The City of Palm Springs has commenced a Historical Context Study with the Southern California consultant Architectural Resources Group (ARG) to document the complex history of Section 14. This one-square-mile tract, adjacent to downtown Palm Springs, saw properties abated by burning and demolition from 1956-1969 due to health concerns from federal, state, and Riverside County officials, as well as ongoing development efforts.
The City Council directed staff to find a qualified consultant during their April 11 meeting. Work began earlier this month, with a draft study expected in September and a final presentation to the City Council anticipated in November.
The study aims to document the history of Section 14 during the period when the City was asked to assist the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in clearing their property. It will also help determine the City’s role and responsibilities related to displacements.
“The City Council values an external third party who will analyze historical documents and provide the City and all residents and stakeholders with a comprehensive historical report of Section 14,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “My Council colleagues and I are united in agreement that we want to work together as a community to address the inequities of the past, and this Historical Context Study is the first step in the process.”
In addition to agreeing on the Historical Context Study, the City Council decided in April to offer $4.3 million to residents with verified property losses related to Section 14. They also requested staff look into several programmatic actions aimed at addressing past inequities. These include building more affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities for underserved communities, exploring building a Healing Center dedicated to Section 14, potentially renaming a community park, dedicating an art installation, or creating a day of remembrance. Some of these efforts are expected for discussion within the coming months.
For more information about Section 14’s history and related documents, residents and stakeholders can visit EngagePalmSprings.com.
