NORTH HOLLYWOOD : 5-Unit Shopping Center Is Approved

Supporters and opponents of a proposed mini-mall on Riverside Drive had to be satisfied with half a loaf after a city zoning administrator allowed the shopping center, but denied liquor licenses to its tenants.

Horace E. Tramel Jr., a Los Angeles city associate zoning administrator, last week granted Panda Management Co. Inc. a conditional use permit to build a five-unit shopping center at 10760 Riverside Drive, including an oil change business. He denied permission for the two to four proposed restaurants to sell beer or wine.

At a June 13 hearing, residents opposed the project, saying that it would worsen existing parking and security problems, and that the oil-change facility would generate noise and fumes.

Tramel said Monday that the South Pasadena-based developer failed to provide specifics regarding how many restaurants it would build or what type of eateries they would be.

“It appears that the subject venture is speculative in nature and that the alcohol sales are being requested at this time in order to enhance the prospect of securing tenants for the complex,” Tramel wrote in his decision.

“None of the residents in the area . . . liked the oil-change facility because (the facility) will be busy over the weekend,” said John Janavs, who owns property adjacent to the project area. He said, however, that he is happy that the liquor licenses were denied.

Either side can appeal Tramel’s decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and have until July 22 to do so. Janavs said he has no plans to file an appeal.

The developer could not be reached for comment.

Under terms of the project, EZ-Lube will be allowed to operate a three-bay service station where mechanics may change oil. Tramel turned down EZ-Lube’s request to perform brake repairs, saying that the work and tools involved would generate excessive noise, vibration, dust and fumes.

To build the mini-mall, Panda must abide by certain conditions, including building a six-foot masonry wall around the property, planting landscaping and installing utility lines underground.

Assuming there are four restaurants, Panda will be required to provide a minimum of 57 parking spaces. Dining spots can operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

The oil-change station can be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.