Two proposed housing projects for the homeless on Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue have been put on hold following extensive community dissatisfaction, as reported by ABC7. Residents and local leaders have criticized the plans, citing concerns over transparency and the potential impact on the neighborhood.
In response to these concerns, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced a pause to better include the community. She expressed her disappointment with the project's rollout, stating, "It is clear from the North of Montana Association meeting - and conversations since - that there has been inexcusably little engagement around this proposal." These comments were echoed by Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, who emphasized the need for "transparency, accountability, it's about engaging with the community in advance," according to a Santa Monica Daily Press report.
The controversy stems from two multi-million dollar beachfront properties intended to become housing under the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program. The project, with the potential to provide 24 beds at each location, had been planned without widespread knowledge among area residents. "What? How did this happen? How did we not know?" Santa Monica resident Greg Morena told ABC7. Other locals voiced similar concerns over personal safety and economic impacts, especially with regard to the popular shopping destination, Third Street Promenade, already experiencing retail vacancies.
The developments were expected to open within weeks, but have been halted to reassess community needs and preferences. Mayor Negrete praised the decision to pause, stating, "This decision shows a willingness to listen and collaborate. But the work has only just begun — we must continue building real accountability, transparency, and community engagement into every step of these processes," in a statement obtained by the Santa Monica Daily Press. The projects, once senior living homes, are now on hold to allow developers to have more conversations with the community, aiming to resolve concerns and potentially find alternative locations better suited for such facilities.
The state has granted an extension on the BHBH Program grant for the projects during the pause. Details of the facilities' operations, including 24/7 staffing, security, and a no-loitering policy, had been released in efforts to address some of the residents' safety concerns. According to SM Mirror, Supervisor Horvath's office, alongside the Department of Mental Health and St. Joseph Center, will focus on garnering community input before moving forward with any further developments.
