STUDIO CITY : Protest Planned Against Developer

A group of Studio City residents angry over a developer’s failure to make promised street improvements plan to picket tonight at the corner of Ventura and Laurel Canyon boulevards.

“We want to demonstrate to the city of L. A. and to the developer that these traffic improvements are vital to Studio City,” Tony Lucente, president of the Studio City Residents Assn., said.

Residents and politicians expressed outrage last week when the mini-mall at the intersection’s southeast corner--as well as a Good Guys electronics store on the site--were granted 90-day temporary permits of occupancy even though the developer had not kept a promise to install right- and left-hand turn lanes on northbound Laurel Canyon Boulevard at Ventura Boulevard.

The improvements, designed to ease the increased traffic created by mall patrons, were part of a pact with the city that allowed the developer to receive a building permit.

Tom Henry, planning deputy for Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs, said the city’s Bureau of Engineering has since sent the developer, The Arba Group, a letter stating that no more temporary permits would be issued until construction begins on the street improvements.

“We’re playing hardball right now,” Henry said. He added, however, that the city would be willing to discuss delaying the promised improvements as long as neighbors agree.

Ira Handelman, a spokesman for the developer, said last week that The Arba Group is committed to making the improvements and is working to get the plans approved. He said the firm has also provided the city with $165,000 as a down payment on the improvements.

Handelman said Monday that he was unaware of the planned picketing.

“I hope they don’t block traffic,” Handelman said.

Lucente said the protest would mark the first time that the association has taken to the streets in opposition to a project since he assumed the group’s presidency 2 1/2 years ago.

“That shows just how important this is,” Lucente said, adding, “We think agreements made need to be upheld and we’re going to make sure they are.”