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Inglewood to Vote on Land for LA Clippers Arena

Los Angeles Clippers

After receiving push back from area residents, the Inglewood City Council could vote to shrink the size of the site under consideration for a LA Clippers arena. 

Earlier this summer, the city approved an exclusive three-year negotiating period for the Clippers. This deal allows the Clippers to explore the construction of a new arena in Inglewood, with the proposed site located near a forthcoming NFL stadium that will be home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

On Tuesday, the city will consider that issue again, with a vote focusing on the amount of land that can be used for the arena project. Area residents had balked at an earlier site plan, which included a four-block area for the arena and related development. The new agreement, should it move forward, would effectively cut back the amount of land dedicated to the project and eliminates the chance of removing some residences. More from The Los Angeles Times:

The agreement outlined a four-block area where the arena, practice facility, team headquarters and parking could be constructed — and broached the possibility of using eminent domain to acquire some of the property.

The impacted area is home to an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 people with a median income around $30,000, as well as the Inglewood Southside Christian Church.

The new agreement eliminates the possibility of removing single-family homes and apartment buildings and narrows the possible arena area to two blocks along West Century Avenue. They’re occupied by a variety of businesses, including the family-owned Rodeway Inn and Suites, a warehouse used by UPS, Church’s Chicken and an auto detailing shop. The deal also includes about six acres of city-owned land along West 102nd Street, butting up against the church and apartment buildings in addition to more city-owned land off South Prairie Avenue.

The agreement leaves open the possibility of acquiring property for the arena through eminent domain “provided such parcel of real property is not an occupied residence or church.”

Douglas Carstens, a Hermosa Beach land use attorney who sued Inglewood in July on behalf of the group Inglewood Residents Against Taking and Eviction, believes the move is a step in the right direction, but wants more action by the city.

Madison Square Garden Co., which owns The Forum, previously filed a claim for damages against the city over the project. The Clippers currently play at the Staples Center, where their lease is set to expire in 2024.

RELATED STORIES: The Forum Owners File Claim Against Inglewood; Inglewood Approves LA Clippers AgreementInglewood to Vote on LA Clippers AgreementReport: Los Angeles Clippers Considering Inglewood Arena

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