ZUMA DOGG'S NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL RACKETEERING COMPLAINT TO DONE/BONC/PLANNING/CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA

***** UPDATE: 06/06/07 (6:10pm) *****

PUBLIC NOTICE: Cancel the babysitter, cancel your plans -- and make new ones for next week...Councilmemebr Jose Huizar wanted Mayor Sam readers to know that the CD 14 Hillside Development "Community Forum" moved has been moved from this Friday until Monday. And remeber, I'm sure it has nothing to do with the story below -- and is just some last minute scheduling conflict.

A LOT OF ACTIVITY BEING UPDATED THIS EVENING AT ZD's Neighborhood Council Blog
Contact: Zuma Dogg at ZAP (Zuma's Activist Program) -- zumadogg@gmail.com
Zuma Dogg Blog for more info
City of Los Angeles Official Website

***** UPDATE *****
ZUMAKIPEDIA: PAULA Y. BAGASAO/BAGASO/BAGASSO of Bill Clinton's Administration and Glassell Park Neighborhood Council BAGASAO/BAGASO/BAGASSO BIO

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL RACKETEERING COMPLAINT: A select group of city developers, City Council staff members and activist developer coalition members -- also sit on various area Neighborhood Councils throughout Los Angeles toward the goal of fast tracking various project approvals before their own Neighborhood Council Boards, City Planning Committee and full Los Angeles City Council. Many of these projects require zoning variances, raise EIR concerns and include warnings and complaints from community members during public hearings; only to be approved anyway by these shady NCs which allows for a smooth approval by their City Councilmembers before Planning and full City Council.

THE CAST: Mark Semotiuk (Metro LA Development, LLC, Founder/President PROH-LA), CM Ed Reyes (Planning Chair), Edel Vera (Works with Bradley at E.B.E. Development), *Paula Bagasao (Glassell Park NC Boardmember, MetroLA, PROH-LA, and other positions within the city), *Tony Butka (NC member, Paula’s husband, and member of other groups, too), CM Jose Huizar (Planning Committee Member), Jessica Mclean (Huizar Eagle Rock Planning Deputy, Eagle Rock NC Boardmember, and 912 Review Commissioner), *Brian Fitzburgh (rolls with Paula, Mark, Bradley on NC and organizations) *”Bradley” (Silverlake NC, other NC?, MetroLA, PROH-LA, E.B.E. Developers), Godwin Iwunze (City Developer), CM Eric Garcetti (Council President, Various Committee Member, CM of shady NC district), Mr. Tharp, MetroLA designer/architect Teo Berndt (I'M A BIG FAN OF YOUR WORK!), Glassell Park/Silverlake,/Echo Park/Elysian Neighborhood Council ("Cahootsville Region").

Many of these cast members* are developers with planning connections they cultivated through their negotiations on their private City projects -- also are a part of, and run activist development coalitions like PROH-LA. And some members participate in Councils outside their living area, and/or participate on more than one Neighborhood Council.

[CLICK READ MORE Y'ALL!!!]

If you really want to know who is running the show, y'all should check out the Metro LA Development, LLC website. Mark Semotiuk founder and President works with PROH-LA as President of that group, too. So he's the developer (Metro LA) with his own activist hillside development coalition (PROH-LA).

DESCRIPTION OF PROH-LA FROM HIS BIO: Mark is also the President of Protecting the Rights of Owners in Hillsides – Los Angeles (PROH-LA) a group that creates an educational and informational framework to provide necessary zoning and planning information to individuals who are disenfranchised by factors such as: race, distance from civic infrastructure, educational background and language."

[In other words, help those who are discriminated against, help you develop the hillside with expensive homes. PROH-LA is PROH-LA, LLC, registered in the State of California -- NOT A NON-PROFIT!]

Mark Semotiuk founded PROH-LA, a developer coalition with heads Bradley, Paula Bagasao and Brian Fitzburgh.

