WOODLAND HILLS : Bernson Seeks More Funds for Litigation
Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson proposed Tuesday that the city spend another $25,000 on the Warner Ridge litigation, which The Times recently reported has already cost the city at least $700,000.
The city agreed in January to settle the lawsuit after losing several court battles.
The newly proposed expenditures are to pay additional costs of the Westside law firm of Hall & Phillips. The council previously approved spending $30,000 to retain the firm to study the impact of the Warner Ridge litigation on city planning processes.
A council vote on Bernson’s proposed expenditure is scheduled next week.
The outcome of the litigation over the 21.5-acre Woodland Hills property has raised questions about the city’s vulnerability to similar legal challenges from other developers.
In the Warner Ridge lawsuit, the developers contended that the city illegally blocked their plan for a large-scale commercial project to satisfy Councilwoman Joy Picus’ political priorities.
In settling the case, the city was required to allow the project to go forward.
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