A proposal to convert a Motel 6 in Long Beach into a homeless shelter is facing opposition from local business owners and residents. City leaders are considering leasing the motel on Pacific Coast Highway to accommodate up to 70 unsheltered individuals nightly. The plan aims to address the needs of those living along the nearby Los Angeles River, providing on-site social services and a pathway to permanent housing. The project, estimated to cost $4.8 million, is part of a larger city initiative to house approximately 250 people living along the river.
Local business owners, like Steven Acosta, who owns a nearby tattoo shop, have voiced concerns about the proposal. “I think it’s awful,” Acosta said, noting that the area already has two shelters within a three-block radius. Other business owners, such as Darren Reichert of Advanced Muffler, argue that the concentration of shelters could harm their businesses. Residents like Dr. Autrilla Gillis have also expressed worries about safety and resource strain, launching a petition against the proposal.
City officials are negotiating the lease, which would last 18 months if approved by the City Council. The plan is part of a broader $17.4 million effort, partially funded by a state grant, to assist the city’s homeless population. According to the Long Beach Post, the city has previously leased motels for similar purposes, with mixed results in transitioning individuals to permanent housing.
Despite the opposition, proponents argue that the project is crucial for addressing homelessness in the area. The city is not considering other locations due to cost and logistical concerns. The proposal will be brought before the City Council for a vote, expected by December. Meanwhile, community members continue to debate the plan’s potential impact on their neighborhood.
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