Forever 21 to Develop South Central L.A. Land
A spokesperson for Los Angeles retailer Forever 21 said the company plans to proceed with a plan to develop a controversial swatch of land near downtown Los Angeles into a facility to handle its e-commerce business.
The company is working with developer Ralph Horowitz, who is seeking entitlements from the city of Los Angeles. The 14-acre parcel, located at 41st and Alameda, has become a hot potato for Forever 21 because the developer allowed a portion of the land to be turned into a community garden for South Central Los Angeles residents, many of whom are at or near the poverty level. The developer pulled the plug on the project two years ago, but the farmers want their farming plots back.
A group that calls itself South Central Farmers plans to bring its case to the Los Angeles City Council during its June 12 meeting. The group has argued that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has a conflict of interest with the project because Forever 21 has donated to his political campaigns.
The plight of the farmers gained attention when a short film called “’The Garden” documented their situation. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for “Best Documentary.”
The farmers plan to hold a rally on June 13 at the site to mark the three-year anniversary of the destruction of the farm.
Forever 21 officials countered that the project will provide jobs for area residents. They said the facility is expected to be completed in 2011. —Robert McAllister
