NORTH HOLLYWOOD : Hearing to Weigh Supermarket’s Fate

City zoning officials have set a June hearing date to consider revoking the business license of a popular North Hollywood supermarket plagued by traffic and parking problems, officials said.

The hearing, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on June 11 at the Van Nuys Woman’s Club, 14836 Sylvan St., concerns the Food Bag supermarket at 6340 Tujunga Ave.

Residents on nearby Bakman Avenue have complained that the market’s limited parking space causes customers to speed through the neighborhood in search of parking. Residents said some customers block driveways.

City Councilman Joel Wachs has also backed the decision to hold the hearing, which city zoning officials can use to consider imposing conditions that could alleviate the problem. If conditions are not met, the city can shut down the business, said Jon Perica, associate zoning administrator.

In March, city zoning officials turned down a proposal by Food Bag owner Robert Rodriguez to expand parking by tearing down two homes he owns adjacent to the market. Rodriguez said recently that he is gathering petition signatures of local residents who would like to see his store remain open and hopes the June hearing can lead to a solution.

“I’m going to show them my redesign for the parking lot,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll follow every condition they say and hopefully we can come to a happy ending.”