At its July board meeting on Wednesday night, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council took action on several local land use issues, including the current proposals for revisions to the city’s Baseline Mansionization Ordinance, and the proposed Paramount Pictures Master Plan, both of which are being heard by the City Planning Commission today (July 14).
Here are the positions GWNC took at last night’s meeting:
Baseline Mansionization Ordinance – The board voted (10 in favor, 2 opposed and 3 abstentions) to support the latest proposed draft of the city’s Baseline Mansionization Ordinance.  Board members did not discuss or act on a set of additional recommendations (including further reductions in overall allowable Floor Area Ratio, and the complete elimination of bonuses for covered porches and patios), that were recently released by the City Planning Department in its report to the City Planning Commission. There was one comment from a stakeholder who opposed the reduction in FAR.
Paramount Pictures Master Plan – After an overview of the project and current revisions, from Paramount representatives Sharon Keyser and Andrea Ceragioli, the board expressed appreciation for several changes (including increased setbacks for the new buildings proposed for the south side of Melrose Ave., and the allocation of funds for traffic mitigation). Â In the end, however, the board voted (9 in favor, 3 opposed and 3 abstentions) to oppose the Paramount Pictures Master Plan, Paramount Pictures Specific Plan, Tentative Tract Map, Special Sign District and Final Environmental Impact Report for the project. Â The final resolution also stated, “GWNC joins with surrounding neighborhood organizations in expressing great concern about the height of the two proposed office towers, the impact of additional traffic, the digital and electronic signs and supergraphics in particular.”
Tract Map and Density Bonus for a 23-unit condominium project at 712-718 N. Hudson – The board voted (with 11 in favor, 3 opposed and 1 abstention) to support the density bonus application, with no significant discussion.
Subdivision of a single-family parcel into two separate R-1 Lots at 953 S. Citrus Ave. – The board voted unanimously to oppose the division of the R-1 lot.
Variance to legalize an (already built) overheight wall/fence at 924 S. Mansfield Ave. – The board voted unanimously to oppose the variance application.
Density Bonus for a 40-unit mixed use project at 700-716 S. Manhattan Pl., 701-711 S. Western Ave. and 3814 W. 7th Street – The board voted unanimously to oppose the project, on the GWNC Land Use Committee’s recommendation, because the property representatives have not responded to several invitations to present the full details of the project to the GWNC.
Tentative Tract Map and street dedication requests for a condominium project at 800 S. Lorraine Blvd. – AÂ motion to support the application failed by a vote of 3 in favor, 7 opposed and 5 abstentions. There were no further motions or actions on the matter.
Tentative Tract Map for a condominium conversion at 315-317 N. Sycamore Ave. – After some discussion about an Ellis Act eviction (removal of a current rental tenant) that would be involved, the board voted to support the condominium conversion by a vote of 12 in favor, 3 opposed and 0 abstentions.
