LA City Councilman Tom LaBonge is making news again. On Thursday, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission will hear his proposal to limit the size of new development along the historic "Larchmont Avenue" south of Beverly Boulevard. The Councilman, at the request of local residents, is hoping to preserve the "small town" feel of the shopping district. From LaBonge's weekly email to his constituents:
Tom's proposal to preserve Larchmont Village will be aired by the LosAngeles City Planning Commission next Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in City Hall Room 1010. If you plan toattend and would like to reserve parking in a city lot, please callAnna Nunez in our office at (213)485-3337. The commission willconsider Tom's proposed zoning restrictions which would limit theheight of any new development in Larchmont Village to 35 feet. Theplan would also preserve the existing five-foot setback and limit thewidth of individual storefronts to 50 feet in an effort to preserve thesmall-business atmosphere.
LaBonge has been on the case since residents raised concerns that property owners would see greater profit in renting properties currently leased by small business owners to the El Toritos and Pinkberry's of the world after the popular La Luna Ristorante lost its lease last year. If adopted, his proposal could protect these businesses as well as encourage potential chain retailers from moving into three large retail buildings that take up an entire block of Larchmont.
Photo: Sean_Yoda_Rouse/Flickr