Mark, in his twenties, attends USC Master Real Estate Program, and attended UCLA as undergrad. From USC website:

Mark Semotiuk – MRED (Full Time)
During the summer of 2003, Mark was an analyst for Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management division where he assisted in the management of $12 billion in assets. At the completion of this experience, Mark established his own company, Metropolitan Los Angeles Developments in 2004. Since then, Mark has successfully completed the redevelopment of a home in Echo Park, and is currently developing a 4 unit condominium in Silver Lake. Mark is also the President of Protecting the Rights of Owners in Hillsides – Los Angeles. (PROH-LA) a group that creates an educational and informational framework to provide necessary zoning and planning information to individuals who are disenfranchised by factors such as: race, distance from civic infrastructure, educational background and language.

[HA! WHEN YOU HEAR "PROTECT", DON'T YOU THINK "AGAINST DEVELOPMENT"? THESE GUYS FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO DEVELOP! LOL!]

So Mark has Metro LA Development Metro LA Development, LLC Web Site and PROH-LA coalition (see website link on Metro LA site link).

FROM METRO LA DEVELOPMENT, LLC WEBSITE:
Advocacy
.....................................................................................
We at Metropolitan Los Angeles Developments feel that it is important to build communities from grassroots in addition to brick and mortar. As such, we are actively involved in community activities to make the living environment in Los Angeles the best that it can be... after all, that is our job as developers!

[In ZD talk, that means we rally the troops to organize, show up at these meetings, and vote to build on the hillside, no matter what. That will make the City better. Because they made that decision.]

Mark's project designer/architect is someone who I have become a big, big fan of after visiting his site, and can see why Mark uses him: Teo Berndt of TAYO Design. An international sensation! Teo Berndt's TAYO Design website: Teo, you are FANTASTIC!!!

Here's a partial (local) list of Teo's international smörgåsbord of developments. See website for international projects in Argentina, Brazil and elsewhere. (Ski caps off, my man. People, check his website. This guy is knockin' it out of the park as a designer!)

Projects

• Quail Drive Residence, Mount Washington, California
• 4-Unit condominium in Echo Park, California
• Multiple residence project in Montecito, California
• Anthony House – a front entrance and patio remodel in Los Angeles, California
• Soto House – single family residence in Sun Valley, California
• Eagle Rock House, Los Angeles, California – front & façade remodeling
• Large area deck – entertainment space on the rear of a residence in Los Angeles, California
• Kodak Street House, Los Angeles – redesign of front and side exteriors
• Eagle Rock residence, kitchen and dining area interior space planning and design
• Anthony House, Los Angeles, California – fire place and living room re-design

HERE'S A QUOTE FROM BABY, STUDENT DEVELOPER MARK SEMOTIUK: "Teo Berndt, the designer behind TDS, provided a concept for the project that integrated my suggestions with his creative ideas; it allowed for future building homeowners to enjoy the "California Experience."

"The TDS team helped me present the project to neighbors, neighborhood councils, and the Zoning Administrator. In the end, their dedication went a long way towards wining approval.

"A few months ago, I had never built anything. Now, we are weeks away from beginning construction on my first major project. I can say with confidence: If you are looking for an architect that can turn your vision into reality with dedication and creativity - then you are looking for TDS." - Mark Semotiuk (Oct. '05)

In 2006, Teo Berndt and a panel of local architects- Richard Barron, Teo Berndt, and Tom Yang-discussing modern architecture styles were invited to attend and show designs in the homes on the 2006 Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour.

(Source: 2006 Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour...a panel of local architects- Richard Barron, Teo Berndt, and Tom Yang-discussing modern architecture styles, Historic Preservation and...www.tera90041.org/moreHT-06.htm)

Interestingly, Teo’s name was removed from the story on the link, aftert he fact. (Those pesky search engines grab the first post for their listings.) Some of you may know TERA’s President, Mr. Tharp. His wife, Carol Baker Tharp, formerly of “developer pal” USC, was recently appointed Head of DONE (Department of Neighborhood Empowerment) by LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Villaraigosa may have known Tharp from the days he helped author “After Sprawl” for USC, himself. (“After Sprawl” was the precursor “master plan” to his “Smart Growth”/”Dumb Density” disaster-waiting-to-happen, that you may have read about in this week’s LA Weekly).

Here's what Teo thinks about Los Angeles hills and hillside development:

Tayo Design Studio, LLC is based in Los Angeles, California but its principals have been involved with projects in Europe and South America as well as the United States. This international experience informs the clean, functional approach that underlies Tayo Design's aesthetics.

