The Cornfield Arroyo Seco Plan, a more than 600-acre portion of Los Angeles, is getting an update. According to a draft environmental impact report published by the City, the proposed changes would allow for the construction of more housing.
“The update includes new land use and zoning regulations, incentives, and boundaries, for the purpose of encouraging affordable, mixed-income and permanent supportive housing production,” the draft environmental impact report states.
The proposal is an update to the current CASP, which was set into motion approximately 10 years ago. The area is generally bound by Chinatown to the west, Lincoln Heights to the east and Cypress Park to the north. Several major interstates run through the planning area, including Interstate 5 as well as State Route 110. Other major roadways running through the planning area include Figueroa Street to the north, San Fernando Road in the central portion of the area, and Spring Street, Broadway Avenue and Main Street to the south.
Overall, changes to the plan include revised zoning to the Urban Village, which would change the area from 19 percent of the entire planning site to 28 percent – about 132 acres. This means that more housing would be allowed throughout CASP.
Additionally, a new Public Use District would be added to the area. While zoning currently applies to government-owned property within the CASP, the update would allow for public-private partnership developments.
According to the draft environmental impact report, the purpose of CASP’s creation was to create a walkable planning area with opportunities for affordable housing, transportation and more. However, since it was adopted in 2013, housing production has been limited. Currently, the report notes that the area has a 0.9 percent vacancy rate for housing of any kind, making affordable housing development needed more than ever.
Currently, the report is available for public review, with a 60-day comment period set to end on Sept. 18. Those who wish to comment on the report can do so during this time.
