The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development Monday approved Senate Bill 1060 by Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), which would create an Exposition Park Authority vested with the responsibility of managing and operating Exposition Park. The governing body would also be tasked with developing a long-term economic plan for the area.
The committee approval drew a strong response from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors which Tuesday voted to oppose the legislation on the grounds that the bill is illegal and a totally unwarranted and ill-conceived state encroachment into the local municipal affairs of this county and city of Los Angeles. . .
The key question is whether the state can legally dissolve a joint-authority agreement without the consent of other members of the agreement.
The purpose of the legislation is to capture the powerful economics of college sports and help rebuild one of Californias most economically challenged communities through the additional development of office space, affordable housing and commercial and retail establishments in the surrounding and outlying areas.
Under the measure, the Exposition Park Authority would be responsible for the management and operation of all state-owned properties within the Exposition Park area, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, as well as the long-term planning and economic development activities in the park. The bill would also require the Authority to sell the aging Sports Arena to allow for private development on the site.
Specifically, SB 1060 creates a centralized governance structure for Exposition Park that would replace the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission. The new governing body, the Exposition Park Authority, would consist of nine members: three public members, one each appointed by the Governor, Senate and Assembly; the State and Consumer Services Agency Secretary or designee; the California Science Center Executive Director or designee; the Los Angeles County Supervisor representing the Second Supervisorial District; the City Council Member representing Los Angeles Eighth Council District; and two public members appointed by the Authority based upon their level of financial contribution/development to the Park.
SB 1060 passed its first legislative review with a 5-3 vote and advances to the Senate Government Organization Committee for further deliberation.
Under of a lease agreement worked out earlier this year, USC will gain representation on the Commission, and this will hold true should the new Authority gain control of the area.
The Board of Supervisors has urged county officials to ask legislators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to oppose SB1060.
Advertisement
SB 1060 would replace Coliseum Commission
Advertisement
Advertisement