Effects of Studio Lot Expansion Discussed : Burbank: Speakers at a public hearing debate creation of new jobs by Warner Bros. over the next 20 years versus an increase in traffic.

BURBANK — A public hearing on the potential environmental impact of expanding two Warner Bros. studio lots turned into a debate Monday over the relative merits of new jobs versus less traffic congestion.

Over the next 20 years, Warner Bros. hopes to create about 8,500 new jobs, add 3.3 million square feet of studio facilities and build more than 11,700 parking spaces near its main studio lot, at 4000 Warner Blvd., and its ranch lot at 3701 Oak St.

The expansion is expected to significantly affect 23 of the 59 street intersections surrounding the lots, according to a preliminary environmental study. Warner Bros. executives have agreed to help pay for street improvements to alleviate traffic.

“We have heard very clearly what [residents’] desires are,” said studio representative Mee Lee. “Residents would like certain improvements . . . I think we have made the commitment that we would pay for those improvements. We are not going to be shifting our responsibilities to the city or anyone else.”

During the public hearing at Burbank City Hall, speakers were divided over the adequacy of a preliminary environmental study that predicts the project will lead to at least 2,800 additional automobile trips in and out of the studio’s two lots every day.

Critics of the study say it barely mentions other future projects that also would significantly increase traffic in the city, such as a larger Burbank Airport terminal.

“I tried to find in the document any reference to the airport,” said Burbank Airport Commissioner Philip E. Berlin. “This is a very, very serious omission in my opinion and has to be addressed.”

Others, such as 54-year-old electrician Floyd Henke of Burbank, urged city officials to approve the project quickly because of its economic benefits to Burbank. “The studio will continue to be a major benefit to the people of Burbank,” he said.

Monday’s hearing was a step Warner Bros. is encouraged, but not required, to take under state law before it can proceed with an expansion.

Public comments will be included in a final environmental impact report that is expected to be completed in August, said Greg Herrmann, an assistant city planner.

The entire project will then be reviewed by the city’s Planning Board before it is sent to the Burbank City Council, which ultimately has the power to approve, deny or change portions of the proposal.

Warner Bros.’ proposal calls for constructing a dozen office buildings on the studio’s 106-acre main lot, including four 15-story structures on a parcel of land bounded by Olive Avenue, Cordova Street and Warner Boulevard.

On the studio’s nearby 30-acre ranch lot, which is used primarily for shooting outdoor scenes, Warner Bros. hopes to build five five-story office buildings and two parking structures.