Extension of Moratorium Proposed for Central Reseda

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick proposed Friday to reinstate the recently expired Reseda Central Business District moratorium on certain types of projects in the aging shopping area.

Chick introduced a motion to restore the moratorium, which lapsed in mid-May, after a pawnshop and billiard hall applied for conditional-use permits to operate soon after the previous one-year moratorium expired. Her motion was referred to the City Council’s planning committee.

Under the moratorium, pawnshops and billiard halls were not allowed. Also banned were a variety of automobile-related shops.

In a prepared statement, Chick said she supported the moratorium even though philosophically, she opposes development freezes.

“Reseda’s future is so important to me that I can’t let another minute pass while Reseda is threatened by changes that could undermine our upcoming efforts to revitalize this district,” she said.

The moratorium was designed to freeze development in the area until a specific plan--a comprehensive blueprint for future development--is approved by the City Council.

A specific plan, however, is still six months from adoption,said Ken Bernstein, Chick’s planning deputy.

Chick also wants an economic revitalization plan for the district. The specific plan will dictate what businesses are not wanted in Reseda, while a revitalization plan will provide incentives to businesses that are wanted there, Bernstein said.