Sherman Oaks : 2 Groups Appeal Plan for Galleria Project

Two influential homeowner organizations have appealed a city zoning official’s approval of the Sherman Oaks Galleria’s mall-renovation project.

The Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. and Homeowners of Encino last week filed an appeal of the decision by Associate Zoning Administrator Horace E. Tramel Jr. approving eight restaurant liquor permits, one dance-floor permit and less parking than is required under the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan.

The $30-million mall renovation project calls for creation of a pedestrian plaza at the corner of Sepulveda and Ventura boulevards, the addition of 13 movie screens for a total of 18 and the reduction of retail space.

In their appeal, the homeowner groups say that eight liquor permits is excessive, that the dance floor could create a crime problem, and that they want the full parking requirement called for by the specific plan to be imposed.

The appeal asks for the following:

* That only two liquor licenses be approved.

* That no restaurants be permitted to offer dancing.

* That the mall have 4,800 parking spaces rather than the 3,600 approved by Tramel.

It was not known whether the appeals board has set a date for a hearing. Mall officials could not be reached for comment.

The Los Angeles Planning Commission on Dec. 14 approved specific plan exceptions and a zone change that would allow the project to go forward.

Gerald A. Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino, said last week that his group would appeal that decision too, as soon as the written report is released.