Critics Abound for Proposal to Restrict Buildings
The city of Los Angeles’ draft plan to control building dimensions on the Westchester Bluffs drew a torrent of criticism Monday at a lengthy public hearing.
Speaker after speaker expressed opposition to provisions in the plan that would restrict the height and scope of buildings in a narrow swath of land that stretches several miles across Playa del Rey and Westchester.
Critics also denounced proposed regulations on side yards, walls and landscaping, and proposed requirements that property owners who remodel or rebuild provide drainage for storm water runoff.
The testimony will be incorporated in a hearing examiner’s report to the city Planning Commission, which will decide whether to recommend the building restrictions to the City Council.
Jim Bickhart, a top deputy to Los Angeles Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, said in an interview that he expects that city planners will revise the draft plan to take into account “overriding opposition” to the plan as written.
“We know there are flaws in this plan. We accept that,” Bickhart said. “We’re willing to work with them to fix it.”
Preparation of the long-delayed plan was sparked by concern that construction of large dwellings is threatening the scenic bluffs.
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