WEST L.A. — Saturday is the last day for citizens to comment on the draft of a new master plan for the Veteran’s Administration campus.
The draft plan is meant to guide the physical development of the campus for the next 25 to 50 years, said Erik Gutierrez, public affairs representative for the VA of Greater Los Angeles Health Care.
The public comment period opened Jan. 19.
“The focus of this planning process is to ensure a therapeutic-, recovery- and research-oriented environment,” Gutierrez said.
The campus provides a wide range of health care services to veterans, including housing for the homeless.
Santa Monica city officials are lobbying for the plan to include refurbishing three residential structures — numbered 205, 208 and 209 — because they are designated for therapeutic housing, which can be used for the homeless.
“Lots of veterans are homeless or returning from the war and need additional assistance,” said Setareh Yavari, human services administrator for the Homeless Initiatives department in Santa Monica.
Yavari said a percentage of the Santa Monica homeless population is composed of veterans, although she did not have an exact count of homeless veterans in the city.
Those interested can comment on the draft master plan at regulations.gov/#!home or by mail to Director, Regulations Management (02REG), Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420.
Comments can also be sent via fax to (202) 273-9026.
All comments must be received by Feb. 19.
ashley@www.smdp.com