Petition Against the Development Project at 2824-2830 N. Prewett Street | CASE NO. ZA-2021-5204-ZAD-1A

We, the undersigned residents of Lincoln Heights and concerned citizens, strongly oppose the proposed development project at 2824- 2830 N. Prewett Street. This large-scale construction project would involve building a two-story single-family home with an additional accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a pool, retaining walls, and private recreation facilities, all on a vacant lot located in a hillside area. We stand united to express our concerns for the environmental, social, and cultural harm this project will cause to our community.

1. Environmental Harm and Loss of Open Space

The proposed project will directly impact a city-designated Open Space/Habitat area. This land, though labeled as containing only weeds, is in close proximity to one of the last remaining relict walnut woodlands and valley grasslands in the southern parts of Flat Top. Development on this land threatens local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and damaging wildlife habitats.

This development sets a dangerous precedent for further hillside construction, which could gradually erase the green spaces that make our community environment resilient and sustainable. We risk losing more open spaces vital for our well-being and future generations.

2. Impact on Climate Resilience and Public Safety

This area is designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The addition of new structures and increased human activity will only exacerbate fire risks. The steep, substandard roads, already problematic in emergencies, make it difficult for first responders to access the site in case of a fire, which could result in delayed response times and increase the spread of fires.

Furthermore, the project will significantly disturb the land, leading to increased runoff and soil erosion, potentially damaging nearby areas.

3. Destruction of Cultural and Aesthetic Identity

The development sits on a scenic ridge line that provides important views of the surrounding area, currently enjoyed by the local community. By constructing a two-story luxury home in this area, the project will obstruct these scenic views, reducing the aesthetic value of the neighborhood.

 The modern design of the development is completely out of character with the historic and cultural aesthetic of Lincoln Heights, a neighborhood with deep working-class roots. The new structure will clash with the established architectural style, diminishing the area’s cultural identity.

The project site is adjacent to a key filming location featured in the iconic Chicano film Blood In, Blood Out, which holds deep significance for the Mexican-American and Latinx communities of East LA. To build here is to erase a part of our history, undermining the rich cultural heritage of Lincoln Heights.

4. Contribution to Gentrification and Displacement

This project is part of a growing trend of luxury housing developments in neighborhoods like Lincoln Heights that are in desperate need of affordable housing. By adding another high-end, market-rate home to the area, this development will drive up property values, increasing property taxes and rents, making it increasingly difficult for long-term residents, many of whom are low-income, to afford to live here.

The influx of luxury homes will lead to the displacement of working-class families and shift the neighborhood towards wealthier demographics, eroding the cultural fabric of Lincoln Heights and displacing those who have built the community.

We Demand a Stop to This Development!

We urge the City of Los Angeles to reconsider this project, keeping in mind the environmental, cultural, and social impact it will have on the Lincoln Heights community. We cannot allow the destruction of open spaces, the displacement of long-standing residents, and the erosion of our community’s unique identity.

Attend the Public Hearing

We strongly encourage everyone who shares our concerns to attend the Los Angeles Department of City Planning Commission’s Public Hearing on March 12 after 4:30 PM to voice your opposition to this harmful development.

For more details, please check the city’s Notice of Public Hearing.

Say No to Luxury Hillside Developments and Protect Lincoln Heights!

Sign our petition today to prevent the loss of our community’s green spaces, protect our heritage, and advocate for affordable housing that benefits all residents.