This entry was posted on 3/10/2007 3:44 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
Welcome to the GHSNC Blog, a web space for you to participate in our community discussions. Click below to add a comment and join our exchange of views.
3/10/2007 6:07 PMjimsummers wrote:
In an effort to better serve our community, we have made this blog for individuals to voice their opinions and ask questions. Not everyone can make the scheduled informational meeting or public hearings, this is another method to see what our stakeholders want and their opinion of the proposed project. Please be respectful of others when stating your views, we do not like to censor. Thank You. Reply to this
5/31/2007 6:59 PM
ALEX @ JULIE ROUSE wrote:
We live behind the proposed building site for Kohls Department Store on Tribune Place. We live in Granada Hills for the small town atmosphere. We feel that Granada Hills is growing way to fast and Kohls will make it last like other cities to busy and not friendly. Please help to keep our town the way it is. Reply to this
9/12/2007 10:49 AM
Lisa McBean wrote:
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE -- AT LEAST KOHL'S SPEAKS ENGLISH!
Granada Hills and Northridge are turning into LITTLE KOREA. Do all of you protesters want MORE Korean stores with signs in a language you cannot read? Reply to this
3/10/2007 8:30 PM
Charlotte Spector wrote:
I oppose such a large store, bigger than anything in the area. I moved into the area 53 years ago and it has gotten crowed enough. Such a large building will only bring more traffic into an already congested area. Thank you. Reply to this
4/1/2007 10:08 PMAaron DeVandry wrote:
Zelzah north of Chatsworth is a small street that can not handle the traffic with the addition of Kohl's. Bring the bowling alley back to that location, please! Reply to this
4/28/2007 9:56 AM
Nancy Norris wrote:
PLEASE ATTEND HEARING ON 4/30 at 9:30 a.m. or PLEASE FAX YOUR OPPOSITION BY MONDAY -details below: Long before we knew about this, lobbying efforts were underway by the applicant to garner support. They put on presentations to assisted living facilities and groups and businesses in the area, to exhibit how much good they were going to do for our area. They provided pre-paid postage cards, which when returned show support; the Regency website has a 'click here' button to show your support. YET THE SUPPORTERS DO NOT LIVE IN THIS AREA, or if they do, such as the residents of the assited living facility, rarely drive on the roads at peak hours. The Business office for Regency is on Wilshire Blvd. Their definition of "traffic" and "congestion" cannot possibly be the same as ours. If their biased traffic report prepared by paid experts used City of L.A. guidelines, that is not fair either, since our area is different from most parts of the city. THERE IS NO DIRECT FREEWAY ACCESS. It is a no brainer that traffic from the 118 freeway will be clogging our small one lane residential streets. They will be loud and spew smog into our yards. Anyone working on this project who denies this is not truthful. But it is semantics. Sure, nobody is asking NOW to widen the roads. When it happens it will not be Kohl's or Regency who asks for a designated left turn signal at Zelzah south,(and consequential widenting of SF Mission) it will be those who live on and travel on the roads. The City will gladly facilitate Kohl's and their patrons once they begin taking in the sales tax revenues for Kohl's. If Regency, who stands to sign a Long Term Lease with Kohl's is saying that Zelzah and SF Mission Roads will not be significantly affected, they are not looking into the future sucess of the 95,000 square foot retail giant, that will need large numbers of patrons from outside our area to survive. (A grocery market draws on local patrons. Kohl's will draw on outsiders from all N LA COUNTY. On Saturday evenings and Sundays, SF Mission is pretty calm. That is when working people shop, and will be traveling to Kohl's. Nothing Regency has said should be trusted, since they stand to benefit greatly from this lease with Kohl's. They have no duty or obligation to tell the truth to get their support. Once the place is built, we will begin to see the true impact this will have on our small residential community. We need to attend the public hearing and testify on Monday, OUR VERY LAST CHANCE as per hearing officer Frank Quon. He told me he will not take testimony after Monday's hearing : Mon. April 30, 2007; 9:30 a.m. 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. First Floor Conf. Room, Van Nuys. Parking will be tough, but go to the courthouse structure 6170 Sylmar Avenue between Delano Street and Calvert Street, one block east of Van Nuys Boulevard. The entrance is labeled "Public Parking." The cost is $6.00 per day, and the ticket booth is at the top of the ramp on the fourth level. Reply to this
3/15/2007 1:40 PM
Dave Beauvais wrote:
CITY OF LOS ANGELES GRANADA HILLS SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL BYLAWS & RULES COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, March 20, 2007, Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Law Office of Savin & Bursk 10663 Yarmouth Avenue, Granada Hills, CA 91344
Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered. Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the Agenda that is within the Committee’s subject matter jurisdiction will be heard during the Public Comment period. Public comment is limited to 2 minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer of the Committee. Agenda is posted for public review at: 1) Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce and website, 17723 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills, CA 91344; 2) Balboa/San Fernando Mission Shopping Center, Postal Plus: 11024 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344; 3) Patrick Henry Middle School, 17340 San José St, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 4) Chatsworth/Zelzah Shopping Center, 18008 Chatsworth Street Granada Hills, CA 91344; 5) Granada Hills Library & Recreation Center, 16730 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 6) George K. Porter Middle School 15960 Kingsbury Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 7) GHSNC Website: www.ghsnc.org and address: 11024 Balboa Blvd., Box 767; Granada Hills, CA 91344
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting the Neighborhood Council Project Coordinator, Amelia D. Herrera-Robles at (818) 374-9895 or e-mail to ameila.herrera-robles@lacity.org
All agenda items are subject to discussion and possible Committee action.
AGENDA 1. Review of proposed standing rules to be presented to the Board 2. Review of proposed changes to Article VII, Section G, 9-Student Director; Article VII, Section G, 6-Homeowner Director; Article XII, Section B1-Elections: Article XVII, Interim Provisions 3. Discussion and recommendations for additional bylaws changes Reply to this
11/7/2008 6:57 PM
Lani Feldbaum wrote:
I've never been to Kohl's but I did today and it was wonderful. Could we get on in the East Valley (Sherman Oaks). Unless it's being used Linens & Things in the Westfield Fashion Square is two story and has an escalator. It's a wondeful location and everybody would love it. We have no new Dept stores in the area. Pls check into it. Thanks, Lani Feldbaum Reply to this
3/17/2007 10:26 PM
Chris Silvers wrote:
CITY OF LOS ANGELES GRANADA HILLS SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL PLANNING AND LAND USE COMMITTEE Tuesday, March 20, 2007 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) COLDWELL BANKER CONFERENCE ROOM DEVONSHIRE & BALBOA, GRANADA HILLS, CA
COMMITTEE MEMEBERS
CHAIRMAN: Chris Silvers Eric Mansker John Seletos Brad Smith Maria Fisk Jim Summers (Ex-Officio)
The public is requested to fill out a “Speaker Card” to address the Board on any item of the agenda prior to the Board taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered. Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the Agenda that is within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction will be heard during the Public Comment period. Public comment is limited to 2 minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer of the Board. Agenda is posted for public review at: 1) Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce and website, 17723 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills, CA 91344; 2) Balboa/San Fernando Mission Shopping Center, 17000 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344; 3) Patrick Henry Middle School, 17340 San José St, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 4) Chatsworth/Zelzah Shopping Center, 18000 Chatsworth Street Granada Hills, CA 91344; 5) Granada Hills Library & Recreation Center, 16730 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 6) George K. Porter Middle School 15960 Kingsbury Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 7) Old Granada Hills Residents Group and website P.O. Box 34055 Granada Hills, CA 91344
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting the Neighborhood Council Project Coordinator, Amelia D. Herrera-Robles at (818) 374-9895 or e-mail to ameila.herrera-robles@lacity.org All agenda items are subject to discussion and possible board action.
AGENDA I Call to order II Roll Call III Community Speakers and Announcements IV Discussion regarding Kohls Project and vote to determine support for variances and exceptions. VI Discussion regarding the property on S/E Chatsworth and Encino. VII Discussion regarding Residential Rehabilitation/ Halfway Houses. VIII New business for future consideration. VIII Adjournment Reply to this
4/15/2007 3:57 PM
Jerry Schwartz wrote:
Two minutes sounds like the city council. Rediculous. If you're really there to SERVE the public, you must give enough time for someone to develop their subject, describe the problem, and ask questions, as to understand everything about a particular subject. Not all of us are accomplished public speakers. Reply to this
Thanks for reading this blog. I guess you have never been to a meeting? We very rarely hold anyone to 2 minutes. We are a city entity, for what that is worth and therefor there must be rules.
On a side note, all members of the council are volunteers that are deeply vested in the neighborhood and are serving to the best of their ability. Please temper your condescension when addressing your neighbors. I am much more interested in helping someone that isn't skeptical of my service even before meeting me.
Chris Silvers Vice President Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council Reply to this
4/15/2007 4:02 PM
Jerry Schwartz wrote:
If the Kohl's store is no larger than the stores it replaces, I say bring it in. Bowling is not coming back. If it was such a great moneymaker, it would still be there.
Across the street, we once had a Treasury store. Now it's been replaced by a whole bunch of other stores, rather than just one. Is the traffic better now? Reply to this
5/14/2007 5:29 PMAaron DeVandry wrote:
I don't know how well the bowling alley did financially, but it was bought by Hughes/Hows, who I'm sure paid a pretty penny for it. The retail/dining establishments in the area are different now as are the demographics, and a new bowling alley would fit well there. This is probably a pipe dream though. I guess I'm a little bitter that one of my favorite places as a kid was turned into an unnecessary Ralphs when another Ralphs was across the street. Reply to this
4/13/2007 7:29 PM
Scott wrote:
This is much too big for the area. I hate to be a NIMBY, but this is will be an ugly eyesore. There is only one major street, Zelzah is a residential street north of Chatsworth. I urge the council to reject the store!! Reply to this
4/15/2007 7:07 PM
Chris Silvers wrote:
Thank you for your input on the Kohls. The council has provided an information meeting about the project as a service to the community. We receive early notification about the developments in the area, most of the time.
We are glad to see so many stakeholders interested in this project and urge you all to make your points know to the city planning department at the first official meeting regarding the Kohls project with the city.
Please write your comments down before you come to the meeting as it is a city body you will likely be limited to 2 minutes so that all parties may express their point.
The neighborhood council is here to inform and provide as much information as possible. Opposition will most likely need to come from neighbors like you. Please inform your neighbors and come to the meeting.
April 30th at 9:30 AM in the Construction Service Center first floor conference room located at 6262 Van Nuys Blvd.
8/15/2007 10:51 AM
Burnie Gilmore wrote:
Eyesore? What do you mean? You think a new store in the style mandated by Granada Hills would be an eyesore compared to the empty building there now? The empty store makes the neighborhood look run down and dying. Reply to this
4/21/2007 5:47 PM
Jim Summers wrote:
CITY OF LOS ANGELES GRANADA HILLS SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING – KOHLS II Tuesday, April 24, 2007, Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Granada Pavilion, Auditorium 11128 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344
The public is requested to fill out a “Speaker Card” to address the Board on any item of the agenda prior to the Board taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered. Public comment is limited to 2 minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer of the Board. Agenda is posted for public review at: 1) Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce and website, 17723 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills, CA 91344; 2) Balboa/San Fernando Mission Shopping Center, Postal Plus: 11024 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344; 3) Patrick Henry Middle School, 17340 San José St, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 4) Chatsworth/Zelzah Shopping Center, 18008 Chatsworth Street Granada Hills, CA 91344; 5) Granada Hills Library & Recreation Center, 16730 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 6) George K. Porter Middle School 15960 Kingsbury Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; 7) GHSNC Website: www.ghsnc.org and address: 11024 Balboa Blvd., Box 767; Granada Hills, CA 91344
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting the Neighborhood Council Project Coordinator, Amelia D. Herrera-Robles at (818) 374-9895 or e-mail to ameila.herrera-robles@lacity.org . All agenda items are subject to discussion and possible board action. AGENDA I. Call to order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call IV. Introductions of GHSNC Board, Meeting Rules V. Meeting Purpose: PROPOSED PROJECT KOHLS DEPARTMENT STORE: Demolition of an existing 43,000 square foot market and 11,000 square feet of retail shops, and the construction of an 88,000 square foot Department Store, with a 7,300 square foot mezzanine, 38 feet high, with 1,155 shared parking spaces on an 852,975 square foot lot. CASE NO.: APCNV-2006-5084-SPEZV. CU-ZAD-SPR.SPP APPLICANT: FWCA, Granada Village, LLC, Regency Centers PROPERTY INVOLVED: 17901-18145 W Chatsworth St. and 10725-10835 N Zelzah Ave. VI. Introductions of Applicant, Applicant Consultants & Representatives VII. Additional Information from Applicant VIII. GHSNC Committee Recommendations, Comments VIII. GHSNC Committee Recommendations, Comments and Questions IX. Public Comments and Questions X. GHSNC Board Discussion and Possible Vote XI. Adjournment Reply to this
4/28/2007 10:04 AM
Nancy Norris wrote:
The Fax No. for City Planning Hearing Officer Frank Quon is 818-374-5070. Reference case no. APCNV-2006-5084-spe-zv-cu-zad-spr-spp. Your testimony must be faxed before Monday's hearing Mon. April 30, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. Reply to this
4/28/2007 11:45 AM
Lawrence Brown wrote:
I have been a resident of Granada Hills since 1953. The proposed building is far too large for that section of Granada Hills. The additional traffic will serve to increase congestion and diminish the community feeling that old Granada Hills has been fairly successful in retaining to date.
