Neighborhood Council Roundup: Oak View Condos and More

Here are some highlights from Wednesday's Encino Neighborhood Council (ENC) meeting:

Reports from city officials:

from Councilman Paul Koretz's office

Ebenstein talked about Koretz's priorities, including the Oak View project, a proposed condo development on a site between Oak View Drive and Ventura Boulevard. Ebenstein said that "opposes the project in its current incarnation," which proposes that 20 condo units be built, although the number of units is still open to discussion.

Ebenstein added that "the developer has been very cooperative moving forward, as far as traffic and construction planning was concerned." He also said that there was no formal application to the city for Oak View construction at the present time.

Ebenstein said that another big priority of Koretz's was to . To that end, there would be a meeting at the on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

He also mentioned Koretz's work to enhance administrative code enforcement and improve how non-emergency issues are dealt with by the LAPD.

Oak View development

Darren Embry, director of communications for the Legado company, gave a presentation to the ENC on Legado's proposed condo project between Oak View Drive and Ventura Boulevard.

Embry confirmed that, as of Dec. 7, no official building application has been filed with the city. He said that it was possible that the company would propose a 20-condo unit plan, but also possible that it would be modified in scope.

He said that Legado would keep the ENC, Oak View neighbors and other Encino stakeholders informed.

"The reality is, it's a transparent public process," he said. "We want to put our best foot forward. We hope to improve the tone of our relationship with the neighborhood."

Public comments on the project were then accepted. Eight residents got up to voice their opposition to the project. Reasons given were the "additional flow of traffic" that would be created by 20 condo units; "individual property rights"; design concerns after previous Legado projects; and residents wanting to limit their street to single-family residences.

"Oak View is a 100 percent single-family street; let's keep it that way," said Lisa Liss, a resident.

Derek Jones, the COO of Legado, also spoke at the meeting. He said that Legado was happy to meet with concerned residents "anytime, anywhere" to discuss ideas. The idea of a possible ad hoc ENC committee dealing with the development was proposed. Check back with Encino Patch for updates on the issue.

LAPD Senior Lead Officer Rob Trulik

"Lock it, hide it, keep it," said Officer Trulik in the latest LAPD campaign against car break-ins. He urged the ENC and residents to secure their valuables and keep them out of sight, whether they're parked at a strip mall, a park or a place of worship.

Rep. Brad Sherman’s office

A representative of the congressman reminded the ENC and residents that Sherman's office was there to help them deal with issues they may have with federal agencies. He said Sherman did not have any town hall meetings planned yet for January, but did plan to attend various events in Encino that month, and would keep the ENC up to date on his schedule.

Beyond Coal

Kent Minault of Beyond Coal, a group hoping to raise awareness of the problems of relying on fossil fuel, proposed a motion urging the ENC to send a letter to the City Council, asking that coal use in Los Angeles be replaced by renewable fuel sources by 2020. His motion was passed by the ENC.