Bekins-Lane mansion sale to Archdiocese of Los Angeles has some Eagle Rock residents concerned

EAGLE ROCK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is exploring the possibility of turning a mansion in the hills of Eagle Rock into a retreat for catholic priests.

The former Bekins-Lane mansion, built in the 1920s by the founder of the Bekins moving company, sits on Hill Drive.

The property may soon become the property of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, but some residents have concerns about potential plans to turn it into a retreat for priests.

Among the concerns include traffic, parking and construction. A letter sent to some residents on behalf of the archdiocese states most of the existing grounds would remain the same, but a garage, two small guest houses, a swimming pool and patio would be removed to accommodate a new two-story retreat center.

"I'm concerned because if this goes through the zoning will change," Martha Moren of Eagle Rock said. "Trucks that it would take for the demolition are horrendous to take down that much and then building going on."

Some neighbors were critical of the possible purchase, stating with homelessness on the rise in Los Angeles, the archdiocese could be allocating more money to help the needy instead of building a retreat.

The archdiocese said it's in discussions with the conservancy, local government and neighbors.

If the sale goes through, the property, they said, would provide a peaceful environment in which priests can strengthen and renew their relationship with God.