Battle Is Heating Up Over $100-Million Development Plan

The controversy over a proposed $100-million development in Westwood is heating up as residents battle over the direction of the village’s growth.

While the developer reworks his project after a round of community suggestions, a coalition of local groups has proposed an alternative for the five-acre site.

Developer Ira Smedra wants to build a three-story retail and entertainment complex on a parking lot bordered by Glendon and Weyburn avenues, a project he said will help revitalize the village economy. Village Center Westwood would include a 16-screen movie theater, retail shops, a market and a plaza.

But his plan has been met with criticism from homeowner groups who contend that the building would not be compatible with the village’s atmosphere.

An environmental impact report issued by the city last week stated that the project will generate about 14,500 car trips daily and affect six nearby intersections.

In a community meeting Tuesday night, Laura Lake, president of Friends of Westwood, unveiled a plan for the site dubbed “Westwood Village Commons,” which would include a market, garden, hotel, theater and galleries. The idea was well received by most of the 200 residents at the meeting.

However, some criticized the plan as irrelevant because the local groups do not own the land and have not received support from property owners.

“This is just a calculated distraction with absolutely no merit,” Smedra said in a written statement. He was traveling Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

“To date, we have had nearly 60 absurd suggestions for the site--a driving range, lawn bowling. . . . The bottom line is [Lake] doesn’t own the property,” the statement said.

City Councilman Mike Feuer, who invited Lake to present the plan at the public meeting, warned that her proposal couldn’t go anywhere without the support of a developer.

“An idea in a vacuum is just that. There’s got to be a possibility of realizing this project, and that clearly was not presented,” Feuer said.

Smedra is drawing up alternatives to his original plan after a 22-member community working group suggested modifications.