City Council approves condos

A controversial condominium building proposed for an industrial area of downtown gained unanimous approval from the City Council on Friday.

The 182-unit project -- which also includes more than 3,000 square feet of retail space -- would be located at 7th Street and Santa Fe Avenue. The city’s zoning administrator had rejected the project, but Councilman Jose Huizar -- whose district includes the area -- asked the council to overturn that decision.

The planning department and the Community Redevelopment Agency would like to keep the eastern downtown area industrial. They say doing so would save jobs and preserve space for future industrial projects.

Huizar supports the project because it would reserve some housing units for low-income workers. He also said the retail space would create jobs and replace those that would be lost if the project moves forward. The site of the proposed condo development is currently occupied by an auto parts manufacturer and distributor.

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-- Steve Hymon