ENCINO : Last Effort to Fight Drive-Through Plan

In a last effort to block a Burger King drive-through restaurant from opening in Encino, a homeowners group has renewed a petition drive and letter writing campaign targeting Los Angeles City Councilman Marvin Braude.

The restaurant, proposed for the corner of Gloria Avenue and Ventura Boulevard, has cleared a series of city zoning hurdles, including an exception to the Ventura Boulevard Specific plan, and is expected to be approved by the City Council Wednesday. The restaurant’s drive-through window requires an exception to the plan because it is proposed for one of five areas designated for pedestrian activity.

Braude, who for months had been opposed to the drive-through element of the restaurant proposal, reversed his opinion last month at a hearing before the council’s Planning and Land Use Committee, which subsequently recommended that the City Council approve the restaurant.

“Braude is crucial. If he doesn’t turn around again, our way, we’re done for,” said Gerald A. Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino, the group that has led the effort to block the restaurant’s drive-through window.

Cindy Miscikowski, planning deputy for Braude, said though the homeowners group produced a petition with some 600 signatures opposing the project, she has received about 30 letters from neighbors supporting it, as well as an endorsement from the Chamber of Commerce. She also cited the developer’s good faith bargaining, including a promise to landscape the restaurant and build a play area for children. “There were a lot of elements for the councilman to consider,” she said. “In the end, he made his decision.”

While developers Ralph and Larry Cimmarusti said their restaurant will mean a $2-million investment in the community that will create an estimated 60 jobs, Silver said the drive-through window will lead to increased traffic and noise in the neighborhood.

“It’s the drive-through window that’s giving us the heartburn,” he said.