Boyle Heights and Arts District residents are collectively advocating for the establishment and enforcement of an anti-camping zone around the future park beneath the 6th Street Bridge, slated to open next year.
The Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council recently voted 13-1 to support the initiative, following a petition spearheaded by Arts District residents urging the city to implement such a zone for the sidewalks and perimeter of the forthcoming park. This action aligns the Boyle Heights council with the Arts District Little Tokyo Neighborhood Council and the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association in their appeal to Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Mayor Karen Bass, and city officials to designate the area and coordinate a security plan.
Concerns have been voiced for months by residents on both sides of the Los Angeles River regarding the potential for homeless encampments to form within the park. Anti-camping zones, as defined by Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.18, prohibit individuals from sitting, lying, or sleeping in specified public areas. While council members require consensus from their colleagues to enact new zones, proponents cite a 2024 endorsement by the L.A. City Council for a zone along the 6th Street Bridge, which they believe should extend to the adjacent park.
Councilmember Jurado stated that her office is currently verifying the exact boundaries in relation to the park. The push for this zone occurs amidst broader discussions in Los Angeles concerning the implementation and enforcement of anti-camping ordinances. Notably, in August, the City Council approved efforts to repeal 12 anti-camping zones in District 13, with Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez's office citing that enforcement often hinders efforts to house unhoused individuals.
Jurado expressed openness to a "serious and transparent conversation about how 41.18 is being used and what results it is producing," emphasizing that anti-camping zones represent only one component of a larger strategy for park safety and addressing homelessness. She highlighted the park's significant public investment and its role in connecting historic neighborhoods, stressing the need for dialogue and difficult decisions to ensure safety and accessibility while acknowledging the absence of a universal solution.
The park, officially known as the Sixth Street PARC (Park, Arts, River & Connectivity), is designed to include an arts plaza with an amphitheater, garden, and terrace seating, alongside amenities such as a cafe, dog park, fitness equipment, and sports courts. Shmuel Gonzales, a Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council board member, voted in favor of the anti-camping zone, stating his desire for the park to "ultimately benefit the community" and for the city to assume responsibility for managing the space, thereby deterring private security or business improvement districts from introducing "negative capitalist forces." He also stressed the importance of clear signage and a fair process to facilitate the transition of individuals into housing.
Margarita Amador, secretary of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council, voiced her desire for the park to be "protected, safe, and usable for the community." She supported the joint effort with other neighborhood groups, noting that Boyle Heights possesses the largest recreational section of the park. Amador expressed concern that without a plan, the park could face issues similar to MacArthur Park, adding that while an anti-camping zone might not be a complete solution, it offers an enforceable measure.
Tom Trafelet, who initiated the petition, advocated for equity for both sides of the bridge, expressing hope for collaborative efforts to create a safe and enjoyable space for families. He stated, "I just don't want it to be just the Arts District getting everything and you guys getting nothing."
