SHERMAN OAKS : Homeowners Sue City in Bid to Halt Redevelopment Plan

Claiming that their concerns have been ignored, a Sherman Oaks homeowners group has sued the city of Los Angeles in an attempt to halt a controversial plan that would use redevelopment powers to rebuild the earthquake-ravaged community.

In its suit, the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. contends that the City Council adopted an emergency redevelopment plan Nov. 22 without justifying its need or giving residents enough time to review the plan.

But at a Tuesday news conference to announce the suit, homeowners said they are most upset that the council approved the plan despite fervent opposition from residents and business owners.

“What we want is help,” said Dee Gelb, a 25-year Sherman Oaks resident and member of the homeowners association. “What we don’t want is someone to come in and take over our community and not listen to us.”