July 25–City officials unanimously approved a New York developer’s plans for two skyscrapers near the Capitol Records building in Hollywood on Wednesday, despite concerns about nearby fault lines and increased traffic.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said he would sign off on the Millennium project, the final City Hall approval needed for the development.
The backing comes amid new scrutiny of the twin towers, as a number of independent geologists called for additional earthquake research in light of the planned construction. Additionally, the state’s transportation agency is worried about traffic effects on the nearby 101 Freeway. Pointing to those complaints, opponents sought to delay Wednesday’s City Hall approvals.
Undeterred, Garcetti said Wednesday he trusts the “city’s professionals” on seismic issues surrounding the Millennium, which at 35 and 39 stories, would be the tallest skyscrapers in Hollywood.
Speaking to reporters at City Hall as the City Council hearing was underway, Garcetti said the Millennium, which will add 400 residential units and 200 luxury hotel rooms, represented the city’s goals of putting tall buildings near subway lines.
“I’d like to see the jobs,” said Garcetti, “and the continuation of the momentum we have in Hollywood.”
Wednesday’s approvals mark the city’s newest effort to remake Hollywood as well as the area’s skyline, distinguishable by the Capitol Records building,
numerous historic theaters and office towers. Supporters at the hearing included numerous unions representing trade workers and business leaders. Among them was high-profile producer and developer Stephen Bing, whose investments include construction companies.
Representing the views of many Hollywood hillsiders, Valley Village resident Joanne D’Antonio, who attended Wednesday’s vote, said the towers are out of scale with the neighborhood and agreed that more traffic and seismic studies are needed. “The vote should have been postponed,” she said.
Opponents also pointed to a USC earthquake expert’s recent calls for more studies of the Hollywood fault, a concern addressed at Wednesday’s hearing by Dana Prevost, the city’s chief geologist. Prevost told officials the city has asked Millennium Partners for more seismic studies but noted the additional work doesn’t need to stop the approval process.
Additionally, a state agency is undertaking its own study of the area in light of the proposed project, he said.
State agency Caltrans, which grades the 101 Freeway in Hollywood an “F” during peak hours, also remains concerned about the effects of traffic on the freeway, said spokesman Patrick Chandler, adding that despite recent meetings with the city, no headway has been made.
Traffic concerns also prompted City Councilman Tom LaBonge, whose district encompasses parts of Hollywood, to release a statement objecting to the Millennium. LaBonge, who missed Wednesday’s vote because of a death in his family, called the towers “too tall and out of scale with the character of Hollywood. I am also concerned about the impact of traffic on the adjoining hillside neighborhoods, which I represent.”
LaBonge was the lone voice of dissent on the council, which otherwise unanimously backed the project.
Councilman Mitch O’Farrell called the Millennium a “game changer” that would boost street life in the neighborhood. Still, he said, conversations with Caltrans would continue.
With the city approvals set, O’Farrell was asked by a reporter what he would tell worried commuters who use the 101. “Look at traveling to work differently every now and again,” O’Farrell replied. “I mean, I ride my bike sometimes, and I live in Glassell Park, so it’s good to explore different transportation options. And if you do live near transit … consider it.”
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