Restrict Development on the Boulevard

Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky is to be commended for criticizing the delays in adopting restrictions on future development along Ventura Boulevard.

Over the past four years homeowners and developers have worked with city planning staff to propose reasonable limits on density, additional parking and transportation requirements and measures to protect residential areas from commercial encroachment.

Whatever justification for the delays, the fact is that Ventura Boulevard landowners and developers are quickly getting projects through the door so that they do not have to meet the new requirements. If city officials do not act now, the entire purpose and effectiveness of the proposed Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan will be undermined.

Ventura Boulevard cannot tolerate the additional thousands of vehicles generated by development pursuant to outdated code requirements. Some people say it’s too late, but there is a possibility of another 40 million square feet of commercial development generating 150,000 more vehicles unless the new plan is adopted.

We do not want any more delays, any more excuses or any more development without the requirements and protections of the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan.

ROB GLUSHON

Encino