Alatorre Ordinance Would Limit Development

A proposed ordinance that would temporarily limit development in sections of Highland Park is being drawn up by city planners at the request of Councilman Richard Alatorre.

The proposed interim control ordinance, introduced at a City Council meeting this month by Alatorre, is the second such ordinance proposed for the Highland Park area this fall. It is intended temporarily to limit development in two sections of Highland Park where residents are seeking the creation of Historic Preservation Overlay Zones.

The ordinance will accompany one proposed in October by Councilwoman Gloria Molina, said Brad Sales, spokesman for Alatorre. Molina’s ordinance covers areas of Highland Park that are next to each other and is intended to check development while building limits in the area are reviewed as part of a revision of the Northeast Los Angeles Plan.

Alatorre’s ordinance would prohibit the demolition of most buildings and limit construction to projects compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Determinations of such compatibility would be the responsibility of the Los Angeles City Planning Department.

Two Areas

The ordinance would cover two sections of Highland Park, near each other but not adjacent, that are part of the 14th Council District. One area is bounded by Avenue 45 on the south, Marmion Way and Monte Vista Street on the west, Avenue 50 on the north and the Pasadena Freeway on the east.

The other area covered by the proposed ordinance is bounded by Avenue 56 and Figueroa Street on the west, Avenue 60 and the Pasadena Freeway.

A community group leading the campaign to formally tighten building limits throughout Highland Park called the introduction of the ordinance a victory.

“We are of course delirious that it has gone through; however, it is only the first step,” said Diana Barnwell, president of the Highland Park Neighborhood Assn. “We’re real confident that in working with the planning department and the two council offices that we will be able to come up with something that is really significant in protecting the area.”

If adopted, the ordinance would be in effect until the City Council adopts the new district plan, or for 3 years. It would include provisions for exemptions under certain conditions.