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

A group of activists calling themselves the Coalition to Preserve L.A. has announced initiations to seek a ballot initiative that would enact a moratorium on projects requiring changes to the city's General Plan.

1 minute read

November 19, 2015, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Construction Worker

Talbot Troy / Flickr

"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Smith, who is paraphrased in the article saying "the reason L.A. gives so many exceptions is that it still relies on an outdated suburban model for reviewing and approving real estate projects."

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

4 hours ago - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

5 hours ago - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

6 hours ago - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.