(Photo courtesy of Daryl Barnett)

By Angela McGregor

14 June 2018. Councilman Mike Bonin held a “Community Open House” at Westminster School Wednesday night regarding the proposed bridge housing for the former MTA Lot which, according to an emailed invitation “will provide opportunities for you to offer your feedback and input.”

But for the dozens of Venetians who attended with questions and concerns about issues as diverse and essential as public safety, CEQA and Coastal Development Approval, and the efficacy of providing emergency services and shelter for just 100 of the over 900 homeless on the streets of Venice, answers were unavailable.

Outside the event, homeless activist David Busch held a small media event wherein he stated his opposition to Bridge Housing due to the fact that these facilities will help a small portion of the over 20,000 homeless living on the streets and promise increased sanitation to clean up encampments (which he termed “inhumane”). He called for toilets, storage and other options to help this population to live “more safely” in their encampments as they wait for permanent, city-provided housing and services.

Meanwhile, attendees of the Open House entered the venue that, in lieu of seating, was lined with tables staffed by members of various homeless services organizations, including SPY, SHARE, LAHSA and the St. Joseph’s Center. These staffers were handing out information about their various organizations rather than anything specific to the MTA Lot Proposal.

A number of posters featured statistics about homelessness in Los Angeles. One of the few Bridge Housing-specific displays offered a variety of design options for the facility, and attendees were asked to indicate their preference for such items as “community garden”, “gathering place” and “space for pets” by placing a dot beside their choice on an easel board.

The final table asked for “questions and input” and offered attendees sheets of “Bridge Home” branded paper on which they could write questions. It was unclear how or when these would be responded to. A four-page flyer was offered which answered “Frequently Asked Questions”, but there was nothing on it that was not already to be found on the project’s website (www.BridgeHomeVenice.com). There is yet no design for the project, nor has a service provider been selected.

Councilman Bonin stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by supporters holding up pre-printed, “Everyone In” United Way placards while members of the media recorded his glowing assessment of the project and its community support. At one point, opponents of the project arrived holding up a yellow banner proclaiming “No Bridge Housing! Venice Says No!” and a couple of local residents were able to voice their concerns and objections to the project to Bonin directly before supporters once again closed ranks around him, raising their signs higher and making it impossible for anyone else besides the media to approach him.

The room was hot, stuffy and packed with stakeholders. Tempers flared. Several LAPD members were also present, and at least two attendees had to be escorted out after a scuffle.

It is unclear when or how Venetians will be able to have their say as to whether or not they feel this project should be built, or offer suggestions that would make it more acceptable to local homeowners and businesses. Because no motion regarding Venice Bridge Housing was passed at the most recent VNC Homeless Committee Meeting, the MTA Bus Yard Proposal will not be on the agenda of the upcoming VNC Board Meeting, which will be held this Tuesday, June 19th at 7 pm.

Despite the chaos and dissension, at 8 am on the morning after the Open House, Councilman Bonin Tweeted: “Great feedback, ideas and suggestions on how to make temporary homeless housing work at the former metro bus yard in Venice. Last night’s open house was a great success. #shedoes #VeniceSaysYes” and featured photos of his supporters holding up their signs, as well as photos of the aforementioned easel boards, covered with multi-colored dots.

Fox News referred to the Town Hall meet as “chaos.”