UCLA students have decided that they’ve had enough of the Westwood Neighborhood Council’s rigid housing policies so they’ve decided to create their own neighborhood council. According to Curbed LA, students have referred to the Westwood Council as being “NIMBY”, an acronym for Not In My Backyard, and restrictive when it comes to developing new housing.

The announcement to form a separate council came in the wake of Westwood Council’s Land Use and Planning Committee’s latest decision rejecting the university’s proposal to renovate a UCLA extension structure into dorms for approximately 1,350 students. Michael Skiles, UCLA’s Graduate Students Association President, also pointed out that the current council made a similar decision back in 2011, when the university proposed that four residential structures located in Westwood be converted into housing for 367 students. 

Skiles also notes that housing isn’t the only issue encountered with the rigid neighborhood council. He also noted the development of bars and restaurants opening in nearby Westwood Village, which is supposed to appeal largely to students.

Lisa Chapman, President of Westwood Neighborhood Council, responded that building new affordable housing requires patience, and it’s not something that can be achieved easily. However, she supports the students’ plan to form their own council. 

The Los Angeles Department of City Planning currently isn’t taking any applications for new neighborhood councils, but may start soon.