Court blocks demolition work

An appeals court has blocked the immediate demolition of 49 dwellings to make way for a school in Echo Park. The case will now return to the trial judge to consider factors that he previously overlooked.

Kevin Reed, general counsel for the Los Angeles Unified School District, called Wednesday’s ruling “disappointing,” saying that the school is badly needed. Officials also estimate that each week of delays costs about $100,000.

Project opponents insist that valuable affordable housing is at risk because of an unnecessary project, especially given declining enrollment.

-- Howard Blume