Think Again Before Pushing People Out

In Bell Gardens, a new controversial rezoning map formed by the City Council could affect many residents. Its plans aim at decreasing the Bell Gardens population density, which is the second largest in Los Angeles County, due to overcrowded apartments and jumbles of houses.

Recently, a petition was sent to the city clerk asking for a referendum, or vote, by the citizens regarding the rezoning ordinances. The referendum was rejected by the City Council.

As a concerned 15-year-old Bell Gardens resident, I believe the rezoning ordinances are prospectively beneficial to businesses and companies which may use the cleared property. Thus, the new laws are not in accordance with the interests of a majority of the residents. It is understood that the schools are highly crowded, traffic is increasing, and police calls are more numerous than ever, but the people are content now, and drastic change like this would affect their social and financial being.

The ordinances should be reviewed carefully and a new solution should be found. I suggest that the city concentrate first on old businesses, gasoline stations and useless “junkyards” around the city before pushing the people out. As far as I’m concerned, this town is large enough for all of us.

RENE TRABANINO

Bell Gardens