Thank you for your interest in development issues in the 4th Council District and in particular the future of The Derby.

As you may know, I am opposed to the current developers' proposal to consolidate five separate parcels into one large mixed use condominium and retail project bordered by Los Feliz Boulevard to the north, Hillhurst Avenue to the west and Avocado Street to the south.

First and foremost, I am a preservationist and have a long track record of supporting the historic and architecturally significant buildings in our city. We have an opportunity here to fight to save the last in this distinctive chain and we should wage this fight to save The Derby.

Secondly, I am concerned about the density that the developers have proposed, especially as their project envisions street-level retail along Hillhurst including a grocery or equivalent-sized store.  In neighborhoods where traffic congestion is already a factor and accessibility to public transportation poses a serious challenge, my preference is to limit density. To preserve the residential flavor of Los Feliz, Silver Lake and other neighborhoods with a lot of single-family dwellings, we need to be mindful of their relationship to adjoining blocks of multiple unit buildings and also commercial/retail areas.

Finally, on the matter of a grocery operation, whether it is Whole Foods or another chain that would draw multiple daily car trips to an already busy intersection such as Los Feliz and Hillhurst, I cannot think of a more problematic situation. I do not support a market at this corner.  The traffic would go from bad to worse and would present an
overnight nightmare situation for drivers and residents.

As your councilmember, be assured that I will continue to press for preservation of The Derby and encourage your continued participation in this important process.

Thank you for your interest in your community.

TOM LABONGE
Councilmember, 4th District