Clarifying Stand on Westside Pavilion

It’s a shame that . . . not only were we allowed only 10 minutes of testimony before the Planning and Environment Committee, but that the L.A. Times could not even get a correct statement (from) our (group) and our many, many . . . supporters on (the) most crucial vote on such a precedent-setting project (Times, Dec. 15, “Council Panel OKs Smaller Expansion for the Pavilion”).

For the record:

We and all of our supporters--15 homeowners associations plus-- favor an expansion project of 105,000 square feet, exactly what is permitted under Proposition U without any need for a zone change, on either side of Westwood Boulevard, thus preserving the current zoning.

But we all oppose any change in the height limit of 45 feet--enacted to protect residential neighborhoods from commercial over-encroachment. Anything above this height gives the developer the ability to build a huge connection over the street (which would be) of questionable benefit to us all. . . . Common sense says it won’t work.

Any (bridge) over the street, with retail (outlets) on it, expands the project beyond the limits of Proposition U.

We have always (supported building) within the limits of Proposition U, with no zone change and no height-district change. This allows an expansion that would be compatible with the adjoining residential neighborhood. The well-placed and designed cul-de-sacs and traffic lights will protect our residents, not bridges in the sky. Environmentally and aesthetically, the bridge is a building mass that can never be mitigated.

MARILYN TUSHER

President, Westwood

Gardens Civic Assn.