Zelzah Ave. will not be able to handle the load, and San Fernando Mission Blvd. will become a traffic nightmare as customers feed in from the 118 at Balboa to shop at Kohl's or the newly enlarged Target Department Store. Reply to this
5/31/2007 7:04 PM
ALEX @ JULIE ROUSE wrote:
We both agree since we have lived in Granada Hills for over 47 years. Reply to this
4/28/2007 12:26 PM
Virginia Weisman wrote:
I am adamently opposed to a Kohl's store at this location. It's all so obvious. It's too big for the location and will diminish the quality of life for everyone in proximity to that shopping center. NO ON KOHL'S Reply to this
4/28/2007 8:37 PM
Clint Lealos wrote:
My name is Clint Lealos and I have lived in Granada Hills all my life. In fact, I have just recently purchased my childhood home from my parents and have no intentions on leaving any time soon. I have seen my neighborhood transform in last 30 years. Sometimes subtly, sometimes drastically, but it has always been changing. Although I may wish to keep our small neighborhood feel, I am certain some folks will want the convenience of having a major department store close to their home. If it doesn't affect your everyday life why not promote capitalism in all its glory? One reason in particular comes to mind. Granada Hills is different. It is a place where people come to live in small quiet neighborhoods. A town where small business thrives and the American dream lives stubbornly on Chatsworth St. Granada Hills citizens have fought battles to stop the building of an off ramp on White Oak, Hillcrest expansion, and The Home Depot. We the proud citizens of Granada Hills have repeatedly let big business know that our neighborhoods are not for sale. No matter how cheap your summer tank tops and barbecue grills may be. We have a responsibility to protect the Granada Hills people like my mother and father left for us to enjoy. Now, Kohl's has every right to build a store in our neighborhood, and I welcome them with open arms. However, they must play by our rules. The current space is more than enough space to house a department store. I apologize if that interferes with any mega store plans Kohl's may have, but these are our rules in our neighborhood. I urge the local government to do everything in its power to limit Kohl's to all the current laws and building codes in place. Thanks you.
Granada Hills Citizens, Clint & Kelly Lealos Reply to this
4/28/2007 9:51 PMAaron DeVandry wrote:
Clint, thanks for the great words you wrote. I feel the same way, and am in a very simiar scenario as you (I think we both went to the same elementary school together also-St. Euph)
There is already a Stein Mart in the same shopping center. If Kohl's were the same size as Stein Mart I would have no problem with it. But I do not want a mega-store with multiple floors and inadequate parking.
4/29/2007 10:33 PM
Robert O'Donnell wrote:
I feel a full size Kohls does not conform to the neighborhood. The variances in the zoning should not be granted. If they want to still build, it should be within the standard zoning ordances and hours should not be extended late into the night.The necessary expansion of streets to handle added traffic would impact residents on those streets and would negatively impact the looks of the community. What happens if the volume of business does not materialize? We would be left with an empty eyesore and something no one else would want to occupy for it would not be cost effective. Most patrons would also have to pass by the Target store and may be drawn away to Target and never reach Kohls. This is a no-win/no-win situation, the company loses, the community loses. Make anyone who wants to use the space conform to the standards already in place. Reply to this
4/29/2007 10:50 PM
Pat O'Donnell wrote:
I feel a Kohl's would add more congestion to our neighborhood both in traffic and people. There is just enough parking in the lot to make it inviting for people to come and shop at the stores already there. To put a big store like Kohl's in that shopping center is not right for the neighborhood. Some one mention Treasury was a big store. Yes it was located across the street and was the only store on that lot at the time if my memory serves me right. Well that's my opinion. I like the neighbor the way it is now. Reply to this
4/30/2007 6:11 AM
Phyllis Doyle wrote:
Regarding the proposed Kohl's: My vote goes definitively in the "AGAINST" column. I was quite turned off by the web page set up by the department store. It encouraged readers gullible enough to be impressed by artists' renderings and inflated promises to 'click and vote' their support for the project to the powers that be.
In addition to the added traffic, emissions, operating hours, parking problems, and privacy issues already mentioned, the one thing I have not seen among the topics is the first thing that came to my mind. When Kohl's opened their location in West Hills amid much hoopla, I eventually made my way over there to see what the fuss was all about. I walked into the store, got about 30 feet in, looking right and left as I progressed, and realized that the merchandise could be summed up in one word: (Pardon me if I use the technical term) CRAP. I turned around and walked out the same way I came in-- only faster. I've never gone back.
We don't need a store that makes Mervyn's look like Neiman-Marcus in our neighborhood. We don't need to give variances to ANY retail concern, much less to one who has less than quality merchandise and presentation. I saw what the INSIDE of the store looked like; I don't care to see what the OUTSIDE will do to take down the neighborhood. Reply to this
4/30/2007 10:35 AM
Peter V. wrote:
I'm in favor of doing business with Kohl's, but not in changing our current zoning regulations. Thank you Reply to this
5/5/2007 2:25 PM
HELEN wrote:
KOHLS HAS MISLED US INTO THINKING THAT CONSUMERS WILL BE BALANCED AMONG THE VAROIUS ENTRANCES. MOST THE PEOPLE WILL BE COMING FROM THE EAST LOADING UP MISSION, CHATSWORTH, WHITE OAK AND ZELZAH. I COULD EVEN Foresee THAT THEY MIGHT WANT TO GET AN EXIT FROM THE FREE, MAYBE AT ENCINO.
SIMI VALLEY HAS A KOHLS. NORTHRIDGE HAS A MALL AND A MERVYNS. WOODLAND HILLS HAS A KOHLS. RESIDENTS OF ENCINO AND SHERMANS PROBABLY WOULD NOT CARE TO WEAR CLOTHES FROM KOHLS ANYWAY. SYLMAR, PACOIMA,SUNLAND HAVE NOWHERE TO SHOP BUT A SMALL OUTDATED JC PENNYS IN SAN FERNANDO AND A RUN DOWN CENTER IN PANORAMA CITY. THEREFORE I FEEL THAT MOST THE TRAFFIC WILL BE USING THE RODS EAST OF KOHLS. THE ARGUMENT HAS BEEN THAT THIS INFLUX OF PEOPLE MIGHT BENEFIT THE BUSINESS ON CHATSWORTH ST. I DOUBT THIS WILL BE THE CASE AND MIGHT EVEN BE THE OPPOSITE WITHOUT ADDITION FUNDS TO CLEAN EXTRA LITTER PEOPLE THROW FROM THEIR CARS. Reply to this
5/6/2007 11:07 PM
Anonymous wrote:
Is your caps lock key broken? That was difficult to read, not to mention very biased toward classes of people from different cities. Residents of Sherman Oaks don't like the clothes at Kohl's? LMAO. Reply to this
5/7/2007 6:51 PM
Jim Summers wrote:
May 10,2007 GHSNC Agenda Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Tulsa Street Elementary School, Auditorium; 10900 Havenhurst Avenue, Granada Hills, CA 91344
I. Call to order and the pledge of allegiance II. Roll Call III. Approval of the minutes VI. Officer Reports – Discussion and Possible Action: A. President Report – Jim Summers B. Vice President Report – Christopher Silvers C. Treasurer Report – Rob Norris D. Secretary Report – Glen Chester V. GHSNC and Community Issues - Discussion and Possible Action A. Bylaw Committee motions– Modfications/changes to GHSNC Current bylaws including the power of excusing Director absences shifting from President to BOD; composition of committees in terms of number (currently exactly 5 per committee); other bylaws modifications(see attached Bylaws Committee Report) (Dave Beauvais) B. Kohls, Case No. APCNV-2006-5084-SPE-ZV-CU-ZAD-SPR-SSP – Address: 17901-18145 Chatsworth St & 10725-10835 Zelzah Ave. Proposed Project: Demolition of an existing 43,000 square foot market and 11,000 square feet of retail shops, and the construction of an 88,000 square foot Department Store, with a 7,300 square foot mezzanine, 38 feet high, with 1,155 shared parking spaces, on an 852,975 square foot lot. Motion to oppose project as described– (see attached Notice of Public Hearing) C. Sober Living Homes: The GH Chamber voted and approved: Motion for the to support LA City to adopt a Sober Living Ordinance similar to the Riverside Probationer/Parollee Homes Ordinance No. 6733(Eric Mansker) Link: http://www.riversideca.gov/planning/PDF-FOLDER/WEB/O-6733.pdf D. Outreach Committee request for funds: (1) GHSNC Website: Decision and recommendation to the board on a website vender; we have two bids, Moore Business Results and Ken Summers. The bids are for a significantly different level of service, but in general, the Summers bid is $5,350 for design and 12 months of basic service; the MBR bid is $4,000 design and build and six months of enhanced service for $6,250 or a 12 month option for $8,500 total. (2) One-time mass mailing to all 8,000 households (26,000 residents) in the GHSNC district; even at .39 cents per mailing (first class) that would cost $3120. Trifold design mockup is available; could include map, survey, postcard for return, etc. E. Neighborhood Councils Right to Appeal development decisions: requesting Councilman Greig Smith initiate appropriate amendments to the LAMC* that would grant Neighborhood Councils the right to appeal development decisions, such as requests for tentative tract maps, variances, and conditional use permits.*The following LAMC Sections need to be amended: • Tentative Tract Maps: Amend LAMC Sections 17.06 A.3 and 17.06 A.4. • Parcel Maps: Amend Section 17.54 A. • Conditional Use Permits: Amend Sections 12.24 I and 12.24 M.2. Variances: Amend Sections 12.27 H and 12.27 O. F. GHSNC Safety Committee – CERT Program: Initiate methods and secure funds to begin CERT program. Reply to this
5/7/2007 8:15 PMAaron DeVandry wrote:
As the website developer for the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council (www.ghnnc.org), I offered my services a few months ago and was told that they were not needed. I wish I would have known the GHSNC was now looking for a website vendor. My price would have been no more than what I charged the GHNNC, which is significantly less expensive than those 2 bids mentioned above. Are you still looking for bids? Reply to this
5/11/2007 9:36 AM
Nancy Norris wrote:
Thank you GHSNC for finally voting to Oppose Kohl's as proposed. We have still not heard from Mr. Quon, the Hearing Officer who will write the recommendation to the full planning comm'n. There will be another hearing before the full comm'n; I think it was set for 6/21, but am not certain. As far as I know Kohl's has not been given a green light. So, it is not too late to Voice Opposition to the plan as proposed. You can do so, by Calling Greig Smith's office (818) 756-8501 ; You can call Mr. Quon's/City Planning at 818-374-5036; You can fax a letter to Mr. Quon at 818-374-5070. Reference case no. APCNV-2006-5084-spe-zv-cu-zad-spr-spp. Despite our turn out in Opposition at the 4/30 hearing, Regency/Kohl's has responded immediately and relentlessly by mailing out brochures this week, with a show support return postcard, with postage paid. They have infiltrated most community groups, and for the time being are acting the part of a concerned community partner. You could find their representatives at the GH Chamber Golf Tournament on Monday, and speaking at GH Rotary yesterday. They will get support; but will it be from local residents? What do these non residents care if we cannot get out of our driveways, or if it takes us 20 minutes to go 6 blocks? I have heard the arguments in support of Kohl's as planned: First, there could be something worse trying to get in. I think we all know it is a highly desirable location; otherwise, Kohl's would not be fighting so hard to get it. I know for a fact that at least one neighborhood friendly grocery market has tried to get the location. Next, some businesses and business promoting groups feel Kohl's money could benefit our community. However, the same is true of any other business, such as a supermarket that moves in. So what if we get a beautifully landscaped Chatsworth Street? Nobody is going to be able to enjoy or appreciate it, if the gridlock traffic along Chatsworth Street discourages pedestrians from strolling along the street. Who will risk crossing the street to get to the newly landscaped Veteran's Park? Who is going to pay to clean up the increased litter? Even businesses who support commerce and growth need to put their two cents in. This is my opinion: The money runs free while they are trying to get what they want, but will evaporate once they get what they want and move on to the next project. Why isn't that crystal clear? Next, you cannot stop progress. Up until now, GH has maintained the small town community feel apparently as the result of the Overall GH Knollwood plan, and the GH Specific Plan. There is a business that is a good fit for that location that will work within the current ordinances and codes. I consider that progress in today's dense, overcrowded world. Do not give up the fight! (Aaron DeVandry, I think your GHNNC website is wonderful, and I expressed my support for your bid to the board of GHSNC.) Reply to this
6/24/2007 5:27 PMJim Summers wrote:
***OLD GRANADA HILLS RESIDENTS’ GROUP & GRANADA HILLS SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL - GH Interim Control Ordinance subcommittee - JOINT MEETING Wednesday, June 27, 2007, Time: 7:00 pm Coldwell Banker – Greater Valleys 10324 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills,CA 91344 AGENDA
7:00- 7:20 PM: Hardship Exemption Application Review – 17827 San Jose St; APN #: 2733003055; Applicant will forward details
7:20-7:40 : Committee to review and discuss specifics of the application. Members to vote for approval/denial.
