Arcadia, a city known for its significant Chinese community, is set to face a heated debate over a new affordable housing project that has left many residents unsettled. The Elara housing project plans to build 95 apartment units, with 45 of those reserved as permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Construction is expected to begin in December 2025, with the first residents moving in by 2027.
Situated in the southern part of Arcadia, near El Monte, the project will be located at 4217 East Live Oak Ave, an area within Los Angeles County’s unincorporated territories. Currently, the project is undergoing the approval process, and the developer, Affirmed Housing, headquartered in San Diego, aims to allocate 48 units for low-income families alongside the supportive housing component.
Residents of the area are voicing their concerns, especially after a recent city council meeting on October 15th, where several community members expressed their apprehensions about the influx of homeless individuals the project might attract. Many fear that the completion of these apartments will lead to increased safety risks in the community. Since the project falls within an unincorporated area, Arcadia city officials, including Mayor Michael Cao and council members Bo Ren Cheng and Ai-Lin Wang, acknowledge that they do not have jurisdiction over the project. However, they stressed their commitment to listening to community concerns and taking necessary actions.
Mayor Cao recently reached out to County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressing his worries regarding the Elara housing development. He emphasized his disappointment that such a significant project was approved without consulting neighboring cities or engaging with local residents beforehand.
Council member Bo Ren Cheng added that while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations is important, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate whether this project aligns with Arcadia’s long-term interests. He pointed out that it could negatively impact local property values, strain city resources, and increase traffic congestion. The ongoing discussions reflect a community grappling with the complexities of providing housing solutions while safeguarding the character and safety of their neighborhoods.
