'Neighborhood Integrity Initiative' Would Put Plan Amendments to a Vote in L.A.

"The Coalition to Preserve L.A. announced plans for a ballot measure, titled the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, that would put a moratorium of up to 24 months on development projects that cannot be built without votes from elected officials to increase density," reports David Zahniser.

"The proposal also would make it harder for those officials to change the city's General Plan -- the document that spells out the city's policies on land use and traffic -- for individual real estate developments," adds Zahniser.

Zahniser goes on provide quotes and background on the Coalition to Preserve L.A., specifically mentioning the involvement of Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Weinstein is described as a "key member" of the Coalition to Preserve L.A., as well as the vocal opposition to a pair of 30-story towers proposed for development in Hollywood near the site of the Palladium. A spokesperson for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation is quoted saying: "Runaway development like the Palladium is destroying the quality of life and increasing the Manhattanization of Hollywood."

Speaking against the proposed ballot initiative, and the moratorium it would bring, is Mott Smith, who is paraphrased in the article saying "the reason L.A. gives so many exceptions is that it still relies on an outdated suburban model for reviewing and approving real estate projects."