Legislature Rejects Bill to Speed Building of Mall
A bill that would have allowed Westwood Village developer Ira Smedra to begin construction on Glendon Avenue without waiting for adjudication and payment of claims filed by affected property owners was voted down in the Legislature this week.
After hearing lengthy testimony against the legislation, which would have amended state law governing pedestrian malls, the Senate Local Government Committee voted against it.
The $84-million Village Center Westwood project calls for Glendon Avenue to be used for a large-scale shopping center. It would be a sunken mall, with underground parking and grand staircases leading down into a complex of stores and movie theaters.
Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman Kevin Murray (D-Los Angeles), who sponsored the bill, said he will ask for another vote when the committee reconvenes next week.
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