The L.A. Times published a story today about a treehouse in Elysian Park, high in a eucalyptus tree, that the city is taking down. The article, by Kate Linthicum, reports that many homeless people camp in the 600-acre park, in tents and other makeshift dwellings. The Eastsider reported this a couple of days ago, as well.

Which leads us to ... homelessness in the park being one thing, but new homes another. Once again the issue of Barlow Hospital's desire to sell part of its property within Elysian Park to residential developers is all over the neighborhood lists and blogs. Echoparknow posts news of a brochure (which I never received) sent to neighborhood residents. When EP Now's editors tried to respond to a request for neighborhood input, the online system did not allow. We are talking 888 residential units. Presumably, the city won't be dismantling those. But they should, before anyone gets a chance to move in.

It makes me think of Central Park. The city of New York has never allowed development within the confines of its fabled park, though I'm sure the money would be tempting to some.* And keep in mind that Central Park was built before there was significant development on its north, west and east sides. It was created with the expectation that eventually people would build all around the park.

What we're wondering down here at Chicken Corner is why that kind of forward thinking doesn't seem to be evident in L.A.'s treatment of Elysian Park.