Metro BRIEFS : LOS ANGELES : Plan OKd for Technical College

Los Angeles Community College trustees voted Tuesday night to launch a joint project with city officials that will bring a multistory parking structure, about 100 affordable apartments and small businesses to a district-owned site across from Trade Technical College.

On a 6-1 vote, the trustees agreed to seek funding for the $22-million project through the city and to form a nonprofit organization to oversee its development. Trustee Patrick Owens voted no.

The City Council on Wednesday sent the proposal to its Community Redevelopment and Housing Committee. A spokesman for Councilwoman Rita Walters, whose district includes the two-acre project site south of downtown, said she expects a vote before the full council by the end of the month.

Proponents say the project would help the district alleviate a severe parking shortage at Trade Tech as well as provide low-cost housing in the working class, multiracial neighborhood.