Mini-Mall Problems

I read “Mini-Malls, Maxi-Problems,” (Editorial, July 22) with great interest. The community in which I live had one of these mini-malls forced upon us. The developer’s only interest was how much profit he could make. Because community sentiment was so strong in opposition to this development, there were a great number of limitations placed upon it such as driveway entrances and exits, proper number of parking spaces, aesthetics, types of acceptable businesses, etc.

For many months now the development has been complete and still stands vacant. The developer blames the community for this when we, in fact, told him exactly how we felt. Who invited him here? He has only himself to blame, particularly since his motive was to take advantage of us at all costs to satisfy his own greed.

He polarized with us right from the start and continued to be a rude and very hostile person as the development began to proceed. He clearly underestimated the power of a community of people who are concerned about their neighborhood.

Had his attitude been different, we could have worked together and his project could have been much more successful.

Fortunately, our Los Angeles City Council will place a six-month halt on these most unattractive, dangerous and mostly unwanted mini-malls.

JEAN HARDWICKE

Pacific Palisades