Norwalk City to be abolished A local law passed last year prohibits homeless shelters As part of a settlement that will end state litigation. General Rob Bonta said Friday.
Last fall State prosecution Southeast Los Angeles County accused Norwalk of policies that violated anti-discrimination, fair housing and many other state laws. Norwalk leaders argued that its shelter ban, which also prevented homeless housing developments, self-tenders, payday lenders and other businesses that primarily serve the poor, is a necessary response to other agencies’ defaults to assist the city’s homeless population.
“Although you know that Norwalk City Council failed to violate the lawsuit, it is unforgivable,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “No community should reject residents in need, especially when people in your community sleep on the street.”
SolutionBonta said in a press release that judicial approval is required before it takes effect, requiring Norwalk to repeal its ban at an upcoming city council meeting. In addition, New York City will donate $250,000 to develop new affordable housing, formally acknowledging the ban has undermined fair housing efforts and has been under state monitoring of its increased housing policies.
Bonta said the legal action shows that the state will not back down when local leaders try to stop homeless housing.
“We are very willing to work with any city or county that wants to be their own to solve our housing crisis,” Bonta said. “With the same mark, if any city or county wants to test our determination, today’s solution is your answer.”
Norwalk officials were unable to comment immediately.
Norwalk stands out from other communities that have found themselves in recent years in the state’s crosshairs. Many cities that fight state housing policies, such as Beverly Hills and Coronado,,,,, Mainly rich and white. Norwalk, by contrast, is a Latino majority, working and middle-class city. The elected leaders of 100,000 cities said they were responsible for solving the homelessness of the area.
Although the ban resulted in the cancellation of Norwalk’s plan of shelters, city leaders believe the policy is largely a negotiation strategy to ensure that the state and other agencies hear their concerns. Last year, the city said it would not be enforced even if the shelter ban was still on books.
“It’s not an act of resistance, but an effort to pause, listen and find a common position with the country,” City spokesman Levy Sun said in a statement after a court ruling in February.
