Residents Speak Out Against Hollywood Community Plan

More than 60 area residents showed up at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood Thursday night to voice their opinions about zoning changes and amendments set forth in the city's proposed Hollywood Community Plan.

Concerns about density and traffic were heard throughout the evening as people took turns at a microphone in the church hall to address Associate City Planner Mary Richardson and City Planner Craig Weber.

“[At] the Hollywood and Vine intersection, we feel that skyscrapers are probably not what we need there,” said Fran Reichenbach, president of the Beachwood Canyon Neighborhood Association. “Density isn’t always the answer.”

While many spoke of their concerns about increased density in that area as well as on Franklin Avenue, some residents also expressed strong opinions about neighborhoods near Sunset Plaza Drive.

“We’re going to be living in the Third World with so much density, so much overcrowding,” said Arlene Cohen, who lives off Rising Glen Road. “There are so few open spaces left ... in Los Angeles. It affects everybody’s property value as well as quality of life.”

Many in the audience applauded the speakers.

“Just because something can be built doesn’t mean it should be,” said Sarajane Schwartz, president of the Hollywoodland Homeowners Association.

Emotions began to rise during the meeting with some people even shouting into the microphone at times.

The proposed Hollywood Community Plan would include zoning changes and land use designations in anticipation of population growth through 2030. It also allows for more development.

More than one speaker accused the Department of City Planning of using inaccurate census data in the plan.

One of the night’s attendees, Jim Geoghan, showed up early for the open house that preceded the meeting, at which residents could view maps of affected areas up close and talk to city planning staff members who were on hand.

“This is a high-density plan,” said Geoghan who has lived in Whitley Heights for 25 years. “Hollywood needs something other than high-density projects.”

Sarah MacPherson, associate executive director of the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance, commended the Department of City Planning for its “masterful job” of drawing up the plan.

Last night’s meeting was the last of two held this week to hear from area residents. About 150 people showed up for Monday’s meeting, Richardson said. The Department of City Planning is now expected to make changes to the Community Plan based on this week's input before it goes before the City Planning Commission and the City Council.

To learn more about the Hollywood Community Plan, visit cityplanning.lacity.org/.