Van Nuys : Liquor Permit Foes Cite High Crime Rate

Unocal Corp. officials squared off with neighbors of a gas station at Sherman Way and Sepulveda Boulevard this week over the oil company’s application for a city permit to sell alcoholic beverages there.

At a Los Angeles city zoning hearing Monday, Unocal representatives said they would like to undertake a major renovation of the gas station that would include construction of a mini-mart with a drive-through window and installation of new landscaping.

Nearby residents spoke in opposition to the plan, saying that the high-crime area does not need another liquor outlet.

Horace Tramel, an associate zoning administrator, said he will consider the arguments of both sides and release his written decision in a week or two.

“The applicants made a good case for approval, but a number of local residents and the council office were in opposition, as well as the Police Department,” Tramel said. “I have not made a decision on the matter yet, but I do have some problems with it.”

City Councilman Marvin Braude, who represents the area, opposes Unocal’s application because he is concerned about the crime rate in the area, which is higher than the citywide average, Tramel said. City Councilman Joel Wachs, whose district boundary is close to the site, is also against the permit, according to Tramel.

Oil company officials could not be reached for comment.