Demanding Concessions, Planning Commission OKs Lorenzo

The proposed South LA Lorenzo development from the mind of Tuscan-lover Geoffrey Palmer was approved yesterday by the Planning Commission, reports the Los Angeles Times. A truce was brokered between the developer and community activists who claim the area needs medical facilities--which it's zoned for--not expensive apartments. So in a compromise, on top of 34,000 square feet of retail, Palmer will provide 7,500 square feet of community-serving medical center, a center that will be rent-free for 20 years. He will also provide funding and start-up costs for the clinic. Palmer also agreed to put money towards job opportunity training for locals, as well as transit-oriented development (the project is on the Expo Line). Palmer hasn't been a fan of providing low-income housing in his developments, but he conceded to set aside 5 percent of apartments in the $250 million, 919-unit project (about 46 apartments). The Times says work may start this year and Palmer's website says completion is expected in 2015.
· City Planners Approve Mixed-Use Project in South LA [LA Times]
· Tuscan Still on the Table [Curbed LA]