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Calendar of Events.............2
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The Weekly Newspaper of Inglewood
Herald Publications - El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 68, No. 16 - April 18, 2019
LA Stadium Canopy Shell Event
On Monday, Inglewood commemorated the completion of the outer shell of the canopy that will sit atop the LA Stadium bowl. Here is an aerial view of the venue that will be the future home of the
Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams. Photo Credit: LA Stadium and Entertainment District
Renters Can Rest Easy as Council
Passes a Protective Ordinance
By Haleemon Anderson
Inglewood adopted a sweeping housing
initiative at Tuesday’s City Council meeting,
coming down squarely on the side of renters
after a pitched battle that raged for months
-- pitting the interests of landlords against
tenants and dredging up issues of gentrification,
demographic changes and who belongs
in the community.
Coming after an emergency 45-day moratorium
on rent increases, the current action
extends the moratorium for an additional 60
days and precedes a draft ordinance process that
will cement even more protections for tenants.
Council directed the City Attorney’s office
to begin drafting a code to limit rent increases
to once in 12 months. Other aspects include
limiting increases to between 4 and 8 percent
and establishing a relocation allowance program
for tenants hit with increases of more
than 4 percent.
A standing-room-only crowd gathered early
for the proceedings and an overflow room
was opened on the first floor of City Hall.
Tenants and landlords both were on hand for
public comments. While renters were generally
positive about the measure, property owners
took a more measured approach.
Tim Christianson said his family has owned
rental property in the city for three decades.
“Our rents are 40 percent lower than average,”
he said. Restrictions on rent increases could
be critical, he explained. “The only alternative
would be to sell to an investor who would
do the same thing they are talking about.”
Olicia Stewart said she has been the owner
and property manager at her building since
1995. She said restrictions on raising rents
can keep her from making needed repairs.
John Nemeth said he considered buying
property in Inglewood, but is still undecided.
“Rent control is detrimental to property owners,”
said Nemeth.
Long-time resident LaRon Smith said he
attended Inglewood schools. At 22 years old,
he bought his first property in the 90303
area code. “I understand both sides of the
argument,” said Smith. “We need to find a
realistic, happy medium.”
Senator Rod Wright, a property owner in the
rental business for 43 years, said the current
discussions on rent control are “a one-way
street.” “If you take from the property owner,
what does [he] get in return?” asked Wright.
Wright suggested forming a committee of
owners who have something to lose and
tenants who have something to gain.
A woman who identified herself as Angela
said she has owned property near the Darby
Park-Dixon area since 1980. She said her
concern is the Council’s desire to impose
relocation fees on owners when tenants move
due to rent increases. She said landlords
have not forgotten their social responsibility.
Jorge Rivera, from Tents Together noted
that the advocacy group works on behalf of
residents and organizations. “Thank you for
considering rent stabilization,” said Rivera.
“That will keep people in their homes.” He
said he hopes the City will adopt rent control.
The Council’s action to protect renters
stops short of rent control. Citing a study
done by Stanford University, Mayor James
Butts, Jr. described a scenario where, under
rent control, landlords eventually reduce rental
units and convert to condos. Butts cited this
trend as the cause of gentrification.
Jelani Hendrix said the 8 percent increase
allowed in the draft ordinance is too high.
Hendrix, a resident and organizer with vocal
advocacy group Uplift Inglewood Coalition,
is a consistent presence at meetings to discuss
housing in Inglewood. “This is a manmade
problem and it can be fixed,” said Hendrix.
“We can’t displace people in the name of
projects.” Mayor Butts responded to both
concerns, saying the Council’s action will
be a buffer between the capitalist economy
and the needs of the people.
Stewart Bailey, a city volunteer, announced
the Earth Day Music Festival Saturday at 10
a.m. at the City Hall South Lawn.
The Inglewood City Council meets every
Tuesday, unless otherwise noted, at 2 p.m.
in the Council Chambers on the 9th floor,
Inglewood City Hall. •