Businesses deserve a Top 50 category I...
Businesses deserve
a Top 50 category
I enjoyed your special section on the Burbank Top 50, and I
applaud your choices, which were all well deserving. But you
overlooked a very important category, one that has been absolutely
critical in shaping our world -- the business community.
Think of Burbank without Ikea, Media City Center, the Empire
Center, the AMC movie theaters, and our wonderful restaurants and
shops. All add immeasurably to the fun and convenience of living here
(not to mention the sales-tax revenue they generate that pays for our
terrific city services). And what about the studios? Burbank is known
worldwide because of them.
Business leaders are a vital part of our community and should be
recognized and included.
Barbara Beckley
Producing Director
The Colony Theatre Company
Leader overlooked Stamper for Top 50
I just read the Leader’s Top 50, and I am very disappointed that
you did not include the Rev. Larry Stamper of the First United
Methodist Church. He has been there more than 30 years and had done
so much for the people of Burbank as well as the community. If you
publish an additional list of names, please include Stamper.
Imogene Tutterrow
Burbank
Praise for the Supreme Court
I have but one thing to say regarding the Supreme Court’s refusal
to hear the city’s prayer case, which obviously shows their
commitment to upholding the basic principles upon which this country
was founded: Hallelujah!
Doug Whaley
Burbank
Georgino’s leadership questioned by reader
This is in reference to the article on Carolyn Berlin’s
resignation from the Planning Board. Upon resigning, Berlin mentioned
that city staff, in the employ of Community Development Director Sue
Georgino, showed a disregard for input from, and lack of respect for,
the board.
I believe that the lack of regard and respect by Mrs. Georgino
goes well beyond the Planning Board and extends to the community as a
whole. The best example of this lack of respect is the Platt Project.
The project was turned down on a 5-0 vote by both the Planning Board
and the City Council. Yet under the direction of Georgino, city staff
recommended it.
The most telling aspect of the lack of respect by Mrs. Georgino
and her staff is the method used to move the Platt Project forward as
far as it went. At the May 12 Planning Board meeting, Berlin and
fellow board member Greg Jackson mentioned that had an abuse of the
planned development review process not taken place, the project could
never even have been considered.
In the instance of the Platt Project, the planned development
review process was used to minimize, or eliminate, the building line
setbacks, which should have been required via the Media District
specific plan. Had not the Community Development staff encouraged the
Platt Project by twisting the rules this project would never have
gotten off the ground.
Ultimately, the inappropriate attempt to twist the rules by Mrs.
Georgino for the Platt Development disrespected not only the Planning
Board and the community as a whole, but ultimately the developer as
well. By now, Mr. Platt and his fellow investors have undoubtedly put
several hundred thousand dollars into this project to no avail. I
seriously doubt that they would have sunk the amount of money they
have into this mess if someone in the Community Development
Department had not given them assurances that strings would be pulled
to twist the rules in their favor.
It is time for Mrs. Georgino to decide whether she wishes to obey
and enforce Burbank’s zoning ordinances or look for employment
elsewhere.
Ron Vanderford
Burbank