Ladera residents are intensifying their efforts to challenge the upzoning of the Ladera Center and surrounding areas through various initiatives, including lawn signs, a letter-writing campaign, and a series of well-organized community meetings aimed at rallying opposition.

      “There’s a county plan and there’s a city plan, and those two plans are competing, which is adversely affecting us,” stated Desobry Bowens, President of the Ladera Heights Civic Association.

      Residents argue that the city plan would upzone retail, residential, and church properties in Ladera Heights, potentially allowing developers to replace them with high-rise buildings, including targeted locations like the Ladera Center, Amazon Fresh, Marshall’s, and popular eateries such as Pann’s and Compari’s.

      In contrast, the county plan would impact the Slauson Avenue corridor, targeting the Home Depot property on Slauson for a transportation hub, which many fear could lead to a Metrorail line along the heavily traveled thoroughfare.

      Ladera resident Treva Miller is among those who believe that the plans are not only inequitable but view the upzoning as a thinly veiled attempt to gentrify the community.

      “It proposes to burden only the communities with predominately African American populations, Ladera Heights, View Park, and Windsor Hills with increased density for Los Angeles County while excluding West LA and Beverly Hills, from this upzoning,” Miller stated. “In Ladera Heights, it targets our market, churches, shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, restaurants, and small businesses. These are the amenities that make a community livable. The proposed changes will have long-lasting negative impacts on our communities and the quality of life of our residents.”

      Tracie Lyons, former president of the Ladera Heights Civic Association, emphasized preserving the community’s character, calling the proposal “unacceptable” due to expected increases in traffic and pollution.

      “It is essential that the County and City of LA zoning plans align on key aspects, such as height and density, and that both plans incorporate the voices of Ladera Heights residents,” stated L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who opposes the proposed upzoning.

      Westchester residents successfully fought off similar efforts in their community. County and city planning officials are set to host meetings with community stakeholders that are expected to influence the draft concepts, which are slated to be finalized in 2026. Stay tuned.