving the shelter to a location in South Redondo where the majority of the homeless are, and where they would be closer to the homeless court. The agreement was that the shelter would be at Kingsdale for six months then moved to South Redondo or be shut down. We expect the council to keep it’s word. Mike and Lisa Garlan
I support the continuation of the pallet shelter program given the positive results from the first trial location. The City Net Census Report is very informative relative to the demographics of our unhoused population. I agree with the recommendation to focus the response where the people are located given the majority are responsive to help. The pallet shelter should move next to an area near the Redondo Beach Pier or Dominguez Park.
Please continue the pallet shelter program. For our city to lead on this issue, each district should have a pallet shelter. Please work towards that goal and continue to work with PATH, Project Roomkey, and other homeless support organizations. Also, reconsider block grant funding to local churches that feed the homeless. I believe it was a mistake that the Council removed that funding a couple years ago.
I support moving the location of the pallet shelter if the decision is made to continue the project. I support making a move due to the increase of activity in an already busy portion of the neighborhood on 182nd between Inglewood Ave. and Kingsdale. While it's good to see homeless people can take shelter, I'd like to suggest there be a complete first aid kit with ice packs for occupants that experience injuries like we have encountered. There should also be OTC therapeutics in case of illness so they can treat themselves as needed. I would also like to suggest there be constant supervision in the case of matters such as these, especially when emergency care is needed, as we have seen.
If the decision is made to discontinue this program I also support that since city leaders would only make that decision in the best interest of RB citizens. If the decision is made to continue, please consider an area that is further away from family homes. We already have more than enough to deal with, besides the fact that homeless shelters are high on the list of factors that lower property values.
I support the continuation of the ongoing project for the pallet shelter. Out of all the city's of Los Angeles, Redondo Beach has been one of the only cities which has successfully produced results. I believe the continuation of this project would provide greater opportunities for more permanent solutions. I would hope that all of the council would consider that each district should house all of the shelters. I think it to be abhorrent that this consistent argument of the ongoing residents of a back and forth on whether or not this issue is a north and south Redondo problem. My fear is that the program will end if is not consistent. The houseless residents already have inconsistent housing as it is, due to nomadic patterns, I would hope that our council considers a better solution that considers consistent movmenet of this program.
Thank you for your discussion to continue the pallet shelter program. It was gratifying to hear from the Police Chief that contrary to some assertions by others, there is not an uptick in crime in the surrounding areas. It makes sense to continue the program in its current location while exploring other possible areas within the City that could accommodate the program per the City zoning that allows it. It was more than disappointing to watch Council Member Emdee's indignant meltdown when the motion and subsequent discussion didn't go to her liking, and to make this another of her north vs. south political ploys rather than discussing the merits of the program, its success, and how the City can best keep it! Ms. Emdee was proposing locations over which the City has no control. That's not a prudent way to conduct reasonable business. Kudos to the other four Council Members for maintaining calmness during their discussion. And thank you, Council Member Obagi for clarifying YOUR discussions with residents of the District where the program resides expressing their support for the program and its current location. Bravo, Council Member Loewenstein for calling out Ms. Emdee on her use of the term "mansplaining" to inappropriately label those with whom she disagrees.
I live in District 4 and I'm proud of our district for hosting the Pallet Shelter. I am not supportive of moving it. This is a great program that our residents are proud of...we should continue to be the host of this program in District 4.
I oppose extending the pallet shelter program in the current location. City council and the Mayor lied to us in indicating that this location is temporary and would be moved to South Redondo after that time. I have observed many more homeless in our neighborhood since the first of the year and have complained to the city. Michael Webb lied about contacting all residents that complained as he has not reached out to me. Mayor Brand did not reply to my outreach.
The problem is not with the shelter. The problem is not with helping those who need help. The problem is the blatant disregard for residents of district 4 who have shared concerns like a broken record at the kingsdale location that no one seems to be listening to. The deal was 6 months at kingsdale and then move the location. You cannot turn a deaf ear to concerns of one district after promising one thing to start the initial process. Kingsdale has taken the initial steps to ensure this is a success, now it’s time to work together and move to a new location. I have faith council members Obaji, emdee and horvath will speak up against keeping it where it is.
We are opposed to any extension of the Pallet Shelter at Kingsdale. The Administrative Report on this issue touts the success of the shelter. However, the report fails to address the negative impacts to the area outside the shelter on both residents and businesses such as:
The increase of crime committed by transients in the area including thefts and vandalism suffered by nearby residents since the shelter has opened. The report does not include crime data. Data would show that transient crime has increased at a faster rate and to a higher level than in other parts of our city. This appears deliberate.
The increase of losses due to theft suffered by nearby businesses like Ralph’s, Target, and Ulta Beauty.
The loss of revenue at the local retail stores and restaurants due to customers avoiding the area due to safety concerns. Ralph’s has recently hired armed security due to safety concerns for its customers and employees. Along with a spike in theft.
Home prices in the area have been effected by the proximity of the homeless shelter. Realtor.com says that having a homeless shelter nearby decreases a home’s value by 12.7%. Homeowners must disclose a homeless shelter nearby when selling.
When the Pallet Shelter was being considered last year residents submitted over 100 eComments regarding the issue. The majority expressed concerns over the negative impacts that the shelter would have on the local area around the site. The city has done little to address those concerns other than posting some “No Camping” signs and providing 24 hour security inside the shelter, while our concern was for outside the fence. The residents who live near the the shelter have had their safety, property values, and quality of life impacted. If the council believes that the shelter has had no negative impacts then they should have no issue with moving the shelter to a location in South Redondo where the majority of the homeless are, and where they would be closer to the homeless court. The agreement was that the shelter would be at Kingsdale for six months then moved to South Redondo or be shut down. We expect the council to keep it’s word. Mike and Lisa Garlan
I support the continuation of the pallet shelter program given the positive results from the first trial location. The City Net Census Report is very informative relative to the demographics of our unhoused population. I agree with the recommendation to focus the response where the people are located given the majority are responsive to help. The pallet shelter should move next to an area near the Redondo Beach Pier or Dominguez Park.
Please continue the pallet shelter program. For our city to lead on this issue, each district should have a pallet shelter. Please work towards that goal and continue to work with PATH, Project Roomkey, and other homeless support organizations. Also, reconsider block grant funding to local churches that feed the homeless. I believe it was a mistake that the Council removed that funding a couple years ago.
I support moving the location of the pallet shelter if the decision is made to continue the project. I support making a move due to the increase of activity in an already busy portion of the neighborhood on 182nd between Inglewood Ave. and Kingsdale. While it's good to see homeless people can take shelter, I'd like to suggest there be a complete first aid kit with ice packs for occupants that experience injuries like we have encountered. There should also be OTC therapeutics in case of illness so they can treat themselves as needed. I would also like to suggest there be constant supervision in the case of matters such as these, especially when emergency care is needed, as we have seen.
If the decision is made to discontinue this program I also support that since city leaders would only make that decision in the best interest of RB citizens. If the decision is made to continue, please consider an area that is further away from family homes. We already have more than enough to deal with, besides the fact that homeless shelters are high on the list of factors that lower property values.