The Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 31 approved an authorization for a temporary agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to use a site for short-term storage of recreational vehicles, councilmembers said.

Councilmember Padilla introduced the item, saying the measure responds to concentrations of abandoned RVs in parts of the city. “Este proyecto representa un paso directo y proactivo para asegurar que esto se arregle,” Padilla said, adding that the site would be limited to authorized personnel, would not serve as housing and would be used only “por 2 meses antes de que se los saquen de ahí.”

Padilla said the proposal followed stakeholder meetings and focus groups and included safeguards to address neighborhood concerns: “En respuesta hemos asegurado que haiga seguridad de 24 horas. Adicionalmente con cámaras, con una persona que va a gestionar el sitio.” The item was described as a temporary measure to facilitate disposition of vehicles that appear abandoned and to clear street obstructions.

Council discussion acknowledged an accompanying technical amendment intended to expedite disposition. A councilmember referenced an amendment by Marc González that would speed the legal process needed to dispose of vehicles. A clerk’s announcement during tabulation recorded the vote as affirmative by the council (11 yes votes were announced in the chamber during roll). The motion language on the agenda authorized an agreement with Metro for temporary use of a site to store recreational vehicles pending disposition; the transcript does not specify the Metro property address beyond references to Balboa and Victory in public comment.

During public comment several community members urged quick approval. One parent and organizer said the temporary site would relieve parking and safety problems around youth programs: “Tenemos 1500 padres y niños ahí cada sábado. Hay un problema de vehículos recreacionales ahí… Por favor, insto a que lo aprueben lo antes posible,” a speaker said. Other speakers called for fencing and additional street cleaning funds to reduce neighborhood impacts.

The council and public repeatedly characterized the site as non-residential and short-term. The council did not adopt language in the meeting record that would authorize long-term housing at the site; according to Padilla’s statements the intent is vehicle storage and expedited disposition.