A long-vacant lot in the shadow of City Hall is being converted into an “art park” — but some downtown Los Angeles residents and a powerful union aren’t pleased about the deal and how it went down.
The nonprofit AltaMed Health Services is paying the city $175,000 to lease the two-acre space on 1st Street and Broadway through next February. At the site, AltaMed plans to build “El Corazón Art Park,” featuring an art gallery to showcase Mexican and Chicano works, 30 boxed trees and a health center — along with a 20-foot video screen.
The plan has faced backlash from some community members frustrated about a deal they feel was hashed out behind closed doors. Residents had long been promised a city-owned and operated park at the lot, and some fear AltaMed has more permanent plans for the space…