> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# The future looks grim
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/the-future-looks-grim-editor/
- Published: 2007-01-02T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T23:34:34.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

*By Clara Benrey Santa Monica*

The Planning Commission proposal to exempt from citizen review 50 unit multi-family low income housing projects is a horrible abuse of power by Santa Monican for Renters’ Rights. Having fled Fidel Castro’s communist Cuba, after our property was confiscated, I recognize governmental abuses of power. Commercial development of more than 7,500 square feet is subject to citizen review. It makes no sense to exempt these large projects. The 50 unit low income housing projects are approximately 40,000 square feet or larger. With reduced parking requirements the residents will overwhelm out already crowded streets, and schools. I just drove by an example of what SMRR is planning, 15th and Broadway, a high-density, four-story, low-income housing project. It is totally out of place with the single family homes in the neighborhood.

The HUD report, “In the Crossfire” provides very, very disturbing information. In summary, the report found persons residing in public housing and the surrounding neighborhoods are over twice as likely to suffer from firearm-related victimization as other members of he population. Also, there is a strong correlation between income and violent crime.

The crime in the Pico neighborhood bears this out. Every shooting in the Pico neighborhood is in close proximity to a low-income housing projects near Roosevelt and Franklin Schools. I fear for the safety of our children in my north of Wilshire neighborhood. This crazy proposal must be stopped. I urge everyone in the city to drive by 15th and Broadway and see for yourself what Santa Monican’s for Renters Rights is planning.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 2, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/010207.pdf?ref=smdp.com)