For several months, the neighborhood has been embroiled in a dispute with New West Charter over their proposed relocation to a facility on Missouri and Armacost.
Uni students have participated in an effort to stop New West’s effor to relocate, citing, among other things, issues with traffic. Another hearing is at the City Hall meeting at 200 Spring Street on Feb. 28 at 2:30.
The Planning, Land Use and Management (PLUM) Committee, consisting of three members will vote on the issue. In all likelihood, whatever decision made will be appealed, at which point the final decision before City Hall will be on March 28. ASB (Associated Student Body) Leadership has been commanding a grassroots effort to rally support for students to attend the hearing. They’ve gotten students and parents to sign a petition, call, write letters and e-mail City Hall. It all began on Nov.16 when, at a preliminary hearing, New West representatives allegedly bad-mouthed LAUSD public schools, stating that they didn’t provide a safe environment for their students.
At the West Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, hundreds of Uni students showed up to show support for Uni and opposition to the construction of New West’s facility, and the committee denied New West’s appeal 6-4.
At the City Hall meeting, on Dec. 8, however, New West’s appeal was unanimously approved. New West brought their students, teachers, and parents, as well as a paid lobbyist to City Hall. The lobbyist is related to Mitchell Englander, who represents Council District 12 and presided at the hearing.
The new location would be advantageous to New West because under SB740, their close proximity to a Title I school would mean that their rent and costs would be drastically cut.
The faction which opposes New West cites various issues.
According to Dept. of Transportation projections, the relocation would generate traffic complications. New West will, have the right to Stoner Park facilities once a week, which doesn’t bode well with some students and community members who believe Stoner is already overused. Students are especially trying to urge 11th district Bill Rosendahl, who represents Uni’s area, to oppose New West.
As of late, due to the strong opposition from the community, Rosendahl has shown opposition to New West, stating “I have expressed deep concern about the increase in traffic that comes with having so many students being driven to and from school everyday.” Leadership has persistently urged Uni students to attend the hearing, and they stress the importance of Uni partaking in the democratic process.