Planning Commission
On June 22, I attended a Los Angeles Planning Commission meeting with about 100 other people who wanted to give public input about developments proposed for their communities.
The residents who attend these meetings do so because they want the commission to know what will adversely affect them, their lifestyles and their property values. They expect the commissioners to be interested in their concerns and do their best to help out. Wrong.
What the participants got in most instances was a rude, intimidating attitude that said loud and clear: “We really don’t care.” The community problems are of only minimal concern to the commission. It bows to the wishes of the politicians and their developer friends.
The commission is oblivious to the fact that the public seeks a voice, justice, something that says we have a right to care about what happens in our neighborhoods.
If the case is a big one, such as Warner Ridge or Porter Ranch, the commission’s only goal is to please the mayor (who appoints commissioners and sent a representative to sit in the front row), the developers and the paid-for council members.
Am I angry and disgusted? You bet. Will I now support secession? Absolutely. And my most fervent hope is that the commissioners stay within the boundaries of Los Angeles, where they can live with the mess they helped create.
SUSAN STEELE
Chatsworth
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