7:40- 7:45: Neighborhood Character Ordinance
7:45-7:50: OGH-ICO proposed extension
7:50-8:00: Proposed amendment to rezone Old Granada Hills
8:00-8:05: Liability Insurance
8:05-8:15: Granada Village Shopping Center proposed expansion; Case No. APCNV-2006-5084-SPE-ZV-CU-ZAD-SPP Petition signatures/letters; Hearing cancelled/rescheduled; Environmental impact/ Traffic report; GHCC position; NENC position
8:15-8:30 Public Comment
OGHRG ZONING & DENSITY/GHSNC GH ICO COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Maria Fisk (ICO/Z&D Chair), Chris Silvers (PLUC Chair), Bette Biers, Debi Orrico, John Seletos, Brad Smith, JimSummers, Eric Mansker Reply to this
6/30/2007 1:40 AM
Anonymous wrote:
April 26, 2007 KOHL'S READIES ITS CALIFORNIA ROOFTOPS FOR SOLAR POWER
Retailer's solar debut marks largest in U.S., represents 15 percent of the state's total installations
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., April 26, 2007 — Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) today announced its plans to convert more than 75 percent of its California locations to solar power. Initial construction will begin in May on the Laguna Niguel and Visalia Kohl’s locations. In total, 24 of Kohl’s 80 California locations will mark the company’s immediate entry into solar energy. Within the state, Kohl’s also is pursuing permits and approvals for an additional 40 or more locations.
“Kohl’s is committed to being environmentally responsible,” said Ken Bonning, executive vice president of logistics for Kohl’s. “We are actively seeking ways to make a difference as an organization. Our continued commitment to green power is an important way Kohl’s can make an immediate and long-term impact.”
According to a recent online survey, *88 percent of respondents said global warming is a very significant issue and more than 75 percent think they might be able to change the course of global warming. Kohl’s customers nationwide are making changes in their homes to be more environmentally friendly, but Kohl’s has the opportunity to do something its customers can’t by making a large-scale move to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional electricity use.
Kohl’s initial purchase of solar power will generate more than 35 million kWh of renewable energy. In the first year of operation, Kohl’s clean energy output will offset more than 28 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas directly linked to global climate change.
“The scope of Kohl’s commitment to domestically produced, clean renewable energy is signified by the size and breadth of their solar program — the single largest purchase of solar energy in U.S. history,” said Jigar Shah, CEO of SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy service provider. “SunEdison looks forward to the construction and ‘solarization’ of each of these Kohl’s locations in the coming months.”
Upon permit approval, construction and activation of each California Kohl’s solar conversion will take approximately 12 weeks. The first two stores will be completed by August of this year and all designated solar locations in California will be finalized by the end of 2008. In addition to California, Kohl’s is investigating solar options in six other states.
Kohl’s is working closely with the state of California to help meet the goals set by the governor and Public Utility Commission. Through the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program, launched in 2007, the state expects to generate 3,000 MW of solar power by 2017. Kohl’s solar deployment represents approximately 15 percent of the state’s installations to date. When complete, Kohl’s solar deployment alone will represent approximately 1 percent of California’s 10-year Reply to this
In January, Kohl’s was ranked fifth by the EPA as a Top 10 Retail Partner, which recognizes the nation’s largest green power purchasers within the retail category. EPA also released its updated Top 25 list, which highlights the largest national purchasers in the Green Power Partnership. Kohl’s is currently ranked No. 22. Both lists highlight EPA Green Power Partners** that have completed the largest annual voluntary purchases through December 31, 2006. The top partner lists are updated quarterly.
Kohl’s is also participating in EPA’s Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge and currently ranks No. 11 on EPA’s Fortune 500*** list of Green Power Partners. The goal of EPA’s 13-month campaign is roughly to double the existing green power purchases among participating Fortune 500 Green Power Partners to exceed 5 billion kWh of collective green power purchasing annually. There are more than 40 Fortune 500 Partners in EPA’s Green Power Partnership.
According to the EPA, solar power is one of many green sources of power which also include wind, geothermal and biogas. These sources of power are partially or entirely generated from clean resources and are considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity in part because of lower carbon dioxide emissions. Reply to this
7/18/2007 1:32 PMJim Summers wrote:
GHSNC SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA - DATE: Thursday, July 19,2007 TIME: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Granada Hills Recreation Center, Granada Room 16730 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344
AGENDA I. Call to order and the pledge of allegiance II. Roll Call III. A. Request for Funds – Approval to hire a professional consultant to review and advise GHSNC on the traffic study, environmental report, and/or entitlement requests regarding on City Planning Department Case No. APCNV-2006-5084-SPE-ZV-CU-ZAD-SPR-SPP (the proposed Kohls Department Store) in the amount not exceeding $3,000. Area Planning Commission Public Hearing on August 2, 2007 at 4:30 pm. IV. Board Comments V. Public Comment - Public Announcements on non-agendized items VI. Closing remarks and adjournment Reply to this
7/18/2007 9:13 PM
Nancy Norris wrote:
Why are the two recent positive comments about Kohl's posted anonymously?
It is not Kohl's who is asking for permission from LA City Planning for Variances from 7 (Seven) of our zoning codes and ordinances. It is the Florida based Developer Regency Centers, the self described "leading national owner, operator, and developer focused on grocery-anchored, neighborhood and community retail centers." (cited from www.regency centers.com)
HERE IS ANOTHER RECENT NEWS STORY: Regency Centers ordered to do a full Environmental Impact Study before building a Super Target in Atwater, California!
I have recently read that a Merced County Superior Court Judge ruled that Regency Centers was required to do a full EIR regarding a Super Target they want to build in Atwater, California. "In his decision, [Judge] Hansen accused Regency Centers of trying to circumvent state environmental laws by concealing its intention to build a 24-hour 178,500-square-foot SuperTarget at a new Applegate Road shopping center." cited from Leslie Albrecht's June 30, 2007 article in Merced Sun Star.
"The judge said the City wrongfully approved the store without more environmental study. Judge Hansen also said the public had not been given enough opportunity to debate the pros and cons of the SuperTarget because Regency Centers went to "great lengths" to avoid using words such as "super center" or "super store" in its proposal to the city last year. Had that language been present, it would have triggered an environmental review analyzing the possible impacts on existing Atwater businesses, Hansen added." cited from Leslie Albrecht's June 30, 2007 article in Merced Sun Star.
Mark Wolfe, the San Francisco attorney representing the plaintiff in this case stated "I believe many city councils have been led down the garden path into believing supercenters will create jobs and revenue, but what's often ignored is the negative effects," Wolfe said. Cited from Leslie Albrecht's June 30, 2007 Merced Sun Star article.
Kohl's too is a non-union store.
We are patiently waiting for City Planning's recommendation on the environmental impact of the proposed 95,000 square foot Kohl's in the former 43,000 square foot former Ralph's Market footprint in Granada Village Shopping Center.
Please come to the public hearing on August 2, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marvin Braude Constituent Center, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA to voice your opposition to the out of state developer turning our quiet neighborhood center into a Regional Center. Please check www.OGHRG.org for updates. Reply to this
7/19/2007 6:26 PM
Roy B wrote:
Granada Hills, smalltown feel??? If you want to live in a small town I say MOVE to a small town, call it Granada Hills if you want to, WE live in Los Angeles, the LARGEST city in the USA. What do you expect to happen. Companies like Kohls, Wal-Mart, or Target do a lot of research before deciding to build a store in a certain location. When you go to a store and they ask you for your zip code at the register, Guess what that is market research, they want to see were their customers are coming from, there have been so many people from Granda Hills and surronding area shopping at Kohlsm they decided to build a store here. How is tearing down an existing store, and putting a new store in it's place going to effect the value of homes, it isn't. Is traffic really going to be that bad, I don't think so. Everyone needs something to gripe about, and I guess the people surrounding "the big massive box store" have it to complain about. I live in LA not for the small town feel but for the convience. I live with 2 Minutes of the proposed store, and I am on the street everyday. I am not complaining I am happy Kohls is coming.
NO, I do not now, nor have I ever worked for Kohls or anyone associated with them or Regency Center.
I just think it is funny when people make a mountain out of a mole hill. Reply to this
7/19/2007 7:03 PM
Edi wrote:
I am fully aware that I live in LA county, but that doesn't mean that I have to give up some of the basic enjoyments of life. Such as the ability for my children to walk/ bike around the neighbor without the fear of being hit by cars. Even getting out of my driveway is a challenge and I imaging it will only get worse after Kohls come in. And reside, many of the so called residents that want Kohls to come in, do not live anywhere near it. If I lived 3 or 5 miles away from it, I wouldn't care either, but I happen to live between chatsworth and San fernando mission. So close that I imagine i would be able to hear the door open every time a customer walked into the store, which I imagine would be every 10 seconds. I don't shop at Kohls and don't expect to do so any time soon, I just simply don't feel the need to suffer for it. If they want to move in at the current size, by all means they can go ahead, but if they want to change the entire neighborhood just to make a buck and make everyday living a nightmare in the process, then I'm not going to stand by and make it easier on them. I have a right to enjoy my home and community, and not have to deal with traffic accidents in my front yard. You might live within two minutes of the proposed site, but I live 10 seconds from it, right next to it, so don't tell me how to react, when my neighborhood is about to be ruin. Reply to this
7/20/2007 7:35 AM
Nancy Norris wrote:
Ed, you have a right to your opinion. We have nothing against Kohl's. It is not Kohl's asking for special permission to build there. It is Regency Centers, a Florida based company that calls itself the leading national owner and developer of community shopping centers. Based on what I have read about them, it is my opinion that it one of their corporate goals to go bigger than ever--to make a neighborhood center into a larger community or regional center, by increasing the overall retail space thereby increasing their profits. Check it out at www.regency centers.com. Regency, as well as all other developers that move into our area should follow our laws and regulations. According to the Regency's traffic study, submitted to City Planning to show that this project will not have a significant impact on our environment, the project will add 924 traffic trips a day to our area. However, we question the reliability of tier study, since it is based in part on data collected in 2005. Their traffic study was missing from the public file at the time of the 4/30/07 hearing, and did not become part of the public file until June. Their traffic study gives the applicant credit for traffic trips that went to the old Ralph's at that location. I say those traffic trips are still there, just a block south. (We all still shop for groceries, even though Ralph's at the North side of Chatsworth closed.) On top of all the traffic trips to Ralph's, there will be new traffic trips to Kohl's. While the market drew on local traffic, Kohl's will bringing in shoppers from the whole North Valley, since the other Kohl's in LA County is down in Woodland Hills. Therefore, I think their traffic study is also flawed because it did not include major intersections (off of Reseda and Balboa) that will be used to access Kohl's from the 118 freeway. They want to keep the area of study very small; we who live here know that the true area affected will be much larger. Here is why we are acting now: Once the 95,000 square foot giant is built, and the 43,000 market is demolished, it will be too late to start asking questions. We are not making a mountain out of a molehill. We simply want the applicant to follow the law under CEQA, and be truthful about the environmental impact this store will have on our traffic. They have submitted evidence to show there is no significant impact, and by doing so, may avoid the need for a full Environment Impact Study. We say, their evidence needs to be scrutinized. They are an advocate for th project, have not always been truthful and if we residents do not require adherence to our laws and community plan, there is no incentive for the developer to do so. We are just asking that the law be applied, and that their data is properly scrutinized. If this project passes, it is just the tip of the iceberg as to what our small community can expect in the future. Reply to this
7/20/2007 9:27 AMAaron DeVandry wrote:
Personally, I don't mind a new Kohl's being built there. I've shopped at Kohl's before, and had to drive to either Simi Valley or Valencia to find the nearest one. I think it would be good for Granada Hills.
I know that I live almost a mile away from the shopping center, so maybe my opinion doesn't count as much as the immediate neighbors to Kohl's. However, those who live next to the proposed Kohl's moved into the area knowing there was a shopping center there. They can't expect that the owner of the shopping center will be content having fewer customers each year and will try something new.
It's like someone who moves right next to a freeway, and then complains when the city wants to expand the freeway. Who gets the blame?
I assume the plans for the new Kohl's comply with the city's zoning laws, otherwise this would be a non-issue. If so, then Kohl's should be allowed to build there.
