Local News in Brief : Burbank to Hold Hearing on Media District Development

The Burbank City Council on Tuesday took the first step toward consideration of a moratorium on major development in the city’s Media District, agreeing to hold a public hearing on the issue early next month.

City Manager Robert (Bud) Ovrom said he would draft a letter this week to 45,000 property owners in Burbank informing them of the meeting, which probably will be held at John Burroughs High School. An exact date is likely to be set by the council next week, officials said.

Two council members have said they support a moratorium on major projects in the Media District, such as apartment and high-rise offices, but the other three council members have opposed the proposal.

The West Olive area of Burbank has been the center of continuing controversy recently, with residents complaining at several community meetings that commercial development is threatening to infringe on their neighborhoods. The area, which includes the Media District, is home to several major studios and St. Joseph Medical Center.

An initial moratorium could last up to 45 days. The council then would have to hold another hearing before extending the restrictions for up to 10 months.

Mayor Mary Lou Howard said Tuesday that she favors the moratorium “for a limited time until we know where we are going” with a new zoning plan for the area.