Redevelopment Panel Revises Election Policy

A citizens advisory committee for the North Hollywood redevelopment zone has approved regulations tightening election procedures for board members.

The 15-member Project Area Committee adopted the guidelines Tuesday to clarify voting ambiguities that prompted a shouting and shoving match at a meeting three months ago.

Jerry Belcher, director of the North Hollywood redevelopment project, said the new rules will require voters and candidates in the elections to show picture identification and proof that they either live or do business in the 740-acre redevelopment area.

The committee also decided that vacancies on the volunteer board will be filled by residents or business owners appointed by committee members, rather than through a general election.

Belcher said the committee will vote to fill 10 vacancies at its August meeting. They will accept nominations from the public.

The new regulations stemmed from a contentious meeting in March, when several redevelopment foes from Hollywood accused the committee of conducting tainted elections by not providing sufficient public notice and confusing voters on eligibility requirements.

“We just want to have a smooth-running organization,” Belcher said of the new guidelines.