Neighbors Deserve a Say

Even as expansion plans for Universal Studios enter the final stretch of government review, a coalition of homeowners and labor leaders wants greater say in how the project unfolds over the next 15 years. Universal plans to build 3.2 million square feet of hotels, offices, studios and entertainment facilities on its property at the north end of the Cahuenga Pass. Overall, Universal’s project is a good one, but neighbors are understandably afraid that the new development will bring unacceptable levels of noise and traffic.

They deserve a strong say in Universal’s plans and, in many cases, will be the first level of enforcement if the entertainment giant fails to make good on its many promises for road improvements and measures to reduce noise. As resident Joan Luchs so correctly noted last week: “It may sound unrealistic, but we have as much vested interest in the area as they do.”

Already, Universal’s plan includes provisions for input from citizens as the project progresses. An annual workshop would require Universal to go over each portion of the expansion either started during the year or planned for the upcoming 12 months. Universal would have to honor its obligations as outlined in the mammoth plan. If planners and residents disagreed over whether the studio had done its share, residents could appeal to force a hearing.

Strong citizen participation is an essential part of the planning process as it has evolved in California. Cities and counties simply don’t have the staff or the time to make sure developers follow through on every line of their plans. Residents with a stake in the neighborhood, however, are more than willing to point out deficiencies. Some critics of the project have said flatly that they do not trust Los Angeles County planners to impose tough conditions on Universal. Considering the Regional Planning Commission last week stuck Universal with strict nighttime filming restrictions--a rule Universal vehemently opposed--it seems planners are not timid.

Nonetheless, we would encourage Universal as well as city and county planners to work with residents on an annual review process that meets with everyone’s satisfaction. Granting veto power to an unelected citizen’s panel is unreasonable, but clearly some residents don’t like the proposed review process. Universal has done a fine job of giving residents an ongoing say in its development. There’s no reason that history should not continue.

The role of organized labor, however, is less clear. Union organizers want Universal to pay higher wages to employees. Fair enough. But that discussion does not belong before an annual review committee.