What I would like to see happen in the future is a law change to the zoning laws to prevent another store like this happening again. Reply to this
7/21/2007 2:34 PM
Melinda wrote:
I saw your signs on people's lawns and I suggest you make your website larger and give a phone number. Your website should have easy instructions for what people can do to help stop Kohl's. I will help if you tell me what to do. The signs don't help because they don't have any call to action or anything people can do. Thanks for your efforts! Reply to this
7/21/2007 6:01 PM
Holly wrote:
I agree with Melinda's comments. I too have seen the signs along Zelzah and SFMission today, but other than seeing NO KOHL'S, there's little else to go on. The coverage is great, the info is limited. I disagree with the Regency corporation's push to increase the current size of the building to bring in another retail establishment. Keep the building size as is and work within the guidelines established by the community. We are a NEIGHBORHOOD not an economic zone. We cannot allow the profits of a few to supersede the quality of life for many. Reply to this
7/21/2007 8:02 PM
Nancy Norris wrote:
Please see the latest comment posted about the protest rally at the site, next Saturday at 10:00 a.m. You can also print out the form letters on this web site, or the www.OGHRG.org website and fax them to councilman Smith and City Planning, but it must be done by Monday (10 days before hearing); or prepare your own letter and get the contact info. from the form letters and fax by Monday 7/23. Finally, please get all your neighbors and friends who oppose the overbuilding and scale of this project to attend the public hearing on 8/2/07 at 4:30 p.m., 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. Van Nuys. We do not oppose Kohl's per se; just the scale of this project. Reply to this
7/21/2007 7:58 PM
Nancy Norris wrote:
Granada Hill Residents are holding a Protest Rally to gear up for a public hearing before the North Valley Area Planning Commission scheduled for August 2. The Protest Rally will take place on Saturday July 28, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at 10725 -10835 Zelzah Avenue (East Side of Granada Village Shopping Center, located at the North West Corner of Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue in Granada Hills.) The residents object to plans to tear down a 43,000 square foot former Ralph’s market, and construct a 95,000 square foot Kohl’s Department Store. The owner needs the approval of city planning to complete the project. The residents know that the expansion of the center will destroy the charm and character of Old Granada Hills, that currently has no other Big Boxes. “This project goes against the Granada Hills Community Plan that specifies ‘central business district on Chatsworth Street, shall remain small in scale and developed in a manner to meet the needs of a local service.’ The property owner’s purpose in developing the now neighborhood center into a community center is to convert to a regional center that draws customers from outlying areas,” according to Maria Fisk, a community activist and Chairperson for the Old Granada Hills Residents Group’s Zoning and Density Committee. The property owner and applicant for this project is the Florida based, Regency Centers, the self-described leading national owner, operator and developer of neighborhood and community shopping centers. “The Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council and the Old Granada Hills Resident's Group Oppose the scale of this project, and have tried to compromise with Regency Centers by asking for a reduced footprint. However, neither Regency Centers nor Kohl’s is willing to reduce the size of the proposed department store. “ According to Jim Summers, President of the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council. At a recent meeting held by the OGH Resident’s Group, Councilman Greig Smith spoke in favor of the project stating in so many words that he did not feel there will be any effect on traffic in the area; and that the petitions signed by residents in opposition to this project have no legal force or effect. Greig Smith said this is not a big box, since it is not 150,000 square feet. Residents feel that Councilman Smith is helping Regency Centers meet its corporate goals, but ignoring the voices of the neighborhood council and his constituents. In materials provided by Regency Centers, it states "Regency's pipeline for larger centers is growing significantly."
Residents feel that representatives of Regency Centers have not been forthright about this project. They question the traffic study done by Regency Centers since the study did not include several major intersections where traffic from the 118 freeway will traverse to get to Kohl’s. Residents did not get a chance to see the traffic study prior to the April 30, 2007 public hearing, since it was not pa Reply to this
7/23/2007 6:13 PM
Nancy Norris wrote:
8-2-07 PUBLIC HEARING Canceled, AND 7-28-07 PROTEST RALLY Canceled UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Reply to this
7/26/2007 9:10 AM
Nancy wrote:
7/28/07 Protest Rally Back on Schedule due to Overwhelming Response from Community to Keep this Issue alive. Protest will take place at 10:00 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the old Ralph's location, on the northwest corner of Zelzah and Chatsworth. Come to learn how you can help oppose the Overbuilding of the center Reply to this
7/26/2007 9:12 AM
Nancy wrote:
New Public Hearing date for Kohl's project at GVSC: Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 4:30 pm at the Marvin Braude Constituents Center, 1st floor, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys
Reason for the postponement was due to a "technicality" on the part of the applicant - they need an addition to their Zoning Variance - seems like according to an old Q condition the center is built out to capacity, and they need to make an addendum on zoning variance for that. Reply to this
7/27/2007 6:22 PM
Joffrey Long wrote:
Thank you all for speaking out on this. More "big box" stores and huge commercial at the edges of the community is the perfect formula for further destroying Chatsworth Street and the small town feel we enjoy. We don't want Granada Hills to be a big retail center for surrounding communities. Too many of us (I'm guilty too) were asleep at the switch when these existing huge retail areas went in. Reply to this
7/30/2007 6:04 PMSteve Knott wrote:
I cannot understand why anyone would be opposed to the building of the Kohls. It is going into and existing shopping center that has been deteriorating over the last several years since the movies and then Ralphs moved out. I would think that Kohls would be a welcome addition. Having had a business on Chatsworth street for the last 11 years I would think that Kohls would vastly improve that shopping center. I can't think that there would be any more traffic than there was before with the Ralphs there. Reply to this
7/31/2007 1:03 AM
Rich Conturo wrote:
I think there are two issues going on here: First of all, this isn’t over isn’t putting a Kohls in the shopping center. The issue is the size of the structure they want to build. The building in going to be 3 to 4 stories tall and is being built right up to the sidewalk. If you want to get an idea of how it will look, think of the new Target building on the corner of San Fernando Mission and Balboa. I don't know about anybody else, but I was never made aware of the plans for the Target store and was surprised by the size and the fact they built right to the street. I live around the corner from there and it's pretty overpowering. The whole skyline of that area has changed. I think the new shopping center will have the same impact on the intersection of Zelzah &Chatsworth. Regency could put in Kohls without building out to the sidewalk. I like the idea of new businesses coming in. Just not the way Regency wants to do it. Is a mega-shopping center really necessary for us? Probably not. The other issue is the cultural impact that the building will have on our community. That intersection is the center of Granada Hills. (If you Google map Granada Hills, it goes right to that intersection, which probably has something to do with this). The high school is right down the street. Every year we have the Christmas parade there. Last year we held a block party there. Those are the things that define us as the community of Granada Hills. How we want to define ourselves as a community? Are we a bedroom community? A commerce center? If we’re a bedroom community, then we need to stick to that. We aren’t the first to have to deal with “big box” stores. Sunland has succeeded in fending off Home Depot last year. If the shopping center goes up as it’s planned, our community’s culture is going to change and it will never go back. Is that what we want? Reply to this
That intersection is definitely NOT the center of Granada Hills. One block west or south and you are in Northridge.
I still don't understand how increasing the city's commerce will harm the "culture." Reply to this
7/31/2007 9:41 AM
Nancy wrote:
The proposed Kohl's is not 3-4 stories high. It has a 2nd story mezzanine, and it has tower(s) that are 35 feet high. But, it is a one story store. It will measure 88,000 square feet on the first level. That is twice as big as the footprint of the current Ralph's store that measured 43,000 square feet. It is too big for the shopping center, and you are right, once it is built it will be too late to ask questions. Our current community plan calls for businesses along Chatsworth Street that are small in scale that will fill the needs of the local community. Kohl's is a regional store that will bring in shoppers from the entire N. LA County area. This project does not fit into our Granada Village shopping Center. As planned, Kohl's will overwhelm the center. The surrounding streets and intersections are not built to withstand the kind of traffic that will be coming in. If Regency/Kohl's built a Kohl's that fit into the center, and adhered to our zoning codes, ordinances, and plans, I think we would all welcome Kohl's. Reply to this
8/1/2007 9:45 AMAaron DeVandry wrote:
This makes a lot of sense. I didn't realize that the new proposed store will be over twice the size as the Ralphs was, and that's in just one story.
I've been to the Kohl's in the other local locations, and they all have HUGE parking lots, which the Granada Hills center doesn't have.
A scaled-down Kohl's would work well, but I've never seen a Kohl's that small, and I doubt they would want to have one that size. If not, then I'm sure another business would like to move into it.
The most important thing is that Regency should build according to the current code, and they are not. They cannot be allowed to change it. Reply to this
7/31/2007 9:33 AM
Nancy wrote:
The shopping center is already built to capacity. They are not going into the old Ralph's, they will tear down that 43,000 square ft. structure, to build a gigantic 95,000 square foot department store. It does not fit the center. The reason it now sits vacant is because before building the proposed Kohl's, the owner has to get special permission to build such a large structure, since the proposal goes against our codes, ordinances, and plans. It will Overwhelm the center, and bring gridlock traffic. Reply to this
7/31/2007 9:28 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
I have lived here in Old Granada Hills for about 27 years and have witnessed the devastation of many nearby communities due to residential overbuilding and poorly planned commercial projects. Luckily, we still have a neighborhood that is somewhat in tact and definitely worth saving!! And in order to do that careful consideration must be given to any development that potentially threatens the character or integrity of this neighborhood. Once a project is built, that’s it – we will have to live with it for the rest of our lives. So before making any hasty decisions the FACTS need to be clearly reviewed and evaluated. Yes, this proposed expansion can also elicit a lot of emotion and some of us may like/dislike the project just because…..
Therefore, it is very important to try to clear up misconceptions and work with credible information when formulating an opinion. I have been working very closely with this project since last February. So much has happened since then that I could write volumes. But rather than that will keep to a few points per entry.
For those of you who have not visited a Kohl’s, please do so. Nearby locations include Moorpark, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, and Fallbrook. Let me know what you think about the adjacent surroundings, traffic access and circulation, size of store, etc. Reply to this
8/5/2007 8:26 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
When visiting most of the Kohl’s department stores in the local vicinity I noticed several of the following similarities:
All are located along large 5-6 lane boulevards (they are not surrounded by 2-lane residential street) and have direct freeway access. Commuters do not have to cut through residential streets to gain access.
The stores were located in outdoor malls, next to Home Depot, Target, Wal-Mart, business/civic centers, or other large indoor malls. There is a large volume of traffic along the wide boulevards, generated by other retailers. Reply to this
8/12/2007 12:29 PM
Nancy wrote:
Residents and Homeowners: Please Get Involved in Shaping Our Future Landscape and Development
Los Angeles City Planning is updating the Granada Hills/Knollwood Community Plan. The plan provides the guidelines applicable to zoning and building for our area. The updated plan, once approved will be in place long into the future and will control both commercial and residential development.
City Planning is asking for input from the public and putting on community focus group workshops in our area. Please consider giving up 2 hours of your time to attend and take part in shaping our community plan. Please be aware that commercial property owners and developers and their representatives are in attendance and hoping to shape the community plan so that it is favorable to new commercial development. If residents are not paying attention and taking part, their interests will not be represented.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
Monday August 13, 6:00-7:30 PM Granada Hills Library, 10640 Petit Avenue
Thursday, August 23, 6:00-7:30 PM Van Gogh Elementary, 17160 Van Gogh Street
Wednesday August 29, 6:00-7:30 PM Granada Hills Library, 10640 Petit Avenue
Saturday, September 8, 1:00 to:30 PM, Granada Hills Library, 10640 Petit Avenue
Monday September 10, 6:00-7:30 PM Granada Hills Charter High School, 10535 Zelzah Avenue
Tuesday September 18, 6:00-7:30 PM Van Gogh Elementary, 17160 Van Gogh Street
Wednesday September 26, 6:00-7:30 PM Granada Hills Library, 10640 Petit Avenue
It is recommended (but not necessary) that you RSVP a week in advance by contacting Ana Vidal, whose contact information is below. Please also contact Ana Vidal to participate, arrange for another focus group, or for more information. Anna M. Vidal City Planning Department 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Rm. 351 Van Nuys, CA 91401 (818) 374-5043 or E-mail: Anna.Vidal@lacity.org. Please leave us a message with your name, mailing address, telephone, and e-mail address. Reply to this
8/12/2007 4:37 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
Nancy, I agree!! Both Anna Vidal and I have sent out reminder emails. Please, your participation is vital. Ours is a very special, historical community and we stand a lot to lose if we don’t make our voices heard. Since residents are the majority entity in Granada Hills, our input must be considered. Why have someone else make the decisions for us…….. Reply to this
8/13/2007 9:24 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
MISSING SIGNS (Stop Kohl’s/Granada Village Shopping Center Expansion)
200 lawn signs and a few banners were purchased by a few members of the community (out-of-pocket expense). Initially, a majority of the homes along Zelzah/White Oak Avenues and San Fernando Mission Blvd had opposition signs posted. And then, immediately they started disappearing, along with the banners.
The most notable theft came the night before the protest rally (Saturday 7/28/07). Residents reported hearing some noises around 2-3:00 AM. Around 11:00 PM that same evening, another resident noticed a white car with 3 men, one wearing a baseball cap, driving erratically close to the curb (on White Oak Ave). Then she noticed that the signs were suddenly missing. They quickly drove off to avoid being identified. The stolen signs and a few banners were found in a large dumpster, the day of the rally, behind the former Ralph’s grocery!! The signs were retrieved and re-hung on empty wire stands that were left behind.
Again, the few remaining signs were stolen last Saturday late evening (8/11/07), the night of the OGHRG annual picnic. Therefore, most all of the signs in OGH have disappeared by now. If you have had your signs stolen, you should file a police report, because it is a theft. Would be good for the LAPD to initiate an investigation. Reply to this
8/27/2007 2:17 PM
Nancy wrote:
Why not get behind us and ask for a smaller sized Kohl's? Nobody opposes a Kohl's per se; it is the large scale of the project that constitutes overbuilding for this particular village center. Maybe you can answer a question that has never been answered. I have reviewed Regency Centers' website. They say they work with the unique needs of each community they enter. Why are they refusing to consider a smaller sized Kohl's at this particular location? If they did so, they may have some more community support. As for the current blight at the location that you have pointed out, my response is that if Regency had opted for a smaller size, and did not need special permission from City Planning, construction could already be underway. Reply to this
8/14/2007 1:11 PM
Shannon Zollars wrote:
Good luck getting the police to do anything! I called and reported that 5 cars had there windows broken along Louise ave and they wouldn't send out a car, do you think they care about a lawn sign? I used to be so proud of the Devonshire div.but now they are lacking!
