OPINION: JEROME CLEARY: Why scam a petition? A closer look at Silver Creek Development’s deception

ADVERTISEMENT

The recent petition by the developer for the 8850 Sunset Boulevard project in West Hollywood has sparked significant controversy among residents and community groups. While the developer has painted a picture of a thriving, culturally significant destination, some critics have raised concerns about the project’s potential negative impacts.

One of the key arguments against the project is the developer’s alleged use of fraudulent tactics to gather support for a petition in favor of the development. If the project were truly as beneficial as the developer claims, why would they need to resort to such underhanded methods?

Here are some possible reasons why the developer might have felt compelled to scam the petition:

1. Fear of Public Opposition: The Viper Room, as a beloved local landmark, holds a special place in the hearts of many West Hollywood residents. The developer may have anticipated strong resistance from the community and decided to manipulate public opinion to gain support.

2. Economic Incentives: The proposed hotel project could offer significant financial benefits to the developer, such as increased property values and lucrative rental income. However, these gains may come at a cost to the local community, including increased traffic, noise pollution, and strain on public resources.

3. Political Pressure: The developer may have faced pressure from local politicians or other influential figures to move forward with the project. To appease these parties, they may have resorted to unethical tactics to garner public support.

ADVERTISEMENT

4. Lack of Confidence in the Project: Despite the developer’s claims, there may be underlying concerns about the project’s feasibility or its long-term viability. By manipulating public opinion, they may be hoping to create a false sense of enthusiasm and support.

The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

The allegations of fraud surrounding the 8850 Sunset petition raise serious questions about the developer’s motives and the legitimacy of their claims. It is essential for the community to demand transparency and accountability from the developer, and to thoroughly investigate any allegations of wrongdoing.

If the project is truly beneficial to West Hollywood, it should be able to withstand scrutiny and garner genuine support from the community. By exposing fraudulent tactics and

holding the developer accountable, we can ensure that the future of our city is shaped by honest and ethical decision-making.

3.7 3 votes
Article Rating
ADVERTISEMENT
About Jerome Cleary
Jerome Cleary was a columnist for West Hollywood Independent, blogger for AOL’s Patch for West Hollywood, published in the LA Times, The Advocate, Frontiers Magazine, formerly on the Lesbian and Gay Advisory board, was named as a Local Hero of West Hollywood in LA Weekly and is a small business owner in West Hollywood.

View All Articles

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
JF1
JF1
2 months ago

Listen, what’s currently there now is a dump. This would be vast improvement. Build it.

Robert Steloff
2 months ago
Reply to  JF1

💯, this old dilapidated eye sore of a parcel has fallen into ruin years ago, there is NOTHING worth preserving except the namesake of a newly invigorated Viper Room – Personally speaking, while the new build will be quite disruptive in all regards, the proposed new development is beautifully architected & I feel a great ‘enhancement’ to community & our WEHO future – We’re quite fortunate to have this development come into our lives if we care about advancing the cultural & modern qualities of tomorrow. Albeit, I still fully regard & respect the neighbors immediately N, S, E, &… Read more »

John Ryan
John Ryan
2 months ago

I never sign petitions. They are always misleading.

Pavarottix
Pavarottix
2 months ago

Unfortunately this post doesn’t live up to its title. You haven’t provided a closer look into ANY of the allegations. There’s no meat at all in this article. Simply repeating “developer may have …” without providing any further information is simply a waste of your readers’ time.

Robert Steloff
2 months ago
Reply to  Pavarottix

Agree completely, no teeth of a discussion or anything I deem as valid or credible.