Meeting Date: 11/04/03 07:30 PM
Meeting Type: Regular
Location: Yamashiro Restaurant
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Details: 1. Sign-in, welcome and introductions (call to order and roll call).
2. Review/approve minutes of August 5 meeting.
3. Discussion of general voting policy. Possible motion and vote.
4. Update on current affairs, such as Congress of Neighborhoods,
Hampton Inn at Sunset/Vista and restaurant/night club at
Hollywood/Cherokee.
5. Report on Area #3 position in favor of proposed night club at
6623-6625 Hollywood Blvd. Possible motion and vote.
6. Update and discussion on Highland/Franklin high rise.
Possible motion and vote.
7. Public comment and any new business for next month’s agenda.
8. Adjourn.
The meeting started promptly at 7:30 and ended at 8:40. With 11 attendees, we had an ample quorum.
Because I’ll be out of town for a month, please allow me to bring to your attention that regarding the proposed high rise structure at Franklin and Highland, a motion was unanimously passed –
– TO OPPOSE THE GRANTING OF A VARIANCE.
– THAT THE DEVELOPER STRICTILY ADHERE TO EXISTING ZONING REGULATIONS.
– THAT HE EXPLORE LESS INTRUSIVE MEANS TO DEVELOP THE PROPERTY.
The stakeholders also asked me to bring to your attention that on October 8, 2003 the Hollywood Heights Association had sent a letter to Tom La Bonge voicing its opposition to the granting of a height variance for the proposed Franklin/Highland condo building. A copy of this letter is below:
HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 931034 / Hollywood, California 90093-1034
Malcolm S. McNeil-
President
(310) 556-3002
fax (310) 556-3006
October 8, 2003
Councilman Tom LaBonge
200 North Spring Street
Room 480
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Re: PROPOSED HIGH RISE BUILDING ON SOUTHEAST CORNER
OF FRANKLIN AND HIGHLAND AVENUES, HOLLYWOOD, CA
Dear Councilman LaBonge:
The Hollywood Heights Association (“HHA”) has unanimously passed a motion to emphatically oppose the granting of a height variance for a 12-story condominium building on the southeast corner of Franklin and Highland Avenues, one of the busiest intersections in Los Angeles County.
The developer has purchased this property aware that an earthquake fault dissects the parcel. It seems extremely unfair to grant him special, privileged status to construct a massive high rise building at the expense of the quality of life and property values of the surrounding area.
The proposed structure would radically alter the appearance of this section of Hollywood. Where openness now exists, the proposed structure would close off Highland like the Hoover Dam. Dozens of private residences in Hollywood Heights and Whitley heights would lose the city views that define their value. To motorists and pedestrians on Highland and Franklin, even on Hollywood Boulevard, the area would appear shut-in and oppressive. The Methodist church on the opposite corner would be dwarfed by the proposed structure.
Long-term value for Hollywood lies in the preservation of its historic district, not its Manhattanization. Preservation is of the utmost importance if Hollywood is to have a future as an authentic neighborhood, not just a theme park. If the current ambience is destroyed, it will be virtually impossible to replicate. The office tower at 1800 N. Highland was a mistake, not an asset. The current appearance of the Yucca and
Franklin Place corridor demonstrates the appropriateness of low-rise apartment and commercial development for the area.
We could envision better uses for the parcel in question, such as street correction or even a small park; however it is not our goal to deny the developer his rights under existing zoning. However we are strictly opposed to a variance allowing a structure that exceeds the allowable height of six floors.
We wish to be advised of all hearings and relevant meetings where these issues are raised.
Very truly yours-
MALCOLM S. McNEIL
MSM/ram
cc: Ms. Frederika Cooper (HHA Correspondence Secretary)