LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles City Council voted on Friday, May 27, to try to buy a 124-unit housing development in Chinatown by exercising the power of eminent domain, in an effort to freeze rent increases by the landlord, who does not want to sell the building to the city.
Councilman Gil Cedillo, who represents the neighborhood, said the vote is “a major step” in the acquisition of the building and a “part of the very extensive process of eminent domain.” Councilors voted 12–0 to begin the process to force the sale of the private property.
