DEAR WEHO: Builder’s Remedy projects leaves me with questions

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Dear City Council:

Here are some observations and questions as community concerns have been raised regarding projects included in Item E.4. “Update on Major Commercial and Mixed Use Development Projects.”

1.  Regarding the 6 “Builder’s Remedy” projects, please note that a for sale sign has appeared at one of these:  the home at 8817 Ashcroft, #19 on Attachment A.  West Hollywood West neighbors will probably be relieved that their neighborhood of single-family homes will not be overpowered by a new 6-story building hovering amidst them.

2.  Regarding the other 5 “Builder’s Remedy” projects, I participated in the Zoom neighborhood calls for the projects on Edinburgh, Huntley, and Westbourne.  When exactly will the neighborhood meetings be held for the projects proposed at 8816 Beverly Blvd. and 9016 Santa Monica Blvd?

3.  I note also that the 5 remaining “Builder’s Remedy” projects have all been “deemed complete.”  Exactly what does this mean?  For instance, have Historic Resource Assessments been produced for all of these projects, what are the results, and when will these assessments be made available online for the public to access? 

4.  Regarding #1 on Attachment A – the long-gestating Melrose Triangle Project whose major purveyor was sentenced to federal prison for bribing municipal officials – I have witnessed in the last month a continuous cascade of precious water flowing into the drains at the northwest corner of Almont and Melrose.  I realize that a “lake” with mosquitos had formed at the deep excavation site but please find out  – given concerns about climate change and water preservation – whether any of this water is being reclaimed and when will the pumping stop? 

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Can this unfortunate situation just be one of the collateral damages resulting from the City Council having granted this project a “STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS”?  That ill-fated decision resulted in the historic Jones Dog and Cat Hospital streamline moderne building being demolished and small businesses being closed over citizen objections, a costly court case, and major environmental concerns.  This situation does not reflect wise planning and going forward the City should carefully examine the capabilities and qualities of the developers with whom it engages.

Thank you for your consideration.

–Victor Omelczenko,
23-Year West Hollywood Resident

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About Victor Omelczenko
Victor Omelczenko has lived in West Hollywood going on two decades during which he’s served as a Public Facilities Commissioner, an advocate for bicycling and historic preservation, and someone interested in things occurring beyond his nice rent-stabilized courtyard building in Center City.

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Ben McCormick
Ben McCormick
26 days ago

Victor, you may not realize this but those Melrose Triangle pumps to which you refer actually have been pumping out that groundwater since our grand hole-in-the-ground was dug, 24/7. It’s more noticeable now only because residents complained about the standing water mosquito breeding grounds and whomever is in charge beefed up the pumping operation. No one thought to check to see how close the groundwater was to the surface before they dug our three-story hole.