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1900 South Main Street / East Washington / East 21st Street / Revocable Permit / Commence Construction / Public Right-of-way

Council File 26-1230

Under review — the city is considering a plan to gate a downtown alley near a school that's become a persistent public nuisance despite repeated cleanups and outreach. The Public Works Committee is expected to hear the proposal next month.

Introduced
2026-08-28
Last changed
2026-09-04
Status
open
Expires
2028-09-04
Committee
Public Works Committee
Mover
CURREN D. PRICE
Second
EUNISSES HERNANDEZ

Brief

Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. introduced a motion, seconded by Eunisses Hernandez, authorizing issuance of a revocable permit to commence construction in the public right-of-way at the intersection of South Main Street, East Washington, and East 21st Street. The motion is currently pending before the Public Works Committee, which scheduled the item for its September 8, 2026 meeting. The file does not expire until September 2028.

Full summary

This motion, introduced by Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. of the 9th District and seconded by Eunisses Hernandez, would authorize the Bureau of Engineering to issue a revocable permit to the Department of Water and Power allowing it to close, fence, occupy, demolish, excavate, and construct permanent improvements in the public right-of-way along portions of the alley adjacent to 1900 S. Main Street, between East Washington Boulevard and East 21st Street. The practical goal is to install a gate that would restrict access to the alley while preserving entry for adjacent businesses. The motion cites the alley as a persistent public nuisance. Residents and nearby businesses have reported illegal narcotics use, trash burning, public urination and defecation, excessive debris, and homeless encampments. The alley sits within 200 feet of Santee Education Complex High School, the LA Mart, and a LADWP facility, raising heightened concerns about safety for students, workers, and the general public. According to the motion, repeated law enforcement interventions, homeless outreach, and CARE and CARE+ cleanups have failed to produce lasting improvement. The Los Angeles Police Department determined that gating the alley represents the most effective long-term remedy. The motion was introduced and referred to the Public Works Committee on August 28, 2026. The committee scheduled it for a hearing on September 8, 2026. The file remains open and pending committee action, with a two-year window before it expires in September 2028.

Activity (2)

  • 2026-09-04 Public Works Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 8, 2026.
  • 2026-08-28 Motion referred to Public Works Committee.

Documents (1)

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