Blowing the whistle on ‘McMansionization’

Re “Supersizing of Home Spurs Cries of Foul,” May 18

Kudos for exposing the blatant building code violations disguised as “gamesmanship” in the rarified air of Rustic Canyon. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common practice throughout Los Angeles because of inflated property values and the huge financial gains being made by developers. Only in neighborhoods with the means to fight such transparent illegality can property owners force the city to strictly adhere to the building codes designed to protect neighborhoods from violations of the law. These laws were written to protect residential communities from oversized homes. My hat is off to those attempting to ensure that their rights are protected. They will surely pave the way for the rest of us who are suffering from the “McMansionization” of Los Angeles.

LUCIE BAVA

Cheviot Hills

Bava is the former president and traffic chair of the Cheviot Hills Homeowners Assn.

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Rustic Canyon residents are not the only surprised homeowners to find McMansions arising in their neighborhoods through manipulation of city codes. As The Times has frequently reported, the L.A. planning and building and safety departments have no concept of neighborhood. They only approach projects as a discreet entity unto themselves. Frequently, it appears the departments’ only motivation is to green-light projects to increase property tax revenues. Successful projects begin with open communications with all neighbors who may be affected before approaching city authorities for construction permits. That simple act of courtesy, far too often overlooked, is the solution to eliminating surprise for all parties and smoothing the way for neighborly cooperation.

JOEL E. ADLER

Hollywood

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According to the financial reports, the median price for a home in Pacific Palisades is around $1.3 million. So it seems those unhappy with the 6,000-plus-foot addition one of their neighbors added to his residence is a case of the rich being unhappy with the richer. This so makes my heart ache that I must keep my shirt buttoned to prevent it from falling out.

JACK BERKUS

Playa del Rey