The decision follows weeks of criticism from residents and city leaders, including Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, who voiced concerns over the lack of public outreach
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath on Tuesday directed the termination of two proposed interim housing projects on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, citing a breakdown in community trust and a lack of transparency in the planning process.
Horvath said she has instructed the county’s Department of Mental Health, St. Joseph Center, and the City of Santa Monica to work together to identify new locations for the urgently needed mental health and housing services the projects were meant to provide.
“When a project moves forward without community awareness, it erodes trust,” Horvath said in a statement. “That trust has been broken, and the community is right to be frustrated.”
The decision follows weeks of criticism from residents and city leaders, including Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, who voiced concerns over the lack of public outreach surrounding the county-led initiative. The proposed facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue would have offered 49 interim housing beds for people experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges.
Horvath, who previously called for a pause on the projects, said the lack of coordination between agencies was “unacceptable” and reaffirmed her goal of consolidating all homelessness and behavioral health housing programs under one coordinated county department to ensure accountability.
“The need for mental health and housing resources remains urgent,” Horvath said. “We must all work together to deliver the solutions we need.”
