Harvard-Westlake School's Testimony about its Parking Structure 8.7.2017. Be heard !!

WRITTEN TESTIMONY submitted by Joann Deutch

August 4, 2017

Harvard-Westlake School Application for Parking Structure and related matters

LADBS Case No.: ENV-2013-1950-EAF

TO: PLUM COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Councilman Jose Huizar, Chair

Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Vice-Chair

Councilman Mitch Englander, Member

Councilman Bob Blumfield, Member

Councilman Currren Price, Member

OPENING REMARKS:

Thank you for the opportunity to make comments on the proposed exceptions; variances; zone changes and nonconforming uses which are part of the Applicant’s goal to build a parking structure and playing field at 3701 N. Coldwater Canyon Avenue (et. al.) 91604.

BACKGROUND:

I have been a business owner with offices is in Studio City since 1990. I have always been civically active.

Having written a book about the history of Studio City, Studio City - A Mile of Style, What’s History, What’s Gossip, I bring a different perspective to the discussion about whether the Harvard-Westlake Application should be granted.

Studio City was initially developed as a “Progressive Movement” Teddy Roosevelt-type experiment. At the time there were vigorous debates and court challenges to the absolute power of property owners and the government’s role in land use.

“Progressives advocated a strong police power that would enable states to promote public welfare even at the expense of certain liberties ... making the public welfare into a “talisman” that could override provisions in the Constitution.” (James Ely)

On that note, the original Studio City developers built houses for marquee movie stars along side houses for the “behind-the-camera” workers and created a community which straddled economic classes.

The Harvard-Westlake school humbly began 1900s as the club-house for Hollywood Country Club on Coldwater, taking title to parts of the golf course property. The Harvard School moved one building from its campus in the Union-Pico area - the St Savior’s Chapel - to the Coldwater location. Since that time, the campus has expanded, and now seeks to expand well beyond its original foot print.

SUMMARY OF MATTERS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED:

1. Hillside Emergencies, Restricted Access to roads

A. All local planning must respect LA Emergency Management 's

designations of canyon roads (as should The Mobility Plan 2020)

2. Studio City’s cross-canyon roads serve the entire City and SF Valley

3. Harvard-Westlake’s prior agreement with the community not to build on west side of Coldwater

3. The Application has not been presented as a necessity to the survival of the school

1. LA Emergencies and Threats

“Los Angeles is prone to 13 of 16 possible federally-identified natural and man-made threats. Los Angeles is particularly vulnerable to the destructive affects wildfires, flooding, mudslides and earthquakes. Because of the many threats that Los Angeles faces, the importance of readiness as a city (and the especially threatened hillside areas) and for residents cannot be overstated. Part of disaster preparedness is being aware of the kinds of hazards and disasters you might be subject to living in as a Los Angeles resident.” LA Emergency Management.

The Harvard-Westlake Application does not consider the pivotal role played by Coldwater Canyon in the event of a local emergency. The populations of Coldwater and Laurel Canyons total approximately 61,000 people.

1A. Coldwater Canyon is designated as an emergency ingress route (for emergency vehicles only to access water in the Franklin Canyon Reservoir and the DWP pumping stations) located inside the Wm O. Douglas Park.

1B. Laurel Canyon is designated as an emergency citizens evacuation route.

Therefore all of the residents would have to exit thru Laurel Canyon to either Ventura or Hollywood/Sunset Blvds.

1C. An obstruction at the Harvard-Westlake bridge will require a 3.1 mile trip to Laurel Canyon Blvd. Other raised pedestrian bridges in Los Angeles are only 1 or 2 blocks away from a parallel street where cars can resume their trip.

2. Studio City was Originally Designated as the Hub for Los Angeles Traffic to and from the San Fernando Valley

2A. Studio City carries the lion’s share of the cross-mountain traffic burden for all of Los Angeles. It is the home to the Cahuenga Pass; the 101; Coldwater and Laurel Canyons. While the 2020 Mobility Plan calls for the city to dismiss traffic considerations as it allows for densification, the canyon roads must be granted special status.

There are major developments planned for the intersections of Coldwater Canyon and Ventura Boulevard. The same is true for Laurel Canyon and Sunset Blvd. Furthermore, traffic lights are timed to “hold traffic” in the upper hillside roads to control traffic on the foothill roads such as Ventura Blvd and Sunset. These developments will further hamper ingress and egress for local residents in the event of emergencies.

2B. Life in the canyons creates a “ last 3-5 mile transit obstacle” rather than the “last mile” traditional transportation consideration. There will never be a time when canyon residents won’t need to depend on private cars for transportation. If I wanted to travel from my home in the hills to my office in Studio City by public transportation, I would have to walk. 0.8 miles to the intersections of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland, then spend 1.5 + hours on public transportation to reach my offices which are 3.9 miles from my home.

I challenge anyone to think this is acceptable planning. Hence the loud grousing from the community about traffic.

3. Agreement between Harvard School and homeowners in the 3899 Coldwater Canyon/Van Nord cu-de-sac

At the time the white railings were put up at this intersection, it was agreed between the school and those neighbors that the Harvard School would not seek to expand to the west side of Coldwater Canyon. Harvard-Westlake has done and “end run” around its commitment to the community and simply moved their expansionist ambitions a few blocks south, hardly in keeping with the spirit of their agreement.

The Application by Harvard–Westlake has not been presented as a necessity for the survival of the school. In sum, Studio City has absorbed as much burden in serving the greater Los Angeles and San Fernando transit needs, as has been asked of any other community.

Thank you

Joann Deutch