Press Release: December 11, 2001
Council Approves Landmark Jobs/Benefits Package
Lawmakers Back Agreement for Living Wage Jobs, Childcare Center, Local Hiring as Part of $218 Million Development Project

The Los Angeles City Council today voted unanimously to approve a redevelopment
project that includes unprecedented protections for workers and community members.

NoHo Commons, a $218 mixed-use project slated for North Hollywood, will provide
living wage jobs, an affordable childcare center, local hiring and a job training program for
day laborers, among other provisions.

The elements of the Community Benefits Plan, as it is known, were negotiated by the
Valley Jobs Coalition, a project of the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE).
The coalition of labor, community and religious activists reached agreement in September
with developer J.h Snyder Co.

"This agreement is a model for how community groups, labor and business can join
together to make development projects work for everybody," said Jeff Farber, a member of the
Valley Jobs Coalition and chief officer operating officer of L.A. Family Housing. "We believe
that this Community Benefits Plan offers a blueprint for communities around the Southland."

The Community Benefits Plan for the North Hollywood project follows the agreement
reached earlier this year between a community/labor coalition and the Staples Center on a
$1 billion downtown sports and entertainment district center. That agreement also provides
for living wage jobs and local hiring, as well as other community benefits.

The NoHo Commons' Community Benefits Plan breaks new ground, however, by
mandating that 75% of the estimated 2,000 new jobs created by the development will pay at
least the Los Angeles City living wage of $7.99, or $9.24 if health benefits are not provided.
The Staples agreement set goals for living wage jobs, but not requirements.

NoHo Commons will combine residential units, retail outlets, office space, a public
school, a community clinic and a childcare center. It is seen as a critical part of the area's
revitalization efforts. Construction on the project is expected to begin next year.

Valley Jobs Coalition activists were quick to credit developer Snyder for his willingness
to negotiate a comprehensive benefits package. "Mr. Snyder has acted in good faith right from
the beginning," said Carol Bluiett, a member of the Valley Jobs Coalition and employment
counselor at Penny Lane, a residential center for at-risk youth. "He understands the importance
of good jobs and strong communities to this city."

Roxana Tynan, director of LAANE's Accountable Development program, also praised the commitment of community activists, who have persevered through a long and sometimes difficult process that saw the size and nature of the project change, along with the developer.

"This community has remained steadfast in its determination to ensure that the project
brings decent jobs and vital services," said Tynan. "The Community Benefits Plan is a testament to their efforts."