Today is the first day I really looked into the Kohl's debate. I really didnt care until I got a newsletter and its about time, I wasn't sure if I was north or south [ my wife still thinks I'm confused]but after seeing how large the new Target is we don't need another "Beast" in our town. I've lived in the valley my whole life a always wanted to live in GH , now I do. thats because of the small town feel, just like our chrismas parade. So sign me up, give me a lawn sign and tell Kohl's to kiss our small town behinds !Nothin but love for my neighbors, Peace Out! Reply to this
8/14/2007 11:18 PM
Deacon wrote:
As someone who lives downwind from the Target construction site and has had to put with the dirt, the dust and pollution from the site, I would feel very sorry for the folks in the immediate neighborhood of the proposed store.
Then again, I imagine that in a year or so after that store opens there will be a movement to enlarge San Fernando Mission Blvd west of Luise. It would probably be accomplished by buying enough votes in the City Council so that land can be taken from homeowners by "eminent domain"....
8/15/2007 10:57 AM
Burnie Gilmore wrote:
I am personally in favor of the Kohls. Kohls will bring needed renovation to a currently empty business area that only drags down the neighborhood at the moment. It will bring jobs and more people to a shopping area that I personally never go in. I shop the other side of the street extensively but there is nothing that draws me to that side of the street. Kohls would do that. Jobs, revenue, and a lively shopping area will improve the neighborhood. Reply to this
8/17/2007 6:08 PMIvor Weiner wrote:
Yes, more jobs and folks to the neighborhood is good. We live in southern California, a very desirable place to live. Change, development and economic growth are inevitable and we must be prudent in how it all takes form and shape. The Kohl's development is good for this community. Tatoo parlors, medical marijuana stores, car lots, and custom car places are not good for this community. The development on the mountain (GH) and nearby Porter Ranch is detrimental to our quiet neighborhood as it means more cars and cars cause traffic, not a department store. Those who bought houses next to an existing shopping center (Target, Granada Hills, or Michaels), I feel bad that things might be a little more congested and that you have been inconvenienced in ways that folks should not, but after all, you bought right next to commercial property. A community cannot be held hostage and have good economic growth be chased away because homeowners who bought homes next to or near large shopping centers are upset. We have to start taking responsibility for the decisions we make. I know it sounds cruel and I don't mean for it to be. Hopefully, Kohl's and others can address this issue and minimize some concerns.
Check out www.ghresidentsforkohls.com to say "yes!" to Kohl's and good economic development for GH community. Also, if you have an opposing view, please visit the site and tell us your side of this issue. When neighbors talk to each other and discuss issues, things get resolved, and the community is ultimately strengthened! When neighbors put others down, make rude comments and tell them to live elsewhere or to kiss their behinds that is not productive or helpful. With Peace and Light, Ivor Weiner Reply to this
8/15/2007 7:46 PM
Sean Rivas- Parks Representative GHSNC wrote:
As much as I have heard so much about the Khols issue at our Neighborhood Council meetings I am still opposed to Khols and its overbuilding. I know that some of the stakeholders are trying there best to take down signs that oppose khols but it is our Freedom of speech that allows everyone that is opposed to the store, to place signs in their front yards. Its very sad that someone would do such a horrible thing. Although the Granada Hills Community feels strong for or against the Khols project thats not the only thing we should be worring about.
The Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council will be sponsoring a CERT class that will help in case of the next big earthquake or any natural disaster. It has been said when the next big earthquake hits the city of Los Angeles will be be able to respond to all the calls they will receive, so if you are interested in taking the 7 week class that will start on Tuesday, August 28th and will be held at the First Baptist Church at 11011 Hayvenhurst Ave. in Granada Hills. Please email me at Sean_123@hotmail.com and I will put your name on the class roster. Its a FREE class. I hope to see you all at there.
Another quick note: Council Member Smith worked very hard to keep this CERT program for the city so lets take advantage of it. Reply to this
I visited your site and tried to leave a message, unfortunately my message was too long. It was good to see that there are two residents that signed in to express their support.
You know, you sound like a civic minded person. Funny that you show up now, where have you been with the neighborhood organizations?
Your are a good politician, you reframed the issue to be all about Kohls. You couldn't be more misguided, but then again Regency has framed it as OGHRG and GHSNC against Kohls too. IT IS NOT.
Our primary problem with this development is size, the building a gigantic, larger than any building in our community. What no body acknowledges is the lengthy conversations between these organizations and Regency to find a happy medium. Regency will not compromise. They expect the engaged and involved community members to lay down. Information has been hidden from the beginning, parking studies, traffic reports, errors in the project paperwork. You wouldn't know... you weren't in the committee meetings. I was, I was the chairman for the GHSNC Planning and Land Use committee, talk about stonewalls, the Regency group would come to as many meetings as they could only to reveal that they had no intentions of compromising.
So let's get some things straight mister monday morning quarterback, ill will was created from Regency from the beginning through lack of compromise and inaccessibility of information.
Here are the facts, WE HAVE A COMMUNITY PLAN, they want exceptions from the plan to build bigger than the plan allows. They want to change the operating hours of the center to operate longer than the plan allows. They want exceptions from reasonable setbacks on Zelzah that are in the plan. They want fewer windows than the plan calls for. They want fewer parking spaces than what the city planners call for.
They are not just coming in and asking to build on their land, they are asking us to live with their building. We have every right to oppose something that simply doesn't fit in our community and is against the plan.
To clarify, Kohls is a great company and I hope that we can have one nearby, where it fits in the plans of the city and community. Regency is doing their job, trying to make as much money for their owners as possible, hey that's business. The regularly involved residents are doing what they do, trying to protect the area from over-building. An this is over-building, otherwise they wouldn't need exceptions from the plan and codes.
Quit questioning motives and the authority to represent the community. If you really have those questions and aren't just trying to stir up misgivings in the community come out and get involved, differing opinions can be heard and if there are enough of you... even listened to.
You asked your commenter's to be adult in their content, I ask you to be fair in yours.
8/18/2007 4:25 PMIvor Weiner wrote:
Chris: Thanks for the thoughtful reply and my apologies for you not being allowed to leave a lengthy message on my site. I will try to see what I can do to address this. If it is okay with you, I would like to post your message on my site.
I would like to take some time to digest some of the points you make, because you do make some good ones, and as head of the council, you obviously have information that I don't. I will certainly take your comment about "being fair" under advisement.
However, I would like to address two issues or questions you raised:
1. Where have I been? My family and I moved here six years ago so that I could start a tenure track position at CSUN. For the past six years, I have been absorbed in trying to get tenure. It is an incredibly grueling experience which left me little time for my family, let alone for community involvement. It also took a toil on my health.
Now that I have been promoted and granted tenure, I am getting involved in the things I love to do. We came from Dallas, Texas where I was a school teacher, program administrator, and business owner. I was very involved in numerous religious and civic organizations, worked in city government (hold a Master of Public Administration) So, here I am, ready to get involved and the Kohl's issue comes along. Beyond the Kohl's, I am here to stay and get involved. So, I will take any invitation you extend me to get involved and improve GH. Second, please do not take my questioning of authority personally. As a former student of government, I know this is a right that we all have; and, anyone who takes on a public role is treated differently than the common citizen. I am not trying to be underhanded, but I am concerned when I see a large majority of folks (white) representing a community that is a diverse community. I am certainly not stating implicitly or explicitly that there is something wrong or underhanded with a certain type of representation on a board, but it is troubling because GH is a diverse community and representative boards/entities should mirror the communities they serve. My inquiry is more about what has the board done to outreach to our diverse neighborhood? Are there materials in Spanish that are distributed along with English materials? What outreach has been conducted in the Armenian community residing in GH, or the Asian population? Direct representation or access to these groups is essential because many ethnic groups tend to give away their power to authority and as a result, their voices are not heard. Regardless of whether they agree or disagree with having Kohl's in the neighborhood, it is important for a representative entity (esp. govt.) to work at securing and maintaining lines of communication with these various groups. This is done in every representative board or government entity across the country so it can't be argued that it is not essential. Perhaps the GHSNC has done some outreach efforts over the years? Reply to this
I am saddened to see that two stores (frame store and the bead shop) are closing down. I have not frequented either of these stores, but I do know that the threat of big box retailers coming to town did not result in their demise. What has resulted in their demise is an ailing Chatsworth Street that has very little business traffic except for nail parlors and hair salons. If Kohl's comes to town, businesses on Chatsworth Street will thrive and new, more desirable business will come to town as well. If Kohl's does not come, please get ready for more nail parlors, hair salons, medical marijuana storefronts, and tattoo parlors. I have nothing against these businesses as long as they are legitimate businesses and pay their taxes to the local, state and federal authorities. However, they are not quaint restaurants, antique stores and places that promote family or neighborhood values such as community and safety (I am referring explicitly to medical marijuana shops and tattoo parlors). The time is right for a Kohl's and economic development on Chatsworth Street. What is the OGHRG doing about the nasty tagging and graffiti that lines the Street? I drove Sherman Way (quaint part filled with wonderful neighborhood stores) on Monday and did not see the quantity of tagging I see everyday in GH. So, the time is right for Kohl's and some new leadership in Old Granada Hills. Let's not allow Old Granada Hills to become run down and "old" in the most negative view of the word, "OLD!" Show your support by going to www.ghresidentsforkohls.com">www.ghresidentsforkohls.com and endorsing good economic growth and development for the GH community!
8/22/2007 10:13 PMivor weiner wrote:
CHECK THIS OUT. I just posted this on the OGHRG. just perusing the message board to see if community's concerns are really being addressed by either the GHSNC or OGHRG (there are many unanswered questions)and noticed support for the HUGE Target expansion. How do you explain your support and that of GHSNC for this HUGE building that was enlarged by more than 94,000 square feet? I don't think the residents that live on San Fernando Mission and surrounding streets would agree that this expansion was a good idea. Perhaps Mr. Beauvias and board members don't live close to the Target? I do and I know many folks who are upset by this expansion, but there were no demonstrations at the Target site. Personally, I think the new Target will be great, but I am consistent with my views and actions. Don't let a few residents speak for the larger community, especially when there are inconsistencies.
I am a graduate of the Political Science department of CSUN, where if I remember right you are now one of its newer professors. I expect better representation of such a dignified department of scholars. You seem to be throwing out as much gasoline as you can and then spewing sparks that are so unresearched, confused and misrepresented.
I respect the fact that one must take care of their family and career prior to getting tangled up in community improvement and involvement. However, you seem to speak out of two sides of your mouth, on one side a respect for the principles and purpose of the OGHRG, and on the other a suspicion and skepticism that does not respect the overall neighborhood.
You really need an education on this community. First the OGHRG is a private non profit organization championing the will of the community between Zelzah and Louise, Rinaldi and Devonshire. It was formed about 6 years ago and is supported by a vast majority of residents and businesses.
The Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council is a city sanctioned advisory group to the city council.
They are separate groups with different missions. You should realize that and direct your comments accordingly. Both organizations however respond to the community. The community showed up at information sessions IN FORCE. No one spoke on behalf of Kohls. This is where real involvement departs from the theoretical academic. When NO ONE comes to the council besides the owner of the shopping center to express their support who is the council or the residents group to listen to? Some silent majority??? No! Face it the supporters of Kohls are FAR out numbered in this situation and both groups in efforts to be reflective of the community have no choice but to oppose the project. The chamber of commerce is supporting the project, for their own reasons. The residents have the right to have other organizations work on their behalf.
Again you question the "authority" "motives" and the record of the OGHRG. No one is prohibited from coming to meetings, no one is prohibited from speaking, and no one is prohibited from running for the board of directors. The fact is that we do have dissenters at our meetings and they get to speak their peace.
I moved here 4 years ago and respectfully got involved and have been elected to both boards, where I often hold a minority position. I did my homework, I studied the situation and jumped in more educated than not. I would expect more of you, professor.
It is true what they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You are doing your best to squeak as loudly as possible, unfortunately you also are illustrating your utter misunderstanding of our community and the groups that represent it.
I would like to meet you and enjoy a cup of coffee. Please email me at christophersilvers@hotmail.com so that we can set something up, I feel that a person with your energy should be informed of the facts. Reply to this
8/25/2007 8:45 AM
Maria Fisk wrote:
Regency Centers, owner of the Granada Village Shopping Center (GVSC) proposes to expand the shopping center from 231,000 sq ft to 276,000 sq ft in order to accommodate a 95,000 sq ft Kohl’s (more double the size of the old Ralph’s). This project goes against our Community/Specific plans and ordinance –that allows a maximum of 240,000 sq ft. Old Granada Hills is not the only community that is facing problems with commercial development. It is interesting to see how other areas are dealing with similar issues:
1.Thousand Oaks (TO) • 97,000 sq ft Home Depot (HD) is proposed for the old Kmart site •Opponents fear overburdened streets and noise- streets were never designed for the traffic that a Home Depot would bring •“Mega” home improvement store is inconsistent with the area because it is not a neighborhood shopping center •Neighbors want the facts about the negative impacts a new HD will have on the community •The Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce formally opposed The Home Depot project because “it hurts small business…having a bigbox store kills independently owned stores…will affect small town atmosphere” •City officials have demanded a full Environmental Impact Review
2.Sunland-Tujunga (S-T) •A 93,000 sq ft Home Depot is proposed for the Old Kmart site •Residents fear that proposed Home Depot is devastating to the community, being totally opposite in focus to the history, rural lifestyle, Community, Scenic and Specific plans •HD obtained permits, from Building and Safety without having to undergo environmental reviews •According to the Foothill Blvd Corridor Specific Plan, when remodeling reaches the level of a “Significant Project”, the owner is required to submit to an environmental review as part of the permit process •Wendy Greuel, Councilwoman and S-T Neighborhood Council opposed the new HD project and determined that Building and Safety erred in approving permits without having the project undergo environmental reviews (as required by Specific Plan guidelines) •Last week (8/15), 12 City Council members (including Greig Smith) voted that HD will need to undergo either a mitigated negative declaration (lower-level form) or a more extensive Environmental Impact Review (as required by Specific Plan guidelines)
Therefore, I would support a Granada Village Shopping Center remodel that complies with our Community/Specific plans and ordinances – one that benefits the community, as a whole. All of us who live and work in this community must ensure that any future development is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders involved - businesses (large and small), schools, city agencies, churches, the environment and residents. No one entity should profit to the detriment of others…. Reply to this
8/25/2007 9:22 AMivor weiner wrote:
Good points made in your post. These two Home Depot projects are worthy of more study. But, there is a difference in the types of businesses and the issues they generate. Home Depot coming to town is not the same as a Kohl's or even a Target. You have the issue of day laborers on the corners of the Home Depot lots, heavy and light trucks frequenting the store, and big equipment(rentals), large amount of caustic materials and supplies being transported in and out of the lots and neighborhoods. A large building supply store has an industrial feel to it- there is no way around that, regardless of how big or small the building is or how "colonial" one designs it. Do you happen to have any links that might provide more information for further study? Thanks. With Peace and Light, Ivor Reply to this
8/26/2007 4:29 PM
Mark Hubbard wrote:
I'm new to this blog but not new to Granada Hills. I originally moved here in 1977 and have lived here continuously since 1985. The recent survey mailer led me to this site.
