PACOIMA : Zoning OKd for Low-Income Units

Despite objections from residents of the area, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission on Thursday approved a zoning change that will allow construction of a 50-unit low-income housing project near Hansen Hills in Pacoima.

Residents complained that the city-owned and operated project would bring gangs and crime to the middle-class community.

But commissioners said they had no legal grounds to deny the project because it fits into the city’s master plan for the Arleta-Pacoima area. Although they said they sympathized with residents, they said they were obligated to approve the project.

The complex, designed and sponsored by the city’s Housing Authority, will consist of two buildings, dominated by three- and four-bedroom townhouses, in the 12300 blocks of Osborne Street and Osborne Place.