Those familiar with designing and building in the vibrant megalopolis that is the city of Los Angeles know all too well the minute specific requirements associated with these projects. The more so for hillside development - and hilly lots are among the few empty building spaces still available.

Tayo Design Studio has experience with these issues and brings to the table not only progressive ideas but also expertise with local requirements, taking every inch of advantage in the choreography of mechanics, process and poetry which defines architecture.

Zuma Dogg calls it trying to overtake the NC system with people who also run activist organizations as developers, in hopes of developing the only nook and cranny left in this town, the open hillsides. Just ask Jason Lyon, Silverlake NC Chair. Silverlake NC is listed on the Metro LA website, and Mark and his PROH-LA/MetroLA/NC Members (from other areas) occasionally stop by Silverlake NC for a guest appearance during hearings.

V. Old Business:

1/ 1017 North Waterloo Street- Proposal of 4 Unit Condominium Development
1. The owner and developer Mark Semotiuk, owner’s agent Bradley [MR. NEIGBORHOOD COUNCILS BIG SHOT] and the owner’s designer Teo Berndt presented the progression of the design recommendations of the UD&PAC meeting of March 9, 2005. The developers are seeking variances for:

[SEE HEARING LEGALESE POSTED AT BOTTOM OF THIS STORY...MUCHO PROBLEMAS!]

The Committee responded by stating that this interpretation based on the site terrain seemed to be not congruent with the standard code interpretation. Finally the UD&PAC determined this project is under the discretion of the GEPENC, not the SLNC, therefore the UD&PAC will not proceed with vote on the proposal. There was a motion to inform GEPENC of the SLNC/ UD&PAC findings, it was seconded, and the motion was passed will all in favor. [Open the roll, steamroll the roll, tabulate the profits.]

HERE'S ONE BLOGGER'S DESCRIPTION OF THE WHOLE NC SITUATION IN BRADLEY’S REGION: "PROH-LA wants open development on the hillsides in LA. Bradley and Paula are on PROH-LA and Mark is President. About 14 places have already been approved. Members of PROH-LA are tied into the NC boards, have contracted projects with the City, and are spokespeople and contact people as those board members, including non-profits. All just another way to control what a select few want for our community."

Bradley has connections with the Planning Dept, so he calls himself an “Expediter”. American heritage explains an “expeditor” as one who is responsible to “execute quickly and efficiently:

ex•pe•dite
1. To speed up the progress of; accelerate.
2. To execute quickly and efficiently: was trusted to expedite the directives of the board.
3. To issue officially; dispatch.

He ran for Glassell Park instead of where he really lives -- because that’s where the hillsides and “expedition” jobs are: Mt Washington, Glassell Park, Elephant Hill.

And his partner, Edel Vera, is an architect as part of "Bradley's" EBE development company.

So you have Mark Semotiuk (Metro LA Development, LLC, Founder/President PROH-LA) who works in cahoots with "Bradley" (of E.B.E.) on city projects. (Edel Vera, who works with Bradley is probably the "B." in E.B.E.), Paula Bagasao (a very busy bee), her husband Tony Butka (tony@tonypaula.com), Brian Fitzburgh and their design wiz Teo Berndt using the NC systems mentioned above to approve projects, including ones that need zoning variances; EIR concerns; and include community complaints and warnings on-the-record.

And this "cahootsism" racket demonstrates how and why so few people participate in the community process. For example, in the minutes of a Silverlake NC meeting, Jason Lyon called the item, where it was announced that Bradley says no one showed up at last nights hearing regarding a hillside development, so the project was approved, variances, concerns and all.

So of course there is no meaningful outreach going on in the community. And I'd say it looks like attempts to actually prevent as much community participation is more likely the case.

Today, I went to the Glassell Park website to see what time the meeting was tonight. And although they had the date listed (which I already knew), they didn't list the time. So I clicked the "calendar" link, figuring it would have that info. Well, the entire calendar month of June was blank. So, I called the phone number listed on the website, and got a fax machine, all day long. (Nice outreach!) BLOGGER COMMENT:
ZD - add one more to the "Nice Outreach" pile for Cahootsville NC:

The ad they had in the Lummis Day program, they list the wrong meeting day, so if you showed up, no one would be there. A stakeholder would have missed it.

