Frustrations continue to mount for residents who oppose a proposed condominium project in Downey’s “Treasure Island” neighborhood. Their search for answers was delayed. Irma Huitron, Downey Director of Community Development, announced during a city planning meeting held Feb. 21 that the project’s public hearing was postponed indefinitely.
Project developer Olson Homes requested the postponement to send “supplemental material to city staff… to augment existing materials under the city’s review,” according to Huitron. The condominium would be built on 7360 Foster Bridge Boulevard, which is currently an abandoned church.
Olson Homes plans to build 33 units ranging from around 1,200 to 1,800 square feet, with three units designated as affordable. For weeks, residents have spoken out against the proposed project. These concerned residents described Treasure Island as a “hidden gem” in Downey and feared that the condominium would bring increased traffic and density to the area.
Downey Planning Commissioner Mario Guerra shared concerns over traffic and public safety, adding, “There are a lot of different issues that come in” to the island. Wednesday’s public commenting session continued the wave of criticisms over the condominium project. One Treasure Island resident named Javier, who did not provide his last name, alleged that “numerous residents” were approached by an unnamed person pressuring them to speak positively about the condominium.
According to Javier, this person told residents that apartments would be built if the condominium project wasn’t approved. Another resident named Alan Tier claimed the planning commission “didn’t care” about the neighborhood’s problems. Tier, a 52-year-old island resident, recounted a story about an ambulance taking 10 minutes to reach their destination from a local school due to the area’s heavy congestion. “[The planning commissioners] don’t care because they don’t live there,” said Tier. He added, “None of those people up there live even close to that place, so why should they care?”
Despite the hostile reception to the project, Guerra says he is waiting for the official public hearing to cast judgment on Olson’s condominium. “Right now, there’s a lot of hearsay out there, and I don’t think anyone has the truth yet,” he said. His message to Treasure Island residents is to ask questions. “Let’s make the developer tell us what they’re planning to do so we, as a city, can try to address these issues.”
