Urban Planning and Neighborhood Voices
* Re “Nth Degree of NIMBYism,” editorial, Nov. 18:
What you refer to as a “small amphitheater” [part of the Getty Villa renovation plan] would, in fact, have the capacity to seat almost 1,000 people. Furthermore, the present degree of congestion on Pacific Coast Highway is well known and already a puzzlement to Caltrans.
The Getty Villa was originally a personal residence, situated among other houses in a purely residential neighborhood. Over time it morphed into a public facility and became accepted in that new form, albeit with some reluctance, by tolerant neighbors. All concerned are anxious to see the Getty Villa reopen, and there is absolutely no impediment to such reopening other than the Getty’s own ambitious, self-serving and overreaching grandiosity.
An open-air public theater in a narrow residential canyon is not a reasonable use of that property, or in any way fair to its neighbors. The judge who stopped the project “cold” didn’t act in a vacuum. She found that the projected use violated our zoning laws. If the city of Los Angeles breaks its trust with us and is allowed to enforce those laws selectively, we will all be the poorer for it.
MARIA BANE
Pacific Palisades
*
* Your editorial regarding the greater role of advisory neighborhood councils and seven area planning commissions was right on target. I thank you for pointing out that a major cultural institution, the Getty Villa, is put on hold because of a small group of homeowners who have sued to stop the project and who ignore the benefits this project would bring to the community. Meanwhile, students and adults in the L.A. area and around the world are deprived of an opportunity to enjoy and learn about civilizations that have been a basis for our own culture.
RUTH WYLE
Pacific Palisades
*
* One can perhaps understand the distrust of the neighbors of the Getty Villa who have opposed its expansion. But as for those who are opposing the additions of jungle gyms to the Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s play yard because of increased noise, it is sad that anyone would object to one of the loveliest sounds we humans know: the sound of laughing, playing children.
H. ALLEN EVANS
Los Angeles
*
* Re “Rousing Neighborhoods to Action,” editorial, Nov. 19:
I am very grateful to The Times for so succinctly describing the potential problem of neighborhood councils. Neighborhood councils are a great idea; however, if not effectively implemented, Los Angeles will have taken one step forward and two steps backward.
Affluent communities will continue to have their voices heard and the least affluent will be ignored until the next riot. Therefore, I urge the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to heed this one caveat: Poor, immigrant neighborhoods will need the greatest amount of assistance to truly realize the ambitions of charter reform.
MARK EDWARDS
Hollywood
