Mall Owner Looking for OK to Renovate

At a public hearing Friday, the owner of Sherman Oaks Galleria, which is now more than 60% vacant, will ask for a host of zoning changes so that the plan to renovate the mall can move ahead.

Although many area residents support the renovation project--which would add restaurants, movie theaters and a large amount of commercial office space--there are still some concerns about neighborhood traffic and parking problems, said Richard Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn.

At the hearing, the Galleria’s owner, the Douglas Emmett Co., will ask a Los Angeles Planning Commission hearing examiner and a city zoning administrator for a number of exceptions to requirements dealing with parking structures, traffic flow, signs and building height.

While supporting the mall’s new direction, Close said his group wants to see if measures to lessen traffic, especially at the intersection of Sepulveda and Ventura boulevards, and potential parking impacts are being adequately considered.

Also at Friday’s hearing, zoning administrators will consider conditional-use permits to allow two automotive industry-related businesses to develop within 300 feet of residential neighborhoods.

Sam Ostowari/Design Development Corp. has applied to build 7,727 square feet of automotive shops, including body work, at 11553 to 11567 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City. And Mexicali Tires is seeks to convert a drive-thru dairy into a tire service store at 14061 Vanowen St. in Van Nuys.

The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. at the Sherman Oaks Women’s Club, 4808 Kester Ave.