Trump and L.A. School Board Battle Over Ambassador Site

Initially, I was amazed at the school board’s insistence on selecting the Ambassador Hotel site for a new high school. Now that the State Allocation Board has approved $50 million for the acquisition of two-thirds of the site, I am shocked!

Goldberg insists on placing the interest of our high school students above the redevelopment of the Ambassador site and the economic welfare of our community. We all agree on the necessity and urgency of a new high school. But the Ambassador site is ideal for a world-class hotel and major office complex.

Goldberg’s assumption that 17 of the 23.5-acre Ambassador site can be acquired for $50 million--about $67.50 a square foot--is clearly far under the current market value of high-rise sites in downtown Los Angeles or along Wilshire Boulevard which conservatively range between $150 to $300 a square foot.

Goldberg has promised not to request further funds from the State Allocation Board. Therefore, an additional $50 million to $150 million will be needed from local sources just to acquire the land. Where will these funds come from?

Alternative sites with lower density will be substantially less costly to acquire. Relocation of a few homeowners and tenants will be required. Certainly, our need for a new high school justifies the inconvenience of the few citizens involved.

May I suggest an appropriate area three blocks directly south of the Ambassador parcel bounded by Olympic, Vermont, Pico and Normandie close to Berendo Junior High Shool. Most existing improvements are older, low-density buildings.

If the school board insists upon a Wilshire Boulevard location, it has at its disposal a virtually free site at LaFayette Park Place. Obviously, other solutions are also available.

When all is said and done, I believe the final acquisition price for an alternative parcel will be a small fraction of the Ambassador site. The displaced families will be able to improve their residences while at the same time our community will benefit from the vitality of a world-class “Wilshire International Center” as well as a new high school, resulting in a win-win situation.

FRANK A. DUTRA

Los Angeles