Plans for new Hilton in downtown Burbank approved
The Burbank Planning Board on Monday approved plans for a six-story, 210-room hotel to be built in downtown Burbank.
A Hilton Garden Inn — proposed by a Florida-based developer — is expected to take over the corner of South San Fernando Boulevard and Verdugo Avenue, replacing an existing auto sales lot, car repair shop and restaurant.
Proposed hotel amenities include a restaurant, lounge, pool and fitness center, according to a city report.
At the meeting on Monday, residents and business owners supporting the project cited the economic benefits of a new hotel, while opponents fear impacts to parking and traffic congestion.
Nearby recording studio operator Greg Ruha also worried he would lose clients due to construction noise.
“If they see there’s all this construction going on, they’re not going to want to take a chance,” he said.
Resident Kevin Hall, who is strongly against the construction of the hotel, indicated he would appeal the project.
“We’ve got to keep what’s left of the tranquillity of downtown Burbank,” Hall told the Planning Board.
If an appeal is filed within 15 days, the proposal would go before the City Council for a final decision.
-- Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com