West Hollywood’s City Council voted 5–0 on May 19, 2025, to direct staff to propose revitalization options for the Sunset Strip, rejecting a full strategic plan proposed by Councilmember Lauren Meister to update the 1996 Sunset Specific Plan. The debate, sparked by the Strip’s economic and cultural challenges, reflected competing visions for its iconic corridor.
Meister’s initiative, prepared by Community Services Director Yvonne Quarker, Manager Andi Lovano, and Supervisor Jennifer Del Toro, sought a community-driven plan to address stalled developments and high rents, citing the 2024 Economic Study’s findings: the Strip hosts 40% of the city’s hotels and 25% of taxable sales but faces commercialization. Resident Johnny Nicoloro supported the effort, urging action for the Strip’s vitality (Morning-5.pdf).
Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers backed Meister’s intent but questioned redundancy with the WeHo 40 Strategic Plan and economic studies, suggesting shorter-term solutions. Vice Mayor John Heilman, Councilmember John M. Erickson, and Councilmember Danny Hang opposed a zoning-focused plan, arguing the issue lies in unbuilt projects and weak BID marketing, not land use. “It’s not a zoning issue,” Heilman said, advocating placemaking to revive music venues. Erickson and Hang echoed prioritizing economic development over a resource-heavy plan, given staff’s Long Range Planning workload (e.g., Housing Element).
The council’s motion, deferring a strategic plan to FY 27/28, tasks staff to return with ideas for streetscape, branding, and business support, aligning with prior initiatives like 2019 community conversations and digital signs. The study noted the Strip’s low vacancy but high costs, challenging small businesses. Nicoloro’s call for action reflects resident frustration with the Strip’s fading “edge,” as Heilman noted.
Staff highlighted resource constraints, with Long Range Planning juggling state-mandated projects. The directive ensures alignment with budget cycles, avoiding strain on Economic Development and Urban Design teams. The council’s pragmatic shift, backed by Byers’ call for immediate steps, aims to balance urgency with feasibility, complementing BID efforts (F.5).
West Hollywood’s focus on the Strip indicates its economic weight. The council’s debate, blending Meister’s vision with Heilman’s caution, signals a commitment to revitalization, with staff’s forthcoming options set to shape the Strip’s next chapter.
Not rocket science.
Homeless (drug addicts, alcoholics, and the mentally ill), dirty sidewalks, crime..and everything costs too much due to high cost of doing business in this city,…those are the problems…fix those things…and the people, they will come.
MAKE SUNSET ROCK AGAIN! Stop POISONing the landscape with GARBAGE, monster mixed-use complexes, violent homeless agitators, and ridiculous SNEAKER PIMPS. The RATTs have to go! I’m part of the PANSY DIVISION and like to party with my TWISTED SISTERS on SMB now and again, but I still love to ESCAPE THE FATE and routinely frequent Sunset Boulevard’s RAINBOW and Whisky for a change of pace that rocks. And we definitely need more presence from THE POLICE, because when it comes to the ubiquitous GUNS N’ ROSES, we need more roses and less L.A.GUNS in the hands of criminals. Lastly, there’s… Read more »
Might want to consider “evicting” the homeless tenants at the old Trocadero site, screaming obscenities and spitting at passersby. Walking on the sidewalk is an obstacle course with scooters and e-bikes strewn all over the place and city funded signage prevents easy access. How about CLEANING the disgusting sidewalks, installing more trashcans, and making it more pedestrian friendly? Use some common sense!
So damn true. It’s not pleasant and folks just stay home. Like me