Height of Proposed Project Raises Concerns
Wednesday, December 17th, 200818 Story Condo Tower Planned for Hollywood Blvd. at Edgemont St.
By Kimberly Gomez, Ledger Contributing Writer
EAST HOLLYWOOD—Parking spillover, traffic congestion and height are some of the concerns area residents expressed in October about a new development at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Edgemont Street.
The project—expected to break ground in 2011—proposes a 15-story hotel and a 18-story condo tower on the 1.5 acre property.
Over 60 people attended a city sponsored public meeting about the project at 4900 Hollywood Boulevard. The project’s developer is Los Angeles based Cen-Fed Ltd.
Many at the meeting spoke of possible restricted views of Barnsdall Art Park, which lies directly east of the property, should the development be approved as is.
“It would trouble me to see this project moving forward as it is currently designed,” said Gary Slossberg of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council.
The development, as proposed, will have 172 residential units—including 164 condominiums—eight two-story townhouses and 150 hotel rooms along with retail and commercial space. Currently, 472 total parking spaces are planned.
“We think this is a community that is situated in proximity to transit that could absorb the type of density that is needed to reduce urban sprawl,” said Michael Gonzales who represents the developer.
But many at the meeting were not convinced.
“Any development over five stories would dramatically change the nature of our neighborhood,” said Kenneth E. Owen, Chair of the Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council.
Owen said the GGPNC may ask the city’s planning department to demonstrate the height of the project with poles or even balloons. Plans currently indicate the project will reach 220 feet in height.