Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Opposes ICO Hardship Exemption at September Meeting

The Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council swore in Philip Farha, Alternate Board member for Area 8 at its September meeting, held last night at the Ebell of Los Angeles.

Among the actions taken at the meeting was the approval of  two recommendations of the Land Use Committee (LUC). The first, to oppose a hardship exemption to the Interim Control Ordinance to the Base Mansionization Ordinance for a project at 408 North Plymouth. The project was opposed by the nearest neighbors, who say it will dwarf their home and encourage more oversized houses on the street.

The second vote was to support a CUZ for extended opening hours of a new Starbucks at 7016 Melrose Avenue, from 5am to 12 midnight. Both recommendations passed unanimously.

The Board heard reports from John Darnell, District Director, Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz who said there would soon be a “No Left Turn” sign at the intersection of Willoughby and Highland that should alleviate the traffic congestion of drivers trying to make a left turn into the new drive-through Starbucks where an old gas station was formerly located. Darnell thanked CouncilmemberDavid Ryu for completing the effort that began under former Councilmember Tom LaBonge. The hope is the sign will reduce the likelihood of accidents at the intersection.

Darnell also reported that Councilmembers Koretz and Ryu are collaborating on a request to city agencies to present a report in the next 60 days on preparations underway in anticipation of the forecasted El Ninó rains. He also reported that GWNC Board member Jeff Carpenter and a representative from Mid City West Community Council attended the first meeting of the Melrose Avenue Business Improvement District, which was awarded $3.9 million for pedestrian related improvements to the street.

Nikki Ezhari, Senior Deputy, Hollywood Field Office, for Councilmember David Ryu reported that Councilmember Ryu pulled back $600,000 in grants made by Councilmember Tom LaBonge before leaving office. The grants are now being reviewed by the Discretionary Funds Task Force of the Ryu Transition Team. Ezhari said the office is catching up on local issues because “we don’t have access to information from the previous council office.” She urged board members to advise neighbors to contact her if there are pending projects or issues of concern, since she may not be aware of them. She also said the council office website is not yet working.

In other actions, the Board approved a resolution to oppose the proposed Department of Water and Power rate increase until the Ratepayers Advocate can gather information and provide analysis. The Outreach Committee reported plans for participating in the Congress of Neighborhoods and the Larchmont Family Fair at the end of October.  The reports from the Transportation and Sustainability committees were held over for the next meeting.

For more information on the meeting, visit the GWNC website where minutes and meeting agendas can be found. All meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.