Judge Dismisses Suit Seeking to Block Mall

In the second major setback for opponents of a controversial $160-million shopping mall in Culver City, a Superior Court judge has dismissed a citizens group lawsuit that sought to block construction of the massive project.

Judge Richard Hubbell ruled Wednesday that the group COAST failed to file the lawsuit against the Marina Place mall within the required 90-day period. COAST attorney Debra Bowen vowed to appeal the ruling. The decision effectively barred a hearing on the group’s argument that Culver City officials failed to adequately consider the potential impact of mall traffic on public access to the beach.

Attorneys for the shopping center hailed the decision as another indication that Culver City officials acted reasonably in approving the project last year. The mall--50% bigger than the Westside Pavilion--would be built at the far western end of Culver City near Lincoln and Washington boulevards.