Closed-Door Meetings on Project Draw Criticism

Westwood residents who are vigilantly watching a proposed shopping and theater complex go through the planning process expressed concern Thursday that Councilman Mike Feuer has decided to hold a closed-door meeting of a community planning group.

The 20 members of the Village Center Westwood Working Group began meeting a year ago to give Feuer opinions about the proposed Village Center Westwood project.

Past meetings were open to the public, but the past few meetings were attended by so many people--both in support and opposition to the project--that many members of the advisory group felt too intimidated to speak freely, Feuer field deputy Rochelle Ventura said.

Ventura said members were polled about their support for a closed-door meeting, and as a result the public will not be allowed to a Tuesday meeting of the group.

“It became a zoo,” said Jolie Jasni, a group member. “I think it’s good we’re having this meeting behind closed doors so there’s less cheers and boos and more information and fact finding.”

But some in Westwood are upset at being excluded.

“Any time they close what should be public meetings, I have tremendous concern,” said Sandy Brown of the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Assn. “I never believe it’s a problem when the public gets to speak.”