The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and its partner, Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) celebrated the groundbreaking for the Santa Monica Vermont Apartments in East Hollywood, according to Metro's news release. 

The project’s 187 units will be affordable for low-income households, with half of the units reserved as permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals. The project will also include on-site supportive services for residents, provided by Housing Works.

Development on Metro-owned land near transit stations helps families reduce housing and transportation expenses.

The six-story building will include community-serving retail space with plans for a health center and a food court, prioritizing local and legacy small businesses as tenants. The project will also improve the plaza and station area with new seating, lighting, and landscaping as well as a bike/mobility hub and new transit shelters.

When it’s completed in two years, the project will help stabilize the East Hollywood community and avoid displacement, according to Metro.

“Today is an exciting day for Metro and East Hollywood,” said Hilda L. Solis, Metro board chair. “This new transit-oriented development will be an example of how innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can make sustainable, equitable development a reality. Developing housing on Metro-owned land is making a difference in the lives of Angelenos throughout the County and we will continue to work to deliver on our promise of developing 5,000 affordable housing units by 2031.”

In June 2021, the Metro Board of Directors adopted an updated Joint Development Policy with a mandate to build as much affordable housing near transit for those who need it most, as soon as possible. Through Metro’s Joint Development Program, 300 affordable housing units have begun construction on Metro-owned land this year, adding to the 2,200 units in Metro’s portfolio. 

“Many transit riders in our county have an average annual income of just $19,325 a year,” said Stephanie N. Wiggins, Metro CEO. “These are the residents that need affordable housing located near transit the most. How we use our land can help make the difference between a thriving community for all versus one that doesn't work for low- and moderate-income families.”