WARNER CENTER : Planning Panel’s Action Scrutinized

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday ordered an investigation into allegations that the Planning Commission violated the state’s open meeting law last month by directing its staff to study a new development scenario at Warner Center.

By a 13-0 vote, the council ordered the city attorney to look into the commission’s Feb. 20 action regarding the preparation of the Warner Center Specific Plan.

Homeowners complained that the commission violated the Brown Act because its Feb. 20 agenda did not notify the public of an upcoming Warner Center debate. The Brown Act requires that government bodies conduct their business in open and provide written agendas that notify the public in advance of items to be discussed at future meetings.

After the outcry, a Planning Department deputy director said the commission’s action would be suspended and a new hearing set March 12 to consider the matter again.

“The homeowners were left out in the cold,” said Councilwoman Joy Picus, who represents the Warner Center area and has been critical of development plans there.

Picus, who called for the inquiry, warned her colleagues that the Feb. 20 incident illustrated the power of the building industry and the dangers of back-room deal-making.

Developer representatives were present in force at the Feb. 20 meeting, urging the commission to support a modified plan that would favor large-scale development.