Skid Row conversion could add 95 affordable units

A few weeks after securing funds for a project in South Los Angeles, the Coalition for Responsible Community Development is eyeing Skid Row.

The nonprofit filed plans this week to convert three buildings on East 5th Street into 94 units for extremely low-income households and one manager’s unit, Urbanize reported. Units would range from 241 square feet to 609 square feet. The plan also calls for 16,000 square feet of commercial space.

The development at 803-821 E. 5th Street would require a zone adjustment to allow for units smaller than 450 square feet, according to the report.

A previous owner, an entity controlled by developer Daryoush Dayan, had proposed a project with 160 micro units. But that project was abandoned and the property was sold two years ago for $7 million, records show.

In South L.A., the Coalition is teaming up with L.A. Family Housing to build a 100-percent affordable housing project with 32 units on city-owned property at 6901-6917 S. Main Street.

The city settled a lawsuit earlier this year, which surrendered its ability to seize possessions from people living on the streets without notice. Property owners and developers said the decision could discourage development, particularly in the Skid Row area.

The city also approved the 382-unit Weingart Center homeless and affordable housing project set for 554-562 S. San Pedro Street in Skid Row, despite appeals from business owners and residents. [Urbanize] — Gregory Cornfield