SHERMAN OAKS : Civic Leaders Fear Move to Widen Street

Sherman Oaks civics leaders expressed concern Thursday that city officials appear resolved to move forward with a plan to widen a stretch of Ventura Boulevard, despite claims that the project would destroy a popular shopping district.

Under the plan, the north side of Ventura Boulevard would be cut back five feet for about 400 feet on both sides of Van Nuys Boulevard. The widening would allow for the creation of a double left-turn lane from Ventura Boulevard onto Van Nuys Boulevard and increase the capacity of the crowded thoroughfare.

Some city officials say widening the boulevard is the best way to ease the flow of traffic, but critics of the plan say there are alternatives that would reduce congestion while leaving the sidewalk intact.

The irony of the debate is that the street improvements were called for in connection with a shopping mall built in the area five years ago. The original developer went bankrupt before making them. The current property owner has been prepared since June to make the improvements, but has been waiting for the city and community and business leaders to agree on what should be done.

Jeff Brain, president of the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, said a representative from Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky’s office is leaning toward the widening despite neighbors concerns.

Yaroslavsky’s planning deputy, Vivian Rescalvo, was unavailable for comment.

“This is known as the Melrose of the Valley,” Brain said. “Narrowing these sidewalks would change the whole atmosphere.”