VAN NUYS : Pawnshop Bid Ends in Wake of Protests

Van Nuys residents who gathered more than 400 signatures on a petition to block a proposed pawnshop in their neighborhood celebrated victory Friday as officials reported the quiet withdrawal of the application.

“We won,” said Ellen Bagelman, one of the residents who circulated the petition against the proposed Schmidt Pawn Shop at 16105 Victory Blvd. “I think that it shows that a community--when people don’t supposedly know their neighbors--can make a difference.”

Merchants who operate in mini-mall also expressed relief.

“It was probably for the best,” said Barry Eiseman, owner of B & D Jewelers. “Everybody just didn’t think it was a proper thing for the area, across the street from a recreation center, and homes and apartments nearby.”

Officials in the Los Angeles Police Department Police Commission said the applicant, whose name was unavailable, called Thursday to withdraw the permit request. Residents submitted the signatures in May to the Police Commission and City Councilman Marvin Braude, who wrote a letter opposing the application.

Detective Mark Myrdahl of the commission’s pawnshop unit, who screened the request, said his office had recommended against the permit because the applicant had never worked in or previously operated a pawnshop.

Bagelman said she hopes this case makes landlords think twice about bringing pawnshops into mostly residential neighborhoods.

“I think this sends another message to property owners,” Bagelman said. “We realize these are hard economic times, but if you have a vacancy in one of your properties, don’t underestimate the power of the people in your neighborhood.”