My opposition would be to the expansion of the center, not against the store (Kohl's) per se. If Regency could accommodate Kohl's size requests without expansion of the center (consolidating empty units and relocating existing businesses within the center to allow for contiguous space for Kohl's), I wouldn't be opposed.
The city could use vibrant new businesses in the center. Other than Baker's Square, I seldom visit the center, particularly since the exit of the United Theaters. I think all of the businesses in the center and even the surrounding area (i.e. Chatsworth Street corridor) would benefit from an "anchor" tenant such as Kohl's.
On another note, has anyone heard whether or not the Granada Hills Theater Group has found a new home? We enjoyed attending their plays on a regular basis at the location across from KFC.
Why are tattoo parlors, car lots, custom car places, hair salons, and nail parlors bad for this community? I will let you off the hook on the medical marijuana store because that would be a whole other argument, and I want you to address the other comments you made. However, you should know that 56% of California voters in 1996 decided this would be perfectly acceptable. I was really struck by your intolerance for tattoo parlors. As if they were the devil's work, like rock and roll and dancing! I will have you know that in present day Granada Hills tattoos are actually socially acceptable. Why shouldn't they be? All it is one free thinking adult deciding to have a piece of art forever drawn on his or her body by another free thinking and hopefully talented artist. How does this endanger family values or community safety? I would love to hear how an antique shop promotes family values and community safety. I am less worried about Kohls, or should I say Regency, than I am of folks like you. Please make an attempt to think about other people's perspective on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness before spewing your opinions all over the place. You may just offend someone, professor.
I also want to thank Chris for his hard work, dedication, and well written responses. Now take down your lame sign. J/K.
**Paid for by people with tattoos, tattoo artists, hair dressers, used car salesman, and nail parlor owners. Reply to this
9/2/2007 12:03 PM
Nancy wrote:
DEVELOPERS PAID EXPERTS CANNOT BE BELIEVED: See Front Page Story of Daily News, Sun. Sept. 2: Re: Developer's Paid Traffic Experts ("Traffic Studies hit a wall" by Kerry Cavanaugh 9-2-07)
We think that Regency's Traffic Impact Report in the case of the proposed Kohl's has major flaws since we feel it grossly underestimates the total traffic trips that will come to our area, over residential streets from the freeway exits. 1) The data for the study was collected in 2005; traffic congestion had increased dramatically since then; 2) The Applicant gives itself credit for all traffic trips to closed Ralph's; that is flawed since those traffic trips are still present, only one block south at the other Ralph's. We all need to shop for groceries, and now that the Ralph's on the north side closed, the traffic has not disappeared, it is going to the Ralph's on the south side of Chatsworth,at the same intersection. 3) The study does not even look at the major intersection of Balboa and San Fernando Mission, where the new Super Mega Target is under construction. Many patrons to Kohl's are going to exit the 118 west at Balboa and take San Fernando Mission West to Zelzah South to get to Kohl's. Balboa is beyond grid locked already. San Fernando Mission and Zelzah are one lane roads in each direction over areas these patrons will travel, and this new traffic will lead to widening of the roads at the homeowner's (by special assessment) and city's expense. When we raised that issue early on, Regency' response was to print advertisements that stated "no change to existing roads." That is short-sighted and dishonest. (a Market like Ralph's draws on local neighborhood traffic; Kohl's will bring in shoppers from the entire North LA County area, since the only other LA County Kohl's is in Woodland Hills.) 4) Wendy Greuel pointed out earlier this summer how the existing LA DOT methods are outdated. Even if we use the existing methods to estimate the number of car trips this project will bring, that number would be around approximately 4,000 additional traffic trips a day for a 95,000 square foot Kohl's. It unconscionable that the conclusion of the LL & G traffic impact report estimating only 924 trips a day for this project is being accepted without question by the City and Councilman Smith. But, on the basis of that number, or for ulterior motives, Greig Smith, the GH Chamber and the GH Bid say, there will be no significant traffic added. Based on this false number, Regency will probably be allowed to forgo a full EIR. 5) There are more than 7 schools in the immediate vicinity, including Granada Hills Charter H.S. several blocks away on Zelzah. Allowing an additional 4,000 traffic trips into this area on a daily basis without true mitigating measures will create unbearable traffic gridlock, and will create public safety issues. Reply to this
We are still on for the 20th of September! The hearing is now posted on the Los Angeles Department of City Planning website, www.cityplanning.lacity.org.
Please let me know if you would be interested in volunteering for flier distribution. We need to notify the community of the upcoming scheduled public hearing.
Appreciate the help, Maria Fisk mbfisk@verizon.net Reply to this
9/4/2007 8:33 AM
Danny wrote:
I think this is only a week or two recent; however, I'm not very happy with it and was wondering if this is the correct place to begin. At 17145 Devonshire is a residential house; however, it has recently been converted into a church of some type. Don't mind the practice of religion; however, the residents have added lights and a large billboard to a residential house. Is this legal? Doesn't this violate zoning laws? Reply to this
9/9/2007 11:45 AM
Nancy wrote:
THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO PRESERVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING: Please attend the Public Hearing on September 20, 2007 at 4: 30 p.m. at Marvin Braude Center, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA. The parking structure is located at 6170 Sylmar Avenue between Delano Street and Calvert Street, one block east of Van Nuys Boulevard. The entrance is labeled "Public Parking." The cost is $6.00 per day, and the ticket booth is at the top of the ramp on the fourth level. Metered parking is available on nearby streets. Please bring your neighbors and friends. Contact us if you need a ride. stopoverbuildingingh@earthlink.net Reply to this
9/9/2007 11:49 AM
Nancy wrote:
I don't think I am the only resident in Granada Hills who will say: We don't live in Canoga Park for a reason. It is too dense and congested. Further, there is no Kohl's along Sherman Way in Canoga Park. ??? Reply to this
9/9/2007 11:59 AM
Nancy wrote:
Commercial property owners should not be calling the shots in our neighborhood. If you want lawn signs or can help distribute fliers or signs, or if you want to make a contribution send your name, phone number to stopoverbuildingingh@earthlink.net Reply to this
9/9/2007 12:02 PM
Nancy wrote:
Will Promises of Revitalization Be Realized? The supporters say this “remodel” will “revitalize” Granada Hills. I have seen no support for that statement. I have done my own research by reading “Big Box Swindle” by Stacey Mitchell (Beacon Press 2006) and also The Hometown Advantage by Stacy Mitchell (www.ilsr.org; www.newrules.org). Big Boxes (defined by California law as retailers over 75,000 square feet) may initially provide some low paying jobs, and goods at reduced prices. However, in the long run, they put other competing smaller shops out of business and those individuals out of jobs. Once the competition is gone, the big box raises its prices. Big Boxes do not reinvest their earnings in the local economy. They do not use local services or suppliers. Anyone who wants to do business with them must cut their prices. Reply to this
9/9/2007 12:06 PM
Nancy wrote:
What Legal Basis Does Regency Have to Get Around Our Laws?
If you wanted to expand the structure on your property, you would be required to follow existing zoning laws. To get around the laws, you would have to prove a hardship. In the case of Regency Centers, it is asking to get around the laws simply to make more money for its shareholders. What is the hardship it faces? Why should they be treated differently from the average resident or business owner? Why can’t they reduce the size? Why can’t they withdraw some of their 8-10 requests for special treatment? Reply to this
9/9/2007 12:29 PM
Nancy wrote:
Will Kohl’s Affect Traffic in Our Area?
Absolutely! Kohl’s is a “destination” store. In my opinion, it is their goal to get shoppers to their store, and bypass the mall and other locations. It is also a regional store opposed to the Ralph’s market which was a local store. Shoppers from the entire North L.A. County area will be coming here and using our quiet residential streets to get to Kohl’s.
Councilwoman Wendy Greuel pointed out earlier this summer how the existing LA Dept. of Transportation methods are outdated and applicable to the mid-west, not dense, gridlocked Southern California. But. . .even if we use the existing methods to estimate the number of car trips the Kohl's project will bring, that number would be around approximately 4,000 additional traffic trips a day to our area for a 95,000 square foot Kohl's. (From that I think they would be entitled to some offset for trips that frequent more than one store. But. . . IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE that the conclusion of Regency's Paid Traffic expert's traffic impact report estimating only 924 additional trips a day for this project is being accepted without question by the City and Councilman Smith. On the basis of that number, Regency is trying to persuade everyone that this Big Box will not significantly affect the traffic in our area, and therefore, no environmental impact report is needed, and further, no real mitigating measures are needed. In response to public outcry, Regency has now started stating in print "no change to existing roads." That statement is false and short sighted. Regency is saying the we the opponents, are spreading false information and using scare tactics by saying the roads will be widened. Technically, Regency has not asked to widen roads, and so far, there has been no order by the city that they do so. (We are still waiting for Mr. Quon's recommendation from the April 30, 2007 hearing) But if the 95,000 square foot is approved, I think road widening, especially along SF Mission and Zelzah, is inevitable. You be the judge. Reply to this
9/10/2007 8:55 AM
Phyllis wrote:
In accordance with a mailing I received, please be advised that I am completing and sending the Proforma letters I received to BOTH Greig Smith and the North Valley Area Planning Commission AGAINST the Kohl's. Quite frankly, I have never been much of a department store shopper but I have appreciated supporting local business such as the Shoe Pavillion, TJ Max, Radio Shack, Ralphs (now gone) and my gym...my wonderful neighborhood family-oriented gym called Fitness Unlimited. All are threatened and therefore I feel threatened. If I want to go to Kohl's, there are plenty within a resonable driving distance. If Kohl's MUST come into the area, how about somewhere on Corbin near Plummer? Reply to this
9/10/2007 5:40 PM
Jim Summers wrote:
GRANADA HILLS SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL - GENERAL MEETING Thursday, September 13, 2007 Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Tulsa Street Elementary School, Auditorium; 10900 Havenhurst Avenue, Granada Hills, CA 91344
AGENDA I. Call to order and the pledge of allegiance II. Roll Call III. Approval of the minutes IV. Community Speakers A. D.O.N.E. (Amelia Herrera-Robles) B. CD 12 (John Bwarie) C. Senior Programs (Peter McCarthy) D. City Planning (Anna Vidal) V. Public Comment A. Community and Public Comments on non-agendized items
VI. Office Reports A. President Report – Jim Summers B. Vice President Report (vacant) C. Treasurer Report – Rob Norris D. Secretary Report – Glen Chester VII. Committee Reports A. Public Safety – (Jim Yoder) B. Planning & Land Use - (John Seletos) 1. Request for Zoning Variance: 16605 Devonshire – (ENV 2007-3112). Request to build additional 3620 s.f - medical dental building to current 2,300 s.f = total 5,930 s.f. on 21,696 sf lot) Current Zoning: RS-1 PLUC Recommendation (9/4/2007): Preliminary Approved pending nearest neighbors support and concerns. C. Beautification – (Bonnie Bursk/ Cindi Wood) D. Outreach – (Brad Smith) IX. Community Issues & Updates - Discussion and Possible Action A. Regency Centers (proposed Kohls overbuilding) Update on Public Hearing Date: Sept. 20, 2007 – 4:30 pm, Marvin Braude Building – 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. (Maria Fisk) B. Las Lomas Project- (Norbert Soski) C. Grafitti (Cindi Wood) D. Survey Results (Jim Summers) E. GHSNC Office – Update F. Granada Hills Street Faire – GHSNC Booth; Sign-up schedule G. Dog Park Ad Hoc Committee H. Committee Evaluation & Review: Accountability/Results of Previous Events and expenses – Newspapers ads, Website, Events, Banners, Signs, Meetings, Board surveys, DONE requirements; Improvements for future, Minutes completion, Committee Agendas X. Outbreak Session (If time permits) XI. Board Member Comments XII. Agenda Items for next General Meeting & Committee XIII. Closing remarks and adjournment
MAILING ADDRESS: GHSNC; 11024 Balboa Blvd., Box 767; Granada Hills, CA 91344 WEBSITE www.ghsnc.org E-mail: oldgranadahills@yahoo.com (Agenda: 8/30/2007) Reply to this
9/10/2007 9:04 PMAaron DeVandry wrote:
Have the official minutes for the July meeting been made public? I looked for them on your website and didn't see them there. Reply to this
9/12/2007 8:10 AM
Luka wrote:
I happen to differ on Kohls. I think Granada Hills' shopping centers are generally in dire need of renovation and could use modernization. Reply to this
9/12/2007 6:48 PM
Nancy wrote:
I guess you are not much of a "green" fan. The GVSC was remodeled after the 1994 earthquake, and may need a coat of paint. It does not need a major remodel. Its run down look right now is caused by Regency's holding out for special entitlements to get more retail space for the sole purpose of increasing their bottom line. Why are they making a "remodel" contingent on getting special entitlements? If Regency had respect for our zoning laws, they could have a new tenant and a new business up and running right now, and the center would look better. It is by Regency's choice that it looks run down, and has temporary tenants right now. But, if and when the center is demolished to make way for something new, the construction debris will go into our dump at Sunshine Canyon.