NICE OUTREACH!
June 05, 2007 12:16 PM

A Zuma Dogg ZAP source describes the on-goings in Cahootsville (Silverlake, Glassell Park, Eagle Rock, Echo Park/Elysian NC) like this, "You are correct when saying he uses one name on almost everything. What he DOES NOT use is one address for everything: He's got a business address AND a residence address and he uses whatever address fits the situation at hand.

Bradley and his partner, Edel Vera, lived and ran their business (EBE Associates) out of the Andrita Street address for a number of years. Edel is an architect while Bradley is an "expediter" for developers. Read: "pay me to push your MWGPSP (Mt. Washington Glassell Park Specific Plan) -negligent plans through the city planning department because I woo the clerical staff with sweet talk & candy. FYI: Andrita Street is located within AREA 1 according to the GPNC map.

Bradley & Edel purchased a lot on which they built a McMansion in the 2200 block of Maricopa Drive in Glassell Park. Maricopa Drive is located within AREA 4 according to the GPNC map. Bradley must have expedited his own plans through the city planning department because he violated the MWGPSP at every turn: Sideyard? None. Setback from the street? None. Floor area ratio? Questionable as to whether he stayed within the 49% limit stated in the MWGPSP.

Bradley used the Andrita Street address to run as AREA #1 REP (read: residential representative) on the GPNC board when in fact he had already MOVED to his new residence in AREA #4. (Although still in Glassell Park) He should have run as a BUSINESS REP (an at-large position) but didn't because he had already lined up enough of his PROH-LA buddies and new-found friends from VICTORY OUTREACH to fill those positions and form his "diversity coalition".

When residents from every part of Glassell Park protested Bradley's candidacy (and subsequent victory) as AREA #1 REP, DONE said it didn't matter because Bradley was "self-affirming" the address of his residence. Bull. As one person posted on the LA Curbed website, I too self-affirm that I live in Bel Air even though my ZIP Code is 90065 but that doesn't make it so.

Paula Bagasao, the woman in the video was elected as an "Education Rep." She lives in a loft downtown is one of the founders of PROH-LA because she has a lot on Vista Superba she wants to develop. As to "Education," she has nothing to do with education at any of the schools in Glassell Park.

The previous Eduation rep was an active parent at the Washington Irving Middle School. She also has three developmentally disabled children. She resigned after GPNC Board member Maggie Darrett(repping Area 2) said she "did nothing" at a board meeting. She is also a member of Bradley's cabal.

Brian Fitzburgh is a developer/architect/realtor who lives in Silverlake and is also an active member of PROH-LA.

The PROH_LA board members are also trying to change the Land Use & Planning Committee to an "Economic Development Committee," which not only sounds Stalinist, but also violates the GPNC's by-laws.

Art Camarillo is a Bradley crony who is "paid" GPNC staff. How can he be “paid”?

They are looking to spend another $5k + $350 a month for a "web developer" named Santiago Garfunkel from Lineal Media.

Something stinks in Glassell Park and it ain't necessarily the LA River. It's wafting from their Neighborhood Clowncil."

[MAJOR DISENFRANCISEMENT, Y'ALL!!!]

At June 04, 2007 2:07 PM, Anonymous said...

[Glassell Park NC president]BRADLEY, in sending the following public notice + added his OWN agenda/description to the DONE FLYER of LAND USE ADVOCACY FORUM
...then adds "Forwarded at the request of DONE at end of message".

Bradley inserts..

"Community Stakeholders:

The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) has an upcoming Empowerment Academy focusing on "Effective Land Use Advocacy" for Board Members and Stakeholders alike to discuss matters involving advocacy for Economic Development, Job Creation, and practical land use quasi-judicial matters that may/may not be addressed by Neighborhood Councils in the East and Northeast Areas of Los Angeles."

* * *
....Emphasis on Economic Development, Job Creation, quasi judicial ??????
in a Land Use forum???

.... A contact here is Brian Fitzburgh Interim Chair, of illegally formed Economic Development Committee

Note: Bradley, Paula Bagasao, and Brian Fitzburgh are Founders and heads of PROH-LA, a developer's coalition."

