Council OKs more developer fees

A new theater, museum and other multimillion-dollar projects might beg for redevelopment funding that will be locked up for parks and libraries, said Yousefian — who eventually voted for the tax increment set-aside.

“In a full-service city like ours, there’s more needs than just parks and libraries,” he said. “I want to have some flexibility.”

Weaver agreed, contending that both tax increment funding allocations are tying the hands of future councils, which may have to deal with different “hot topics” in the community outside of more park space.

“Budgets are dynamic and are influenced greatly by what the community perceives to be the greatest need at the time,” Weaver said.

But Councilman Frank Quintero, who championed the residential tax increment funding scheme, argued parkland acquisition will continue to be a top priority for some time, necessitating a set financial commitment.

Without setting that commitment, Drayman added, future councils would not understand their strong emphasis on the issue, and if that happened, “all the more easier it becomes to spend it on something else.”

 JASON WELLS covers City Hall. He may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or by e-mail at jason.wells@latimes.com.