City Had No Right to Impose Rules on Motels

I attended the City Council hearings that you reported on in your story “City Imposes Tough Rules on 3 Van Nuys Motels,” (Oct. 27).

You failed to point out the major issues and complaints expressed by the motel owners, their lawyers and those persons (myself included) who testified on their behalf:

* The zoning administration deleted from the public records a portion of the zoning analyst’s staff report which indicated that the motels were “victims” and not public nuisances.

* The motel owners had evidence in connection with these proceedings.

* All three of the motel files already contained the City Council’s “resolution” days before the hearing even took place!

Contrary to what Councilman Marvin Braude stated, the real issue is whether the city has a right to deprive legitimate businesses of their constitutional rights and then force them to take on the role of the police. As an attorney and fellow resident of the San Fernando Valley, I think not.

HARRIET K. BILFORD, Northridge