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VENICE – What began as growing concern over a new encampment at the site of the former Bridge Housing facility on Main Street quickly turned into action this week, as the area was cleared just days after residents raised alarms.
In early August, locals reported 7–10 individuals occupying makeshift sidewalk structures in front of the now-closed shelter, with some witnesses observing possible drug activity and bike theft. Residents praised the vigilance of Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) and her staff, who were kept apprised of the situation. Photos taken August 3 and confirmed on August 5 showed the encampments firmly in place.
The site, once home to A Bridge Home Venice Beach, officially closed December 31, 2024, with intakes ending July 1, 2024. Operated by PATH, the facility served 772 individuals over its four-year span, connecting 211 to permanent housing. Opened in February 2020 on the former Metro bus yard at Sunset Avenue and Main Street, it was originally approved as a three-year temporary shelter under a de minimis waiver from the California Coastal Commission. Despite planned closure in 2023, the City Council extended its use through the end of 2024—a move challenged by civic groups who argued the extensions violated coastal law.
With the closure complete, Metro has selected the Metro Venice Art Collective (MVAC) to redevelop the site into a mixed-use rental project of 341 units, including 86 (25%) designated affordable at 80% AMI. While some activists called for deeper affordability, Metro opted for the AFL-CIO Housing Trust–funded plan, which favors the 80% threshold. Community feedback is being gathered, and groundbreaking is expected no sooner than 2026.
On August 7, following community reports and just days before this story was set to publish, Councilwoman Park’s office coordinated the removal of the encampments. The cleanup restored full pedestrian access and removed all temporary structures. The work was documented by Venice Neighborhood Council Community Officer Clark Brown, who provided photos of the cleared sidewalk.
The swift response underscores both the ongoing challenges and quick-turn solutions in addressing public safety, cleanliness, and accessibility at key Venice locations during the long transition from interim shelter to permanent redevelopment.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of the Venice neighborhood who covers the current encampment and RV crisis on the streets today. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].)
