STUDIO CITY : Some Residents Aren’t Sold on Swap Meet

A new swap meet near the corner of Ventura and Laurel Canyon boulevards has antiques and vintage jewelry galore. But some neighbors say they wish the outdoor market itself would become a thing of the past.

While these residents consider the market a blot on the otherwise upscale face of Studio City, others call it a boon to downtown business.

The Sunday swap meet, located in the parking lot behind shops in the 12100 block of Ventura Boulevard, opened Aug. 21 and was held again Sept. 4 and 11.

Some residents who live nearby have complained that the market is a nuisance. “The residents are concerned about the type of business--that we have a swap meet in Studio City,” said Tony Lucente, president of the Studio City Residents Assn. “They view it not as a positive development for the neighborhood, but as a detractor.”

The market, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, typically features as many as 45 vendors selling antiques, jewelry, collectibles, furniture and vintage clothing. Food and drinks are also sold.

Brian Brahms, who lives two blocks from the bazaar, said that it has worsened traffic and that the market’s portable toilets have attracted transients.

“People are cutting through side streets and not obeying stop signs,” Brahms said.

On the other hand, the swap meet has the blessing of Sondra Frohlich, executive director of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce.

“It has tremendous potential for bringing additional shoppers (to the area) and we certainly can use all the additional shoppers we can find,” said Frohlich.

But the legal status of the Studio City Sunday Antique Swap Meet has been questioned. City officials said that market owner Jim Gurdine, a Santa Clarita businessman, has not received the necessary approvals and permits from the city.

City Planner Marc Woersching said Gurdine must apply for a zoning variance because he is operating a commercial enterprise on land that is zoned for parking. Gurdine must also get a land-use permit and a certificate of occupancy from the building and safety department, according to Chief Building Inspector Russell Lane.

But the market owner said he thought he had obtained all the required approvals from the city--including a business license, tax registration number and police permit.

In an interview, Gurdine said he had contacted both the planning, and building and safety departments, and no one had told him to apply for the other approvals and permits.

Frohlich said nearby shop owners welcome the market because of the additional business it brings them.

Famous Rucker, weekend manager at Kinko’s Copy, said weekend business has doubled in the past two weeks, thanks in large part to the swap meet.

“I’m all for it--it gives Ventura Boulevard exposure,” he said.