Picus Seeks Extension of Construction Ban

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Joy Picus moved Wednesday to extend for another year a Warner Center freeze on construction that has been in effect since April, 1988.

The extension is aimed at allowing a committee of citizens and developers more time to prepare a set of recommendations for relieving traffic congestion in the booming business park located mostly in Woodland Hills, Picus said.

The building freeze affects an area bounded roughly by Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Vanowen Street, De Soto Avenue and the Ventura Freeway. It began as a one-year moratorium that was twice extended by 180 days. The second extension expires April 25.

Picus’ motion for a one-year extension is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday. The council generally defers to individual members on such matters that affect their districts.

“It has taken an awful lot longer than any of us dreamed it would take,” Picus said, referring to the preparation of the traffic recommendations. She said property owners in the area have not complained and noted that some of the major owners, such as Blue Cross of California, are represented on the committee.

Once the Picus-appointed committee produces recommendations, they will be forwarded to the city Planning Department, which will prepare a city ordinance. Picus said she hoped the entire process would be completed within the next year.