This smacks of skewed misrepesentation.

DONE's original flyer should be included, attached as in "forwarded"

Mike Gealer

Here is public notice as sent by Bradley:
---------- Forwarded Message ----------

Community Stakeholders:

The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) has an upcoming
Empowerment Academy focusing on "Effective Land Use Advocacy" for Board Members and Stakeholders alike to discuss matters involving advocacy for Economic Development, Job Creation, and practical land use quasi-judicial matters that may/may not be addressed by Neighborhood Councils in the East
and Northeast Areas of Los Angeles. The following Academy Workshop dates are as follows:

June 12, 2007
Lincoln Heights Regional Office
3516 No. Broadway
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Effective Land Use Advocacy
Learn how to:
1. Identify community land use issues.
2. Explore land use issues & appeals by city commissions.
3. Achieve understanding of how the planning department operates.

To register for your attendance, please call Valerie Steffens. Please Note: Please RSVP at least 3 days before the class. You may also contact the GPNC DONE Project Coordinator, Rose Ibanez at Rose.Ibanez@lacity.org or via phone at (213)473-6464. Also, feel free to contact the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council Economic Development Committee Interim Chair, Brian Fitzburgh at
Fitzburgh@.net or the GPNC Office at (323) XXX-XXXX if you have any further questions, comments, or remarks.

Thank you,

Bradley,
GPNC Chairperson
(We apologize in advance if this is being sent truncated, in duplicate, or with fragmented sentences. Forwarded at the request of DONE) [WOW Bradley, you are so thoughtful And if there is anything wrong, DONE made you do it!]

TIDBITS: 2001 Antonio After Sprawl report as assemblyman for USC. CB Tharp from USC. Mark goes to USC Master Real Estate Developer School...a lot of USC connections in LA's development community.

Delores Conway is the director of the Casden Real Estate Economics Forecast. Alma Cibrian and Mark Semotiuk are master of real estate development candidates at the University of Southern California.

Epstein Turner & Song Los Angeles California Defense Litigation: Mark Semotiuk can be contacted through his Los Angeles law firm of InFocus Corporation.

BLOGGER COMMENTS: At June 04, 2007 10:50 AM, Anonymous said...
Bradley has a long history of grievances filed against him.

At one point, Human Relations had to come in to mediate. Nothing ever happened because the mediator, Patricia Villasenor, is a personal friend of Bradley's. So, that mediation resulted in nothing happening.

Both Bradley and Bagasao had grievances filed in the previous election for violating election rules.

Bradley and Bagasao have a long history of disenfranchising people who disagree with them.

At June 04, 2007 10:56 AM, Anonymous said...
More on the Clowncil Board

GPNC Treasurer George O Smith is not only with Victory Outreach, but also with Illig Construction.

Board Alternate Tony Butka is the husband of Bagasao.

Bradley is a hired hand. They know him in the city clerks office.
Paula and Bradley have contracts and contacts with the City in multiple areas.

ARROYO SECO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
Planning Projects Report
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[LOOK FOR BRADLEY/EBE & GODWIN IWUNZE]

08/18/2005 DIR-2005-5721-SPP MT. WASHINGTON 14 4765 E CLELAND AVE 90065 PROJECT PERMIT FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN MT. WASHINGTON-GLASSELL PARK SPP-SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT PERMIT COMPLIANCE GODWIN IWUNZE CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION

07/12/2005 ENV-2005-4564-EAF MT. WASHINGTON 1 1611 N KILLARNEY AVE 90065 SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING. EAF-ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT BRADLEY/EBE ASSOCIATES INC.

