Galleria Expansion Should Be Discouraged

So the absentee owners of the Sherman Oaks Galleria (“Shopping For Shoppers,” Sept. 13) want to increase their movie theater screens to 18.

Let the city planners and the City Council keep in mind that the intersection of Sepulveda and Ventura boulevards is possibly the busiest and most congested in the Valley. Do we need more traffic to further congest and pollute this already overburdened corner?

Remember when developers wanted to construct similar types of movie theaters at the corner of Hayvenhurst Avenue and Ventura Boulevard? Rightfully, the project was rejected for reasons of projected excessive traffic, noise pollution and environmental problems. Ultimately, a beautifully designed shopping center was built with user-friendly retail stores and has been enthusiastically accepted and supported by the community.

The Sherman Oaks Galleria was a mistake since its inception. It was poorly designed and overbuilt on the amount of land available. Further, the garage parking area has become a serious safety hazard since the Galleria’s management has opted to close one of the major exits where automobiles wished to exit onto Sepulveda. Our family and many others who feel the same way refuse to shop at the Galleria or attend the movie theaters for the very reason of safety!

Any consideration of remodeling this center should be met with stringent downsizing requirements and especially the avoidance of any additional movie theaters. There is no way the intersection in question should be burdened with further traffic and community problems.

DAVID BERK

Encino

Your report on the Sherman Oaks Galleria was most interesting. However, my opinion is that the only thing that needs major renovation is the parking structure.

I am sure I am not the only one who never goes to the Sherman Oaks Galleria without being accompanied by a person who knows exactly where and how to park in the crazy maze of parking there.

There is nothing wrong with the mall, there is nothing wrong with the stores. It has all the amenities a mall should have, except for the parking. I think if you would conduct research in this regard, most people will agree with me.

ANNELIESE OHLER

North Hollywood