STUDIO CITY : Mall Builder Assailed Over Roadwork

The developers of a new mall were assailed Tuesday by politicians and Studio City residents for failing to begin required road improvements before opening for business this week.

Building & Safety Division officials who allowed the Good Guys electronics store to open on a 90-day basis were also lambasted by City Councilman Joel Wachs and a homeowners group.

But a spokesman said the developer of the mall at Ventura and Laurel Canyon boulevards is committed to making the improvements nearby that would ease the flow of the traffic created by its patrons.

The permits were issued even though the developer, The Arba Group, has yet to install right- and left-hand turn lanes in the northbound lanes of Laurel Canyon Boulevard at its intersection with Ventura Boulevard. Under its original deal with the city, Arba agreed to complete the improvements before opening the mall.

“This is one of the busiest intersections in the Valley,” said Tom Henry, planning deputy for Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs, “and we want these improvements.”

Henry said the permits were issued without Wachs’ knowledge, and that the councilman is determined to make sure that other stores and restaurants in the mall are not allowed to open before the improvements are made.

“The way the laws are set up, Joel (Wachs) can’t just say, ‘Do this!’ ” Henry said. “But we are going to suggest, strongly, that these things get done.”

Ira Handelman, a spokesman for the developer, said the group is working diligently to get plans for the improvements approved.

“The developer is committed to the improvements that are called for by the project,” Handelman said, referring to the addition of lanes to northbound Laurel Canyon Boulevard. “And the city has a certified check to back that promise up.” Handelman said the developer has deposited a $165,000 cashiers check, as requested by the Bureau of Engineering, as assurance that it will complete the improvements.

The Studio City Residents Assn., which has pushed hard for the developer to make the improvements, is planning a protest at the mall next week.

“We’re shocked and dismayed that the city of Los Angeles has such wanton disregard for its own policies and agreements,” said Tony Lucente, president of the association. “And again, the residents are left holding the bag.”