ENCINO : Council to Vote on Fate of Burger King

Amid mounting pressure from an Encino homeowners group, the Los Angeles City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on a controversial Burger King drive-through restaurant proposed for the corner of Gloria Avenue and Ventura Boulevard.

The restaurant has cleared a series of city zoning hurdles, including an exception to the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan, but must be approved by a vote of the City Council. The restaurant’s drive-through window requires an exception to the plan because it is proposed for one of five areas designed to encourage pedestrian activity.

Developers Ralph and Larry Cimmarusti, who were not available for comment Monday, have said their restaurant will mean a $2-million investment in the community that will create an estimated 60 jobs.

But members of the Homeowners of Encino, who charge that the restaurant’s drive-through window would add to traffic congestion and noise in the area, last week stepped up a letter writing campaign and petition drive aimed at winning back the support of Councilman Marvin Braude, who for months opposed the drive-through window but now supports it.

Gerald A. Silver, president of the homeowners group, said residents will continue to fight the restaurant even if it is approved by the council.

“This is the end of the line for the administrative process,” Silver said. “But we’ll fight this one to the finish. They may well face litigation that will tie them up for years.”