Pedestrian Mall Has Neighbors Worried About Traffic, Crime

The San Fernando Valley’s answer to an eclectic Parisian arrondisement has some of its future neighbors in the Cahuenga Pass concerned that it will bring with it Parisian-style traffic jams and Los Angeles-style crime.

But officials in charge of the $70-million City Walk project in Universal City told residents Tuesday that they were taking steps to minimize the effects of the outdoor pedestrian mall now under construction.

Most of the 150 or so residents who attended a meeting with officials of MCA Development Co. acknowledged that the company can do what it wants to with its property, but some expressed concern that the entertainment giant might ignore its neighbors in the name of progress.

“We homeowners are going to suffer for your progress,” said John Holmstrom, who lives near Cahuenga Boulevard and Bennet Drive.

Holmstrom and other members of the Cahuenga Pass Property Owners Assn. said crime and vandalism have increased noticeably since the 18-screen Cineplex Odeon Theater opened three years ago, and many expressed fears that the new development would attract even more cars to the already congested area.

About as long as Rodeo Drive between Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards, City Walk will connect the theater complex, Universal Amphitheater and Universal Studios Tour and will be home to a mix of bookshops, boutiques and cafes. The UCLA Extension will locate its San Fernando Valley campus on upper floors of the project.

Construction began in August and is expected to be completed in the summer of 1992.

Jim Nelson, MCA’s director of planning and development, said the goal is to create a “pedestrian-friendly” environment similar to shopping and entertainment districts in Paris, with fountains and cozy squares that encourage people to stay in the area after movies or concerts. “We’d like to have more than just a specific destination,” he said.

Addressing residents’ fears about increased traffic and crime, Nelson said MCA is building new streets on its property to improve the traffic flow. He added that parking fees will prevent undesirable people from loitering in the area.

MCA executives have been meeting with homeowners groups for the last two years to discuss their plans for City Walk. Nelson said the concerns raised at Tuesday’s meeting, which was held to update homeowners on MCA’s plans for its property, were similar to those brought up at past meetings.