PROJECT PERMIT
COMPLIANCE BRADLEY/EBE ASSOCIATES INC.
1617 N KILLARNEY AVE 08/16/2004 ZA-2004-4721-ZAA MT. WASHINGTON 14 711 N LARK CT 90065 TO PERMIT AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE IN THE FRONT YARD (DECK RAILING OVER GARAGE) ZAA-AREA, HEIGHT, YARD, AND BUILDLING LINE ADJMNTS 20% (SLIGHT MODIFICATIONS) NONE PROVIDED 711 N LARK CT 01/19/2006 DIR-2006-404-SPP MT. WASHINGTON 14 315 W MAVIS DR 90065 CONSTRUCT SFD SPP-SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT PERMIT ORDINANCE BRADLEY

11/21/2005 DIR-2005-8430-SPP MT. WASHINGTON 14 428 N MUSEUM DR 90065 PROPOSED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE SPP-SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT PERMIT COMPLIANCE BRADLEY/EBE

06/13/2005 ENV-2005-3819-EAF MT. WASHINGTON 14 402 E RUSTIC DR 90065 NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING. EAF-ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT BRADLEY/EBE
ASSOCIATES, INC.

09/28/2005 DIR-2005-6879-SPP MT. WASHINGTON 1 3860 N WEST POINT DR 90065 CONSTRUCT SFD SPP-SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT PERMIT COMPLIANCE BRADLEY / EBE

FINDINGS:
Building seven unique architectural homes on a piece of land that is currently unstable.

It has not asked for any variances from either City or Specific Plan.

Will stabilize the hill making the houses above it much safer.

The height limit for the houses is 35 feet.

As for the dirt removal, 2778 cubic feet is a small amount for seven houses.

It has been designed to fit into all regulations.

The project requires major landscaping including 20ft+ trees separating the homes, complete green coverage of the retaining walls with trees and shrubbery and will use native plants.

The discussion was primarily about the geological issues regarding the existing wall on the property.

It is not stable and has caused problems for several houses on the street above this land.

If the wall is not fixed, it will continue to cause stability problems.

The current developer, Godwin Iwinze, bought the property in it's present condition.

He cannot do anything with the property in terms of fixing the wall until he has a building permit so any delays to the permit will delay the up-shoring of the hill.

If he is not granted the permit, he will have to abandon the project and the land and not fix the hill.

The previous owner is liable for the wall's damage to the houses above it and any legal remedies would be directed toward the one who originally caused the damage.

Two acceptable solutions, in terms of hill stabilization and geological safety, came forth.

One was to remove the existing wall and build a new one.

The other was to leave the existing wall and stabilize it with soldier beams and footings.

Both solutions would have worked equally well according to the licensed experts.

On the other hand, most of the city departments as well as the soils and structural engineers looking at the question, agreed that removing the existing wall, while not providing a better or safer solution than building a new wall.

It was for those reasons that the choice was made to bolster the existing wall.

In approving the planning application, filed by applicant/owner Godwin Iwunze and his representative, Neil Smith, the Department noted that the proposed project may create or contribute to runoff water exceeding the capacity of storm water drainage systems
And may result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil. Nevertheless, the Department recommended that a Mitigated Negative Declaration be adopted for the project.

Zuma's Official Blog
contact: zumadogg@gmail.com

____________________________________________________________________
(Start of Hearing legalese)

a. Reduction of required lot area for 4 dwelling units from 8,000 min. to 7,500 min.
b. Reduction of side yard setbacks from 6’-0” to 3’-0”
c. Reduction of passageway min. allowed clearance by 6”
2. Findings were presented from the Great Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) meeting of April 12, 2005
The Owner’s agent stated that they presented the following proposal to the GEPENC:
• To remove a fichus tree on the property,
• Plant bamboo 6’-0” tall at the perimeter adjacent to the neighboring property
• Fenestration of the North exterior elevation towards neighbors was somewhat provided and ‘frosted’ glass was specified for privacy.
• One extra guest parking spot was provided in addition to the number required by code,
• The developer stated that there is no reason for historic overlay district based on photographic survey of the surrounding properties and a need for ownership in the neighborhood.
The EPNC responded with the following:
• Does not support the change in FAR to accommodate the variance.
• Desire for the existing structure at the property to remain.
• The proposed development does not reflect Craftsman Style of Echo Park vernacular.
• Desire to create ownership does not ‘out weigh’ apartment rental.
• L.A. Housing Department to compensate the current renters by making the 4th unit available to the current tenant.
• The 4th unit to be designed as a “Low Income” unit.
• Parking shown is ‘not enough’.

At the UD&PAC following discussion committee member Wes Joe stated that the letter he presented to the GEPENC was representing the opinion of the SLIA (Silver Lake Improvement Association), not SLNC/ UD&PAC.

