In a move that has sparked some controversy, the Los Angeles City Council voted 10-0 on May 7 to lease the old Fire Station 83 at 5001 North Balboa Boulevard in Encino to the Armenian Cultural Foundation for $1 a year for 50 years.
The old station, which has been empty for about six years since the LAFD built a new Fire Station 83 just up the block, has fallen into disrepair in recent years and is boarded up.
"This will provide a lot of services, a lot of opportunities. It's a win-win for everybody," Councilman Paul Koretz told ABC7.
But some neighbors are unhappy with the move, ABC7 reported. One told the station the price made no sense, considering the financial trouble the city is in, while another thought the next-door Encino Elementary School could have made better use of the space.
The vote at L.A. City Hall was swift, without debate, and was the culmination of years of efforts by Koretz and councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Eric Garcetti, according to the Asbarez Armenian News.
The ACF plans to make extensive renovations to the building.
"We are excited for this opportunity to provide a community center in Encino" Encino ACF representative Zohrab Kahwedjian told the Asbarez Armenian News. "We look forward to working with the city to finalize this lease and begin the process of building a flourishing community center for generations to come."
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