Dispute Over Development in Studio City

Recent articles have indicated a disagreement over the decision regarding neighborhood impact from Herb Piken’s Center at Coldwater development.

As stated in the Jan. 15 article by Bob Pool, the Coldwater Ventura intersection is four blocks inside (east of) the boundary of Studio City.

Yes, Mr. Piken has altered his original plans for the former Tail O’ the Cock property. He has worked diligently with the Studio City Residents Assn., with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and others.

Our office has been besieged with phone calls alleging that Piken planned all sorts of dastardly deeds, each based on an unfounded rumor.

If he’s correct, Richard Close of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. and his constituents are regularly traversing the streets of Sherman Oaks to invade Studio City to go about their business. We are happy to share, but why should he then complain if we are a little congested?

Our organization finds that most retail shops are not open in the early morning. It appears that the Department of Transportation is correct in stating that there will not be a noticeable increase in traffic from completion of Piken’s project.

The Studio City Chamber of Commerce is not in favor of development at any cost. Something must be built to replace the Tail O’ the Cock, and we do not wish another center filled with fast food, tanning salons and nail painting establishments. We also are tired of looking at vacant land covered with weeds.

We intend to continue to work with Herb Piken, the Bistro Garden and the other tenants of the Center at Coldwater. We welcome the variety which they will add to our shopping and eating pleasures. We will feel free to call upon Mr. Close whenever we might need his talents. In the meantime, we suggest that Richard stay Close(r) to home. Sherman Oaks needs him.

JO DELL HAYS

Studio City

Hays is president of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce .