As expected, the Los Angeles City Council and the County Board of Supervisors have given approval to move ahead with the $2 billion Grand Avenue project slated to break ground this fall.

The three-phase development will include retail stores, office space, high-rise residential condos and apartments, a park and a $185 million hotel. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in October and should be completed by summer 2011. Portions of the project will be designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Opponents of the project are most concerned with the nearly $100 million down payment taxpayers may need to foot to get the project going and some opponents also fear that it is likely more subsidies will be requested for the second and third phases of the construction. The Community Redevelopment Agency and the county have already invested $30 million in the project.