SHERMAN OAKS : Debate Delays Street Project Near Mall

After five years, the owner of a Sherman Oaks shopping mall is finally ready to make street improvements to accommodate increased traffic near the congested intersection of Ventura and Van Nuys boulevards in Sherman Oaks.

But now it’s the owner of La Reina Fashion Plaza, 14622 Ventura Blvd., who is being asked to wait, as transportation officials and civic leaders debate just what kind of improvements should be made.

The city Department of Transportation favors a plan to widen Ventura Boulevard at its intersection with Van Nuys Boulevard to increase the capacity of the intersection.

But local civic leaders say it would be more effective to install turn signals that would create protected turn lanes on the two thoroughfares to help ease the flow of traffic.

“It is ironic--we’ve been pushing for these improvements for years,” said Richard Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. “And now we’re forced to wait.”

While transportation officials have argued that creating protected turns lanes may not adequately ease the flow of traffic, Close and others said widening the boulevard will destroy the pedestrian environment in the area.

“We’re in the process of trying to convince (transportation officials) to change the plan to make it more in keeping with the Main Street atmosphere in Sherman Oaks,” Close said. “Actually, we’re coaxing, urging and begging them to change the plan.”

Transportation officials were not available for comment. But Close and Jeff Brain, president of the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, said the agency has agreed to study the plan.

“They’re looking at it,” Brain said. “Everything’s on hold until we hear from them.”

Steve Hlebasko, an asset manager for the foreign owner of the mall, said in June that he was prepared to begin the estimated $220,000 in improvements.

Besides the $187,000 the city obtained by suing the original developer of the mall for failing to make the improvements, Hlebasko has put down a $139,000 bond for construction and $23,000 in cash for building fees and permits.