Rancho P.V. : Eastview Business Poll Set

In an attempt to blunt criticism from some merchants and residents that the city ignores them when it makes decisions for the Eastview area, which was annexed four years ago, the city is conducting a survey and will form an advisory committee to draft new development standards for a business strip on Western Avenue near Trudie Drive.

The area was the scene of a dispute last year in which some property owners blocked the city’s attempt to adjust an unusual boundary line with the city of Los Angeles.

Associate planner Greg Fuz, who is supervising the survey, said it is an attempt to get comments and ideas from people who live, own property or have businesses in the area.

“We have complaints that we ignore people and do things behind their backs,” he said. “What better way than to get them to tell us what we should do?”

The surveys, which ask about such such things as owners’ plans for their property, shoppers’ habits and relations between adjoining residential and commercial zones, was mailed or hand-delivered to 150 residents, property owners and merchants with a request for responses by Jan. 12. Fuz said about 30 responses have been received, ranging from “creative comments to some real negatives about being in Rancho Palos Verdes.”

The advisory committee, which may be formed in late January, would work with the planning staff on development standards for the business strip, which includes several restaurants, retail businesses and offices.