ENCINO : Pact Allows School to Continue Operations

The Los Angeles City Council has approved an agreement allowing a vocational school to continue administrative operations in Encino, but only after school officials agreed to phase out the school’s classes by August, 1994.

Under the deal, which was negotiated between Pacific Coast College and Homeowners of Encino, the homeowners agreed not to fight the college’s request for an exception to local zoning ordinances that could have forced it out of business.

The 400-student college, which homeowners complained contributed to noise and traffic congestion in the area, required an exception to the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan because it is in an area reserved for retail and pedestrian-oriented uses.

Gerald Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino, said he was pleased with the deal, which was approved by the council Wednesday.

“It’s consistent with the goals of the Specific Plan. It’s fair. It’s reasonable. And it’s a done deal,” he said.

The agreement, which could lead to the loss of as many as 60 jobs at the college at Ventura Boulevard and Gaviota Avenue, defused what was expected to be a bitter fight over the school’s bid to continue doing business in Encino.

No decision has been reached on whether the college will continue educational activities elsewhere, said Edward McIntyre, a vice president and chief financial officer for United Education & Software, the parent company of Pacific Coast College.

“We’re just really studying our options at this point,” he said.