Gondola 2025: L.A. Metro Makes Final Decision Today

Just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the L.A. Metro Executive Management Committee approved a recertification of the combined Environmental Impact Report (EIR) with a 4-1 vote. While this recertification does not guarantee the projects completion, it is a critical step toward securing final Metro approval and initiating the necessary local and state permissions for construction.

Attention has been on how Mayor Karen Bass would respond, given that the L.A. City Council previously voted 12-1 urging Metro to halt the project. At this stage, Mayor Bass still holds a vote on the project. In the meeting, she aligned with the majority, offering a brief address lasting roughly twenty seconds.

Janice Hahn cast the sole dissenting vote, echoing concerns raised by critics of the Dodgers Gondola project over the past several years. The full Metro Board is scheduled to vote on the project during its December Regular Board Meeting, under the Consent Agenda. Items on the Consent Agenda can be pulled for additional discussion if a Board Member requests it, but they are generally intended to streamline approvals.

During the meeting, no major new points were raised beyond previous discussions. Hilda Solis reiterated her support contingent on the Bass Compromise of 2024, while Chairman Fernando Dutra emphasized that the city will ultimately decide on the actual project. The tension between the L.A. City Council and L.A. Metro remains unresolved.

According to Bill Shaikin, the compromise includes measures such as funding to compensate small businesses along the gondola route during construction, reimbursement guarantees for Metro bus services to Dodger Stadium during the 2028 Olympics if the gondola is not operational, expanded express buses to the stadium, Hollywood Bowl-style park-and-ride routes, and a requirement that any stadium parking development include 25% affordable housing or risk losing Metro approval.

The vote on Thursday, available online at 10 a.m., is expected to offer further clarity on the projects future. Updates will be provided as developments occur.

Author: Harper Simmons