Two multi-million dollar beachfront properties on Ocean Avenue were slated to become housing for the homeless as part of the Behavior Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, something neighbors learned of just recently.
"What? How did this happen? How did we not know?" said Santa Monica resident Greg Morena.
City leaders said they were caught off guard, too.
"Of course I'm concerned about the lack of local control and community engagement in Santa Monica," said Mayor Lana Negrete.
She said L.A. County's Department of Mental Health and St. Joseph Center planned to collectively manage and fund the potential 24-bed facility at each home.
The thing is, neighbors don't want it.
"When they're in the facility I'm not worried about it. But it's when they are allowed to come and go as they please, it's a little scary," said Santa Monica resident Jim Menges.
He lives next door to one of the proposed sites, which were once senior living homes. He says he is concerned.
"About eight months ago, a homeless guy had like a psychotic break, went into our garage, stood on my car and just put his footprints, ripped the windshield wiper off. Just to cause problems," said Menges. "Police come, they can't do anything."
Menges is not the only concerned resident.
Neighbors shared their disappointment during public comment at the city council's meeting over the lack of transparency.
"Everyone is really feeling let down and disappointed by the actions and the state of the city," said Santa Monica resident Ashley Oelsen. "I know you all can do better and you want to do better but that is not what's happening."
Neighbors said the project is near schools and a park already home to transients.
"My kid is my priority. I don't feel safe," one resident said during public comment.
They also fear the economic challenges with the proposed homeless housing project, considering existing retail vacancies at Third Street Promenade.
"Half the stores are out," said Menges.
Before the city council meeting, L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement after hearing neighbors' concerns that the project is paused, adding:
"I am completely disappointed by the lack of proper communication with Santa Monica residents about the proposed interim housing projects on Ocean Avenue.
"It is clear from the North of Montana Association meeting - and conversations since - that there has been inexcusably little engagement around this proposal. This is not how trust is built, nor how lasting solutions are created."
The city's mayor also added that "it's about transparency, accountability, it's about engaging with the community in advance."
The project was paused to allow developers to have more conversations with the community first.
"This is really what it's all about. Understanding that we have a voice," said Morena.
Neighbors said they would rather see this project near a hospital, police station or transit hub.
The state also agreed to provide an extension on the BHBH Program grant for the projects.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story misstated that Providence Saint Joseph's Medical Center was involved in the housing project. The article has been updated to clarify St. Joseph Center is involved with the project.