Council Fails to Override Veto of May Co. Project : Redevelopment: But move by Councilman Alatorre keeps plan alive by letting developers reapply for permit.

After four hours of debate, the Los Angeles City Council on Friday failed to override Mayor Tom Bradley’s veto of a plan to convert the old May Co. building into a huge garment plant--but agreed to let developers reapply for a permit to do so.

The council’s action drew mixed reactions from developers who are seeking a conditional-use permit for plans to place 7,000 garment workers and 600 businesses in the 1-million-square-foot building at Broadway and 8th Street.

“They are losing $80,000 a month in maintaining the building’s utilities, plumbing and other things,” said former City Councilman Arthur K. Snyder, an attorney and lobbyist for the investors.

“Essentially, the council gave us permission to continue losing money while we file for another permit,” Snyder said. “Whether they can hold up much longer is the question.”

Danny Partielli, executive director of the building--renamed the Broadway Trade Center--said the investor group will decide next week whether to close the building and lay off the 1,100 garment workers employed there.

Bradley vetoed the project Sept. 23 on the grounds that it would increase downtown traffic, lure tenants away from the nearby garment district, and change the character of a section of downtown zoned for commercial and residential uses.

Bradley also criticized the property owners for failing to discuss the plan with the Los Angeles Police Department.

On Friday, the council, which had approved the conditional use permit on a 10-5 vote, could only muster eight of the 12 votes needed to override the veto at a meeting attended by 400 garment workers and community leaders.

However, the council approved a motion authored by Councilman Richard Alatorre allowing the investors to reapply for the permit.

City Councilman Mike Hernandez called the council’s action a “new beginning” for the project, which some believe could spark renewed development in the deteriorating southern end of Broadway.

“I’m hoping the investors and all parties involved will continue to try and revitalize the downtown core,” Hernandez said, “keeping in mind the quality of the lives of the people who work there.”

Councilwoman Rita Walters, who changed her earlier position on the matter and voted in favor of the mayor’s veto Friday, said she would work for a compromise that is agreeable to Bradley, the City Council and opponents of the project, including Stanley Hirsch, who owns six buildings in the nearby garment district.