The "Kohl's" issue is complex. We have used "No Kohl's" as a short-hand attention getting phrase for "No Overbuilding." As zoned right now GVSC may only have under 250,000 square foot of retail space. The property owner (Delaware Corporation with its principal place of business in Florida) Regency wants to get an exemption from zoning laws to make the center closer to 276,000 square feet. The Kohl's they propose will be 95,000 square feet, more than double in size the Ralph's (43,000 sq. feet) and even twice as big as Osh. A store of that size, and that much retail space is too much for our village shopping center, based on the fact that it is adjacent to a residential area, and one lane roads in each direction. Now, if Regency wanted to simply move the Kohl's into the Ralph's spot, or go a little bigger so that the size would fit within the zoning laws, there would probably be no objection.
Finally, Regency has used scare tactics that have gotten to you: Kohl's wants to build there because of the DEMOGRAPHICS. Contrary to the threats, the site is a very desirable location for many different businesses. Reply to this
9/13/2007 3:54 AM
Paul wrote:
As a resident of old Granada Hills since 1994, I was offended by the letter I received from Ivor Weiner supporting Kohls and the article from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, "The Kohl's Issue: Satisfied Public Doesn't Make Noise." Let me be clear - I haven't made noise until this post, but I am NOT in favor of Kohl's or any other large retailer in our neighborhood.
I would like to address two of the points raised by Mr. Weiner. First, he states "Just visit Sherman Way in Canoga Park...I want our neighborhood to have the same type of thriving community atmosphere..." To this I say, go to www.realtor.com. The Median price of a home in Canoga Park (zip code 91303) is currently $529,500 as compared to Granada Hills (zip code 91344) of $600,000. That doesn't sound too "thriving" for the residents to me! Next, he states "so that businesses on Chatsworth Street will prosper." Tell that to the former Granada Hills True Value Hardware Store that was forced to close after OSH opened down the street.
I am very disappointed to see Target build a megastore in our town, and I think the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council needs to stop any more of these giant retailers from ruining our once quaint town. If these retailers are not stopped now, before you know it, we will look like Canoga Park or Panorama City, along with the associated crime levels.
To the Regency Centers owners I say this - you have the ability to make more money in the long run by keeping our neighborhood the way it is. Remember LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION in Real Estate goes a long way. If you diminish the value of our neighborhood, you will also diminish your real estate values for the future.
Also, Mr. Weiner states he lives on Tulsa Street - yes he does, near the corner of Louise Avenue, since 2002 (as stated on his website.) Of course the traffic won't bother him, he's too far from Zelzah to notice.
Finally, for those of us with young children, like me, I worry about the increase of cars driving down side streets to avoid the increased traffic on Chatsworth, Zelzah, and San Fernando Mission Boulevard. These cars seldom drive at safe speeds and cannot see behind vehicles parked on the streets. A child will be hurt and possibly killed if we continue to allow our neighborhood to be industrialized. In the last 3 years, there have been more accidents in front of my house than there has been in the 10 years prior. One of the cars (a drunk driver) went over the curb and onto my front lawn! We do not need any more traffic!
We certainly do not need any more large retailers like Kohls! To clear up your confusion, Mr. Weiner, the silent majority does NOT want Kohls in our neighborhood! Reply to this
9/14/2007 4:40 PM
Nancy wrote:
Paul: Please come to the public hearing next Thursday Sept. 20, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marvin Braude Constituent Center, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. Van Nuys, CA. Please bring all of your neighbors, who I know, feel the same way as you do. Please leave message if you need a ride, or if you can drive a group with you, to save on parking. (We do not have a luxury bus lined up as Regency does.) I am still waiting for all these so called Kohl's supporters (who have a credible argument in favor of why Regency should get to ignore our zoning law to allow a building twice as big as currently permitted) to come out of the woodwork. The response has been overwhelmingly against this project. Some who initially supported the project, ONCE THE LEARN THE TRUE SIZE and REAL ISSUES, immediately change their position. In light of Councilman Smith's support of this project, we need to show up in massive numbers to let him know that we are opposed to this project as planned. Reply to this
9/17/2007 11:18 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
The North Valley Area Planning Commission public hearing is now scheduled to review the proposed Granada Village Shopping Center expansion that accommodates a 95,000 sq ft Kohl's Dept. store: Thursday 9/20/07 4:30 PM Marvin Braude Building First Floor Conference Room 6262 Van Nuys Blvd 91401
Some of you have already received the Department of City Planning Recommendation Report and please review this document if you have it. A brief summary of the recommendations made by the hearing officer:
1. Enforce the 15 foot set back (according to our Specific Plan guidelines). Reduced set back of 6 ft was requested by Regency Centers (RC).
2. Enforce the "Q" condition that prevents the shopping center from being expanded to 240,000 sq ft (currently sits at approx. 231,000 sq ft). RC requested to go against this limit and requested an expansion to 276,000 sq ft. According to the report, the applicant (RC) did not follow proper procedures for filing this variance "filing the variance to another decision maker circumvents the City Council's authority".
3. Approve expansion of hours (which may allow for 24 hrs of operation). Other businesses have non-conforming rights.
4. Approve less window space (this goes against the Specific Plan Guidelines).
5. Enforce the Municipal Code that requires a total of 1,244 parking spaces. The applicant proposes a total of 1,155 spaces (less than required).
6. Enforce height limit Code, "the 38-ft high portion of the building is 8 ft in excess of the Code".
7. A Site Plan review is not needed because it does not exceed established guidelines.
8. Disapprove a Project Permit Compliance with the Granada Hills Specific Plan. The proposed project does not comply with Specific Plan regulations.
Again, neighborhood organizations and councils are NOT opposed to a shopping center remodel, and a smaller scaled retailer/store that FITS within LEGAL guidelines. The hearing officer clearly outlined the laws/codes in his recent report and reasons for following these regulations. We need to reinforce many of his recommendations by coming to the hearing. Numbers count!! Show the City that we care about our community. Unfortunately, this will not happen on its own. WE HAVE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
If you need a ride or can offer to take some extra passengers, please call Dave Beauvais #831-2318.
9/17/2007 11:30 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
The lawn signs are ready for pick-up. If you would like one please contact: Carol George 363-1146 17630 Los Alimos Debi Orrico 363-2701 17604 Tulsa Street Donna McArdle Cell:818-322-6265 H: 363-8650 11102 White Oak Ave
Please respect our laws by placing the lawn signs 10 feet in from the curb line. Reply to this
9/21/2007 6:40 PM
Chris Silvers wrote:
Now this is not to be taken as a completely perfect and accurate report, just my understanding and recollection.
1. Regency centers moved the building back from Zelzah the 15 feet so they dropped that request for a 6 foot set back.
2. Regency centers scaled down the rear tower and it will be below the height limit. So they dropped the request for relief from the transitional height ordinance.
3. The reduction of 50% glazing was approved by the commission.
4. The shared parking application was approved. So there will be 10% fewer parking spaces than the city code calls for.
5. The size of the center was approved, in full. THIS IS THE BIG ONE!
6. The expansion of hours was modified but will likely be overruled by anyone with half a brain. Kohls usually opens early or closes late about 30 times per year for promotions. The commission voted to allow them to do so only 5 times per year. I say that this will be overturned because Kohls is a National Chain. They run national ad campaigns, the likelihood of their ads having a asterisk at the bottom reading, "except in Granada Hills" is small.
Lastly, they will be required to align the drive way on Chatsworth near the blockbuster with the driveway on the southern shopping center. They are also being required to put in a stop light there to control the turns, if the Department of Transportation approves it.
If I am missing something, I am sorry. It was a long meeting. The people who spoke for the project talked about how pretty it would be and how it would be nice to have a great store like Kohls in the neighborhood. They did not address a single substantive issue from the application for variances and exceptions.
Many spoke against the project, probably 50% more than for the project. In the end it seemed that the commission had made up its mind before anyone said a word. The simple fact that they had a longer debate (in comparison to the testimony period) over a fence on La Tuna Canyon is evidence to that.
Is this the end? Not likely, but the major fight is probably over. They got the two biggest conditions they needed to move forward, a small donation to the right person can buy back the 25 promotional dates.
Please come to the next neighborhood council meeting to learn of other projects in our neighborhood and other things the council is working on.
9/23/2007 12:05 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
Village Shopping Center Expansion Approved??? After months of meetings, petition drives, flier distribution, research and community mobilization, we finally came together on 9/20/07 for what we thought was going to be a thoughtful, fair, and just review of a flawed project. This was the biggest land abuse case to hit Old Granada Hills since the proposed Home Depot (more that 7 years ago)! And let me just say, we did everything in our power that we could- we had overwhelming community opposition and the law on our side. Nevertheless, we lost. The system has failed us miserably. City agencies who should have upheld the laws didn’t and elected politicians turned their backs on us. I would like to share a few highlights from the hearing, it was very long and will try to be as brief as possible: Supporters: Total of 35 present (31 bussed in by Regency Centers), 18 testified “need to remodel, Kohl’s would be nice convenient and breathe life into the community, good for small business”. They gathered 400 items of written support. Greig Smith, Councilman, and Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce supported the expansion. Opposition: Total of 120 present, 38 testified “improper traffic - environmental - parking studies, increased traffic hazards to pedestrians and school kids, recent deaths due to current traffic problems, Kohl’s too big for village shopping center, small businesses will be bypassed even more so, why destroy the neighborhood when profit is the only motive, why have laws if they can be broken, proposed variances that violate Community/Specific Plans, laws and ordinances." Written opposition-640 signatures, 218 letters to Greig Smith, 231 letters to Planning Commissioners, 101 letters to Planning Department. 4 neighborhood organizations/councils formally opposed the project.
We needed to hear from supporters about the LEGAL reasons for expanding the shopping center. Wouldn’t a smaller retailer or Kohl’s that fits and complies with legal guidelines be OK (or why not?). We needed to hear the facts not the emotion. What about their lawyer- what evidence did he produce to support legal justification for approving the requested variances to expand?? The supporters of this ill conceived project steered clear of these points they knew they had no grounds so they did not even go there……The opposition presented a clear cut case with facts and figures to back up our position. Most who presented testimony spoke to the substantive issues of this case, and for good measure threw in some emotion, as well. Again, we are not anti-business but expect a shopping center remodel that is LEGAL!! The Hearing Officer and our lawyer clearly outlined the violations to laws and ordinances. And towards the end, the commissioners completely ignored the BIG issue- the SIZE of the project. They overrode the aspects of requested variances and continued to prattle over much less significant items, and stunned us with their final determination! Reply to this
9/24/2007 9:26 AMAaron DeVandry wrote:
Maria, thank you for your hard work throughout this process. It's really difficult when you put in so much time and effort for something you believe in, only to get snubbed by people who don't understand or have their mind already fixed on the alternative.
