After the eviction of the iconic Suehiro restaurant, Little Tokyo continues to battle gentrification, in particular the 4th and Central mega-project.

Japanese and Korean seniors, mom-and-pop stores and unhoused residents are among those who make up a coalition opposing the controversial $2 billion project, which will drastically change the south edge of Little Tokyo forever.

The coalition will hold an outdoor rally and press conference on Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m., gathering at the northeast corner of Spring and First streets.

According to the Little Tokyo Service Center’s letter to the city, adopted by Little Tokyo Against Gentrification, there are serious omissions regarding the historical significance of Little Tokyo and its future due to the development. Moreover, residents are worried about protection from a potential seven years of pollution resulting from the construction, and inconsistent transportation requirements that must be addressed.

The developers originally promised an inadequate number of affordable housing units although it met the bare minimum required and no meeting spaces for community groups were announced, according to the coalition.

The community will ask City Councilmember Kevin de León to press for the redo of the Environmental Impact Report. LTAG secured assurances from landlord Anthony Sperl that he will not bring in inappropriate businesses to replace Suehiro, and along with the Little Tokyo Community Council gained some concessions from the 4^th& Central developer to lower the height and purpose of major buildings.

LTAG is a grassroots volunteer organization composed of Save Our Seniors Network, Greater Los Angeles JACL, and J-Town Action & Solidarity.

For more information, contact David Monkawa at (626) 999-7528.

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