RESEDA : Council OKs Plan to Boost Retail District

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a long-term development plan for the central Reseda business district meant to kick-start revitalization in the aging shopping district.

The document, passed Wednesday and formally known as the Reseda Central Business District Specific Plan, has been in the works since 1988. While it was being developed, the city instituted a temporary moratorium to halt the opening of new auto shops, pawn shops and billiard halls in the area.

The 20-year Specific Plan covers the business area along Sherman Way between Wilbur and Lindley avenues and along Reseda Boulevard between Kittridge and Saticoy streets.

It attempts to encourage revitalization by establishing zoning guidelines that promote commercial and retail development while limiting industrial projects and auto-repair shops.

The plan also uses zoning guidelines to require more landscaping, trees and other amenities to develop an atmosphere that would draw more pedestrian traffic to the area.

“Passage of this Specific Plan could not have come at a more opportune time,” said City Councilwoman Laura Chick. “Reseda businesses and residents have fought for this plan for years.”

The plan was drafted with the help of a 15-member advisory panel of Reseda residents and business owners. Two members of the panel, Ann Kinzel and Steve Aufhauser, praised the City Council for adopting the Specific Plan.