Residents Oppose CBS Parking Lot Location

Following a familiar pattern of dissent between entertainment companies and their surrounding neighborhoods, Studio City residents are objecting to the proposed location of a large parking structure at CBS Studio Center.

The planned six-story, 1,420-space structure has been part of the studio’s $30 million expansion proposal since the expansion earned city approval in 1994. It had been slated for the center of the lot, but newly revised plans moved it 300 feet to the edge of the lot, along Radford Avenue.

A public meeting on the issue is scheduled for Friday afternoon at the Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club.

Residents acknowledge the need for more parking spaces, but maintain the plan would cause unnecessary disruption of residential streets.

“Moving it 300 feet may not seem like such a big deal, but it would strongly encourage traffic flow [into] residential areas,” said Tony Lucente, head of the Studio City Residents Assn.

Lucente said several dozen association members attended two preliminary meetings earlier this month. The first was an informal gathering with studio president Michael Klausman, who suggested residents take an official position on the issue and submit it in writing. The second meeting involved fine-tuning that position.

At the meetings, “we learned a lot about the problems,” Lucente said. “Having identified them in more detail will allow us to get closer to a solution.”

Klausman was unavailable for comment Tuesday. In previous discussions, Klausman assured residents that he simply seeks a balance between the studio’s bottom line and relations with neighbors.

Last summer, in response to a strong resident outcry, the studio agreed to stop using a makeshift, 40-vehicle parking lot during the expansion construction project.

Lucente said he remains optimistic and stressed his respect for the studio’s business needs.

Friday’s meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. at 4808 Kester Ave.