COUNCIL SITE OF AMERICANA DEBATE
WHAT HAPPENED
The council approved a motion allowing the League of Women Voters
to host a forum on Measures A, B and C, and to televise the forum on
Charter Communications Channel 6.
WHAT IT MEANS
On Sept. 1, the League of Women Voters will host a debate over the
Americana at Brand, the controversial outdoor mall proposal that will
be the subject of a Sept. 14 special election. Developer Rick Caruso
will debate Arthur Sohikian, a spokesman for General Growth
Properties, which owns the Glendale Galleria and opposes the project.
A Glendale resident from each side will also participate in the
debate. The League requested to hold the event in City Council
chambers and asked the city to provide a staff member to give a
background report. The council approved the first request but
rejected the second, saying the League did not need a city staffer to
be involved in the forum.
VOTE
The council voted 4-0 to approve using the council chambers for
the forum. Councilman Rafi Manoukian was absent. The motion to
provide a city staff member did not receive a second, and there was
no vote.
SAN FERNANDO ZONING INTRODUCED
WHAT HAPPENED
The council held a public hearing and introduced two ordinances to
rezone the San Fernando Road corridor.
WHAT IT MEANS
City planners, working with two community advisory groups,
composed a comprehensive new zoning plan for the San Fernando
corridor designed to mix residential and commercial uses with
existing industrial businesses. City planners hope the new zoning
will rejuvenate the area, help accommodate a growing population and
respond to shifts in industrial businesses from heavy to light,
low-impact production. The council held a public meeting and approved
a negative declaration, meaning that the zoning changes will not have
significant environmental effects.
VOTE
The council voted 5-0 to certify and adopt a negative declaration.
Councilman Dave Weaver introduced ordinances to add new zoning terms
and amend the zoning map.