Were the people that Regency bussed into the meeting even Granada Hills stakeholders? Were they employees of Regency, possibly of the Regency Center in question? Reply to this
10/24/2007 9:03 PM
Sean Rivas, Parks Representative GHSNC wrote:
I am inviting all of you to join us at our Halloween Bash at the Granada Hills Recreation Center located at 16730 Chatsworth Street. The event runs from 4 pm to 8 pm and I hope to see you all there. Reply to this
11/15/2007 10:57 AM
L Aguilar wrote:
As a happy resident of Granada Hills I also appose the Kohl's store. It is the major topic of discussion; however, there are other issues that I feel get overlooked and they mostly affect the eastern part of Granada. I live on Woodley Ave. and San Jose St. We deal with traffic (from those using it to avoid the Balboa chaos to the 5 frwy), graffiti and other nuisances. Most of the time that I check the GHSNC website I find it to not represent the area of Granada in which I live, since topics discussed or projects focus on the "downtown" area. I take a pro-active stance on making my community better. I call for graffiti removal and request extra patrols from law enforcement so that we can at least every now and then enjoy dinner without having to hear the street races along Woodley Ave. I have had to set up my own security light (which I pay for), after being turned down by the city for a street light to be added, so that it lights up San Jose St. west of Woodley Ave. in order to keep the loiterers from discarding their empty beer cans and bottles and worse than that, the used condoms and needles. I love to read about what is being done in Granada Hills to make it better and keep it beautiful, but a lot of times I feel that my part of Granada Hills doesn't get the attention it needs. Let's not forget that Granada Hills goes beyond Kohl's. Reply to this
11/19/2007 11:36 AM
Sean M. Rivas GHSNC Parks Representative wrote:
CALLING ALL RESIDENTS OF LOS ANGELES The Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council is sponsoring a Tree Giveaway as part of the Mayor's Million Trees for LA Campaign. It will be held at the Granada Hills Recreation Center on Saturday, December 15th from 10a to 1pm. Come one and come all to adpot a FREE tree, for any information email srivas@ghsnc.org or visit our website for further information. Hope to see you all there. Reply to this
1/17/2008 9:36 PM
S wrote:
Is anyone aware of the "gang" problem growing near Petit Park? I have been in contact with Devonshire Division and other departments including the Mayor's office, and I am told of a group of individuals ranging from ages 14-24 who live adjacent to Petit Park. These individuals are, seemingly, in the process of establishing Granada Hills as their "territory". This groups calls themselves Hermanos. What is this council doing to combat this situation? Reply to this
1/21/2008 6:08 PM
Sean Rivas GHSNC Parks Representative wrote:
Mr. S As the Parks Representative I have two heads on this council since I am also a staff member of the Granada Hills Recreation Center. We understand that there is a problem with gangs in the area. We have also been working with the proper authorities in trying to handle the situation of the "Hermanos" Gang. I would like to extend an opportunity to discuss this further with you so please feel free to contact me at the Recreation Center. I will also be taking this problem to our Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee. I am always available via email at SRivas@ghsnc.org. Once again please feel free to contact me so that we can further discuss this issue at your convenience. Reply to this
1/25/2008 1:25 PM
S wrote:
Mr. Rivas, Thank you for your response. First, it is Ms. S. I am a female and not a male. Secondly, I have been in contact with various members of L.A. county's different "departments" regarding this disturbing problem, including the Mayor's office. At this point, I would like this council to take an active role in trying to combat this problem. Please list actions already in place in an effort to deal with this issue. Thank you for your time. Reply to this
1/25/2008 2:13 PM
Sean M. Rivas GHSNC Parks Representative wrote:
Ms. S I am truly sorry for calling you Mr. S, and I will make sure that I address you by your proper title of Ms. S. I am very glad that you have done your part in helping us keep the "Hermanos" gang from continuing to place there graffiti marks at our park. I would really like to continue speaking you about this problem since I know that this issue is widely expressed. The GHSNC has created a Graffiti watch program. The graffiti around Granada Hills is getting bad and we as a council have been actively looking at way we can help combat this community issue. I ask you to please join us at our Beautification,and Safety & Emergency Preparedness committee meeting where we are looking at the different ways to help combat this problem, and also our general board meeting. All meeting dates are listed on our website so if you are interested in attending or you can always email me at SRivas@ghsnc.org. Please don't hesitate to contact anybody on the board so that we can help you get those city services to help combat this issue. Reply to this
1/28/2008 12:32 PM
S wrote:
Mr. Rivas, Again, thank you for responding. It was suggested to me, by one of the "officials" that responded to my concerns, that I contact my local council in order to rally support. I am aware of a specific department that patrols the area; this department is in charge of patrols for all parks. Yet, this official suggested, that in order to get Devonshire Division to step in and really do their part, an official request for diligent patrol be made by the community council. As stated in my email to the Mayor's office. I have been in contact with Devonshire Division on various occasions, and even though at times they have been patient and polite when listening to my concerns, they really don't do anything about my requests for extra patrol. I strongly believe that if the community council were to demand extra patrol and a real effort be made by Devonshire Division to curb the problem with this gang, then results would begin to be apparent. On a similar note, just today I called the 311 number to report graffiti around Petit Park, and once again I was "helped" by a rude operator by the name of Victoria (if I remember correctly) who seemed annoyed that I was bothering her about graffiti. She was even more annoyed when I requested the confirmation number. There is a real problem with this gang, and I strongly believe that it is early in the game where something CAN be done. Reply to this
1/28/2008 12:40 PM
Aaron wrote:
Ms. S, I live across the street from Petit Park (in an apartment complex at 10625 Petit Avenue) and I have not seen anything related to the Los Hermanos gang other than the occasional graffiti in the area. Are you suggesting this gang is violent and a threat to public safety? If so, I would like to get involved in preventing the gang from escalating, but in my experience I haven't seen a threat at all. Reply to this
2/13/2008 2:26 PM
S wrote:
Aaron, As mentioned before, I am a property owner and live near the park (I have clear view of the park). And, as mentioned, I was told by Devonshire Division that this specific gang, Los Hermanos, meets at Petit Park. In other words, they have made Petit Park "their" park. I have seen two separate graffiti writings with the letters HMS...this stands for Hermanos. The letters were at least 5 feet tall. One was done on the concrete wall that separates the swimming pool from the basketball courts and the other was done along the cinder block fence that separates the large apartment complex next door to the park (next to the basketball courts). I guess it is a "good" thing that you are not exposed to the unappealing aesthetics of such graffiti. Nonetheless, this does not mean it is not being done. Yes, there is other graffiti being done around Granada Hills and near the park. This too must be stopped. Reply to this
2/13/2008 6:15 PM
Aaron wrote:
Miss S, I don't visit the park often, so was unaware of the graffiti in the park. Hopefully graffiti is the worst this gang inflicts on the community. Reply to this
1/29/2008 1:50 PM
Sean Rivas GHSNC Parks Representative wrote:
Ms. S I will contacting my contact with the city to just verify what the proper way of handling this issue would be, and I will have it agendized on the Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee agenda for February until we take it to the full board with a recommendation on what we should do about the issue. I am truly sorry that you received rude service from the 311 operators and I will be sure to let my contact know about the service. I hope that you can come to one of our meetings so that we can further discuss your concern. Reply to this
3/13/2008 1:25 PM
Ms S wrote:
I am not sure if people are aware that they can call 311 anonymously to report graffiti. Maybe this is something that can be addressed at your meetings. In addition, if not too costly, sending a informational flier outlining what people can do when they see graffiti and/or suspicious activity would also be helpful. I continue to call 311 and have now begun calling anonymously since, on numerous occasions, operators (the same one's) have been rude (I guess they are annoyed by my constant calls. I also call in graffiti even when it is not near my home). Except I strongly believe, that calling in graffiti is not enough. We have to deal with the cause of the graffiti. Is there any way to place pressure on property owners/managers so that they don't rent to known taggers and/or criminals? I am not proposing that anyone's civil rights be violated. But I do purpose that, as a community, we show an intolerance to crime. On a similar note, just last week I called the 877 non-emergency LAPD number to report a suspicious male which I believe had just made a graffiti sign near another home. I never heard back from LAPD. This is one example of what I'm trying to do to solve this problem. Yet, I feel that not enough people in the community are doing their part. I have gone without calling in graffiti for weeks and the graffiti remains until I call it in. This is not acceptable. Reply to this
3/18/2008 8:14 PM
Sean Rivas, GHSNC Parks Representative wrote:
Ms. S Although you may feel your efforts are non-productive I would just like to thank you for doing your part. You can also email the councilman at councilman.smith@lacity.org with the locations of the graffiti in his area and they will also make sure its taken care of. Although its a little bit of a pain to continue to call 311 its still the best form of letting the city know about areas that graffiti is in. I strongly urge that you attend next months General Board meeting to hear about the proposed security patrol for granada hills. Reply to this
1/20/2008 9:14 AM
Maria Fisk wrote:
RE: Granada Village Shopping Center Expansion/Kohl's Dept Store Case # APCNV 2006-5084-SPE-ZV-CU-ZAD-SPR-SPP
Many of you have probably received an official notice. The Planning and Land Use Management Committee will consider an appeal filed by Granada Hills residents from the entire determination of the North Valley Area Planning Commission regarding the proposed Granada Village Shopping Center expansion located at the NW corner of Chatsworth St. and Zelzah Ave. The public hearing will be held:
Tuesday, January, 22, 2008 Approximately 2:00 PM or soon after 200 N. Spring Street, City Hall, LA, 90012 Board of Public Works Edward R. Roybal Hearing Room 350
Mark your calendars, be there and let City Officials know that we as a community support an expansion and remodel of the Granada Village Shopping Center, one that is in accordance with our Granada Hills Specific Plan, Granada Hill-Knollwood Community Plan, laws and ordinances!!
2/6/2008 10:34 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
RE: Granada Village Shopping Center Expansion/Kohl's Dept Store Case # APCNV 2006-5084-SPE-ZV-CU-ZAD-SPR-SPP
The full Los Angeles City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the above case:
Friday, February 8, 2008 Approximately 10:00 AM or shortly thereafter 200 N. Spring Street, City Hall, LA, 90012 John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340
This may be our last chance to be heard, and City Council will probably make a final decision this Friday. If you are not able to drive and need a ride, ask your neighbors. Many of us are carpooling (saves on gas and parking). Remember, numbers count!
3/2/2008 11:09 AM
Maria Fisk wrote:
The City of Los Angeles will be preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in connection with the revision/update of the Granada Hills-Knollwood Community Plan and will hold a Public EIR Scoping Meeting to assist in identifying issues to be addressed within the EIR (land use & planning, population, traffic, transportation, etc.)
LOCATION: Granada Hills Charter High School,10535 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills, CA 91344 DATE: Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 TIME: 6:30 PM
MEETING COORDINATOR: Anna M. Vidal City Planning Associate for City of Los Angeles, Dept. of City Planning Granada Hills New Community Plan Program and Valley Neighborhood Councils (818) 374-5043 tel. (818) 374-5070 fax. New E-mail: Anna.Vidal@lacity.org 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 351 MS 366 Van Nuys, CA 91401-2709 http://cityplanning.lacity.org Reply to this
3/9/2008 2:35 PM
Maria Fisk wrote:
GRANADA HILLS SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Time: 6:30 PM Place: Town Hall (Near Kenn Cleaners) 16916 San Fernando Mission Blvd Granada Hills, Ca 91344 Agenda Items: *‘Tux’BusinessIdentification Wall Sign *PM Recycling Center *Demolition of Market and Retail shops, Construction of Kohl’s Department Store
This is a public meeting and the public has the opportunity to comment on items of interest within the subject matter jurisdiction of the DRB. Reply to this
I am seeing an escalating amount of graffiti and "tagging" by rival gang members around Granada Hills. These include tags from "Crips", "VSF", and "HMS". This graffiti is no doubt intended to intimidate the members of this community and threaten rival gangs.
Granada Hills does not have a history of gang problems, and the current upswing is very troubling. In addition, there seems to be a larger number of mentally ill homeless loitering near the corner of Balboa and Devonshire. My wife observed a man lie down in the middle of the street at that intersection last week. She called the police, but I have to wonder - are area hospitals now "dumping" people here?
The influx of homeless seems to also have attracted other characters as various "bikers" now meet regularly in front of the Devonshire Starbucks near Ralphs. Although I've never witnessed any illegal activity happening, it's clear they are dealing meth and/or other drugs. A simple conversation with the Starbucks employees will confirm as much.
Perhaps the citizens of Granada Hills do not care if their community descends into a drug and gang infested hell hole. Personally, I'd like to see the community leaders stand up and do something before it's too late. Reply to this
4/22/2008 2:47 PMivor weiner wrote:
DB: The community leaders do care about the community, but their community is Whiteoak from Chatsworth to San Fernando Mission and Whiteoak to Louise. Should drug dealing, graffiti and the like occur in this geographic area, the marines would be called in. It is not a perception but reality. They are the establishment and will waste time on fighting economic development and issues that have been decided in the appropriate government and democratic arenas. They are anti anything that is different and threatens their way of life (just examine the latest OGHRG newsletter on immigration). Most of the members of the GHSNC are also office holders in the OGHRG. It's time for some change in the neighborhood......What do you and many who feel the same way plan to do about it? Reply to this
You know, you like to stir up a lot of dust for someone who doesn't show up to help. Community leaders are the ones who show up when others sit at home blogging about the problems. Lately there has been a lot of bitching about community leaders, the fact is that everyone except CD12 is a volunteer. You and people like you make these volunteers think several times about engaging in civic activities. But that is what I've found about activists, lots of problems to point out, but short of ideas to solve them and the follow up to do it.
The facts (those things you always seem to miss) are that the GHSNC has launched a Anti Graffiti movement and have been diligently involved in informing the community of numbers to call when graffiti is seen, they have worked to contract security patrols to look for the taggers, and they are considering on the next agenda ways to help the graffiti abatement company.
Why don't you show up and take an active role and encourage those like you who are upset with the slow nature of government bodies and the decline of their neighborhood to show up too. There are always a million reasons to decline, but only one to show up. You have to care. I encourage all neighbors to put up or shut up. These board members are volunteering and giving it their best. Give them a break.
10/3/2008 1:49 PM
Rhonda wrote:
Hello I haven't heard of any information about Kohls in the past 6 months or so. Anyone know what is going on with that issue? Also, I know there was talk about putting in a dog park in GH, how's that going? Thank you. Rhonda Reply to this
11/7/2008 7:08 PM
Lani Feldbaum wrote:
I'm not sure this is getting through but We would like a Kohl's in the Vacant Linen & things Parking next to Ross in Sherman Oaks Westfield Fashion Square. It has two stories and an escalator. Your merchandise was wondeful and we nothing like that in the East Valley! We need a Dept store one that is compatible with us and not Bloomingdales or Macy's. Please let me know because it's quite a schlep to the Granda Hills area. Thanks, Lani Reply to this
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