The discussion centered on the design of the linear wall plus the height limit of the proposed building. It was also noted that the project was submitted 4 to 5 months ago therefore it should adhere to the August 11, 2004 SL-EP-EV Community Plan Update Design Guidelines.

The Designer Teo Berndt responded by highlighting in the drawings on display the ‘breaking-up’ of wall planes to create walls lengths no greater than 35’. The fact that the building is retained at a singular height is due to code compliance as presented to the designer from the Planning Dept. The designer explained how the height limit is based on the five feet from the perimeter of the building at the lowest point.

* MORE LEGALESE TO SHOW THE CAHOOTISM:

GLASSELL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL GENERAL BOARD MEETING
AGENDA Monday, January 9, 2006 [READ THIS AND SEE IF YOU WOULD APPROVE THIS?]

b. Draft a brief letter requesting the City Attorney and the Department of Building and Safety to amend the municipal code to allow community input in the issuance of demolition permits – AND until then to request notice of permits that the Department has issued in the CNC reports the Department of Planning transmits already. viii. Advise the Zoning Administrator that the GPNC does not support variances requested by the projects on 3620 & 3645 N. Kinney St. (see attachment D &E) d. Karl Fenske – That the GPNC advise State Assembly Members and Senators that we support AB 583 and their efforts for public financing of state elections through a letter to each of the representatives (more info available at http://info.sen.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=ab_583&sess=CUR&house=B&site=sen )
ATTACHMENT E January 5, 2006 GLASSELL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL P.O. Box 65191 Los Angeles, California 90065 Re: Case No.: ZA-2005-4746-ZAD-SPP Address: 3645 N. Kinney Street Contact: Godwin Iwunze Dear G.P.N.C. Board, The Glassell Park Neighborhood Council’s Land Use and Planning Committee discussed and reviewed the aforementioned case at the November 2, 2005 meeting. The applicant, Mr. Godwin Iwunze, and his representative, Harden Carter, were present as well as approximately 12 residents. Note: Concern over the width of the roadway and emergency access was expressed by a number of the residents. It is an often-expressed concern in our community. Issues that were also voiced by the neighbors: Concern over hillside instability, roadway congestion during hours of construction, and water run-off and drainage. After further discussion at our January 4, 2006 meeting, the Committee voted to recommend the following. That the Mt. Washington/Glassell Park Specific Plan as well as the Hillside Ordinance be strictly adhered to in this case. It’s considered a public safety issue to provide adequate roadway width for emergency vehicle access particularly as vehicle population increases. We also recommend that all guidelines and setbacks, as stated in the Specific Plan, be observed. Therefore, the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council’s Land Use and Planning Committee moves to recommend to our Board to not support the aforementioned case N0. ZA-2005-4746-ZPP-SPP.

VOTE: Unanimous h) Demolition Permits Karl: We had previously issued a letter and received a response back from Building & Safety that the municipal code does not allow it. So we are asking to change the municipal code so we know what permits Glassell Park NC 1-9-06 Page 9 of 10 have been issued. Helene: Silver Lake NC has taken the lead on this so that NCs can be advised of demolition permits. Betsy: Is this a multi-signature letter from all NCs or from us. Helene: Just from us. VOTE: 8 unanimous in favor i) 3620 &3645 Kinney St Property MOTION by the Land Use Committee recommending that the GPNC oppose the variances requested by Godwin Iwunze Case ZA 2005-4746-ZAD-SPP for the Kinney St Properties (attachment D & E) VOTE: 8 unanimous in favor HELENE PRESIDING 11. PUBLIC FINANCING OF STATE ELECTIONS Karl: This document AB 583 is in process, it is not complete; it would allow public funding of state offices and create a fund for that. It is still in committee. Helene: So we have time to amend this in the future. Karl: Right so I am saying we support it thus far. Jim: I am not opposed to that, but there needs to be less loop holes to spend money on the side. Karl: I did not investigate it on your end, but it was introduced by Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg so it’s coming from a good place. Alisa: So should we table it? Karl: It would take fundraising out of private hands. MOTION by Alisa to table SECOND by Jim VOTE: Unanimous

(END OF HEARING LEGALESE)