V E N I C E: Homeless Shelter Faces Opposition

The $5-million, 154-bed homeless shelter that was proposed for 718-722 E. Rose Avenue - across from the Whole Foods on Lincoln - has seen some opposition in the past weeks. The opposition is led by The Venice Stakeholders Association (VSA), who has partnered up with the Coastal Commission, in an effort to apply pressure to comply with environmental laws and coastal act. They have filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Coastal Commission.

Mark Ryavec, the president of the VSA, says "the City and the Coastal Commission jammed this project through the system and bypassed the environmental laws and Coastal Act." According to the lawsuit, the City approved the project in 11 days, which is far quicker than approving projects. The Venice Neighborhood Council, which is elected by Venice residents, was not even consulted.

The shelter would be a four-story building, containing 34 studio and one bedroom apartments. All units would be reserved for formerly homeless. One  unit would be allocated for a manager.