Extension of Parking Limits Near Getty Urged

Seeking to appease neighbors around the newly opened Getty Center, Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Feuer has proposed continuing parking restrictions in the neighborhood around the mountaintop museum until the end of the year.

The council agreed last month to temporary parking restrictions around the popular museum complex after neighbors complained that parking in the residential area had become so bad that some could not pull out of their driveways. Feuer proposed Friday that the restrictions, with some minor modifications, be left in place until the end of December 1998.

Feuer, whose district includes part of the neighborhood but not the Getty Center, said he believes the Getty should have a plan in place to address “equal access” to the complex by residents throughout the city. The Getty allows parking only by reservation, but allows other visitors who take taxis, public transportation or park elsewhere and walk to the complex.

Since the temporary restrictions became effective, Feuer said, the traffic and parking problems have eased. But he said that also could be due to the end of the holiday season.

“The trick is to fashion an approach that will work during the workweek, on weekends and in the summer without having to come to council every few months,” said Feuer, whose proposal will be reviewed by a committee and then by the full council.

Feuer’s office is holding a public meeting tonight at 7 to discuss the parking situation. It will be held at the University of Judaism, 15600 Mulholland Drive.