City of Los Angeles

CITY OF LOS ANGELES SILVER LAKE CALIFORNIA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL SILVER LAKE NEIGHBOR- OFFICERS HOOD COUNCIL Serving the Silver Lake Clint Lukens Community Since 2003 Renee Nahum CO-CHAIRS 2658 Griffith Park Blvd #377 Charles Herman-Wurmfeld Los Angeles, CA 90039 VICE-CHAIR Contact: [email protected] Anthony Crump TREASURER TELEPHONE: (323) 661-SLNC (7562) Rusty Millar FAX: (323) 661-7564 SECRETARY

Our meetings rely on input from the stakeholders of Silver Lake. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered. Agenda is posted for public review at the SLNC Website: http://www.silverlakenc.org/commpage.php?cid=12 and throughout Silver Lake. Internet users can sign up to receive agendas and minutes via the city’s Early Notification System at http://parc3.lacity.org/ens/index.cfm?dept=ensnc. Public Transportation: www.mta.net

Urban Design & Preservation Advisory Committee (UD&PAC) Chair – Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov Governing Board Member, Representative At-Large Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes October 12, 2011, 6:30 PM

Citibank/ Community Room 2450 Glendale Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90039 (North-East Corner of Glendale Bl. & Silver Lake Blvd.) Entrance directly from the parking lot with plenty of parking

I. Call to Order 6:30 p.m. II. Roll Call & Introductions 6:31 p.m. SLNC Gov. Board Members/ Committee Members (4): Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov (At-Large Rep., Chair of UD&PAC), Charles Herman-Wurmfeld (At-Large Rep.), Rusty Millar (Region 4 Rep.), Renee Nahum (Region 7 Rep.) Committee Members/ Non-Board Members (5): Barbara Bettem-Ringuette, Jason Bushman, Leni Fleming, David Hessell, Jonathan Nettler Recording Secretary (1): Edith Darling Stakeholder (2): Lucia Marano, Ronald vanAmmers Applicants for Item 1, 3310 W. Larissa Drive (2): Michael Kyle, Todd Wexman Applicants for Item 2, 3425 W. Larissa Drive (2): Michael Kyle, Todd Wexman Stakeholders for Items 1 &2 (2): Lan Darny, Viet Nguyen III. Announcements 6:32 p.m. IV. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (2 min. each) a. Millar - Music Box Steps Day is October 15, 2011. b. Herman-Wurmfeld: Go Solar Silver Lake event on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 6 – 8 p.m. Discussions on group discount of 33% for solar. Call 310-893-3100 or go to http://opensilverlake.net/rsvpsolar for more information. c. Nahum - Howl-O-Ween Doggie Costume Pageant on Sunday, October 30th, 2011 from 3 to 5 p.m.

V. Old Business: None

VI. New Business: 6:30 p.m.

1. 3310 W. Larissa Drive AA-2011-1095-PMLA; ZA 2011-1102(ZV); (ZAA); ENV-2011-1103-EAF Small Lot Subdivision – 2 Residential Units in R2-1VL Zone and variance associated with implementation of the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance in R2 Zone SLNC Region 4, L.A. CD 13 Presentation (Applicant Todd Wexman), discussion, possible action) Wexman – Requesting variance for two small-lot subdivisions. Proposing to construct two single family homes on an up-slope lot in R2 Zone. Approx. 2,000 ft. each unit. 2 two-car garages. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Presenting architectural massing/ facades and floor plans. Bougart-Sharkov – Variance is required because R2 zone is designated for duplexes. In order to accommodate a small lot subdivision ordinance on this lot without increasing the allowed density (two units) the applicant need to file for ZA adjustment which in such case is just a technicality.

Questions from Committee Members/Stakeholders Millar – Lives near the subject lot. Are the proposed units will accommodate use of solar power? What aspects of Green Desing are going to be implemented? What size of backyard setback since the lot has pie shape? Is there a retaining wall proposed to support the uphill terain with houses above along Winslow? Wexman – Will make units solar capable (wired for installation of solar panels if the buyers choose to do so). Kyle – Our work fitures green practices in general. The units which we built on Auburn were included in the AIA Green Tour. With dual flush toilets, energy star appliances, dual pane windows, bamboo flooring, drip irrigation. Wexman – We will install a retaining wall on the back of the lot. About 10 ft. tall. The lot slope is 2:1 up to the top. A need for a retaining wall has reflected in the soils report. Nettler – Is there a usable yard here? (Wexman – Yes.) Is there an existing sidewalk? (Yes.) Are you showing outdoor space or balcony space that will overlook other people’s properties? Nguyen – You might be looking into one of our windows? (Wexman) The house to the east is in close proximity, but its roofline is below the ground floor of the proposed new unit. Nahum –Are there any trees that you are going to have to destroy? (Wexman – No.) Why wouldn’t you include the solar panels? It’s also a great selling point. (Kyle) – it’s a price related issue.) Bougart-Sharkov – It’s a common arcnitecture practice to design and build a solar ready homes vs. ones with already installed panels. It gives the buyer a right of chose. Nguyen – How long will it take to build (Wexman – Less than 12 months) Fire hydrant there. Will there be a way to separate the properties from mine which is next door? (Wexman - Yes. We’ll work with you on this) Herman-Wurmfeld – We’ve embraced 100% green power by 2018. Part of me wants to make my vote contingent on an above and beyond policy towards solar. Will you come to the meeting on Tuesday to learn more about the solar initiative in Silver Lake? Marano – Are you a certified LEED builder? (Kyle – No.) Sustainability has a bottom line of sustainability, economics, and social responsibility. Getting green credentials adds to your cache. Wexman – The city has a lot of requirements and hoops to jump through. New condition from city is that you have to have an outlet for the electric car. Bougart-Sharkov – Placing solar panels in the construction could price out people unfairly. Millar – Request to include a concealed location for trash cans in the covenant. Wexman – Probably in the garage, but possibly in the side yard. Bougart-Sharkov –Design is well thought out in terms of scale, light massing, and observing neighbor’s privacy.

M/S/P (Millar/Bougart-Sharkov) “Motion that UD&PAC support variance request for 3310 Larissa Drive subject to the following conditions: a/ include trash can designated area consealed from public view. b/ suggest that solar panels are included into the original design.” Straw Poll: VanAmmers – In support. Marano – In support. Sounds like the Applicant is making best efforts to be as green as possible. Committee Vote: Unanimos in support of the application. Motion carries.

2. 3425 W. Larissa Drive AA-2011-1378-PMLA; ENV-2011-1379-EAF 7:00 p.m. Small Lot Subdivision – 2 Residential Units in RD 1.5-1VL Zone SLNC Region 4, L.A. CD 13 Presentation (Applicant Todd Wexman), discussion, possible action Wexman – Presents drawings for 2 residential units in RD1.5-1VL zone. Not asking for a variance. This lot is in RD1.5 zoning, which accomodates the proposed small lot subdivision. No need of variance in this case. Thnis is a down slope lot. Proposing a split level design. Garage on street level and go down half- level to bonus room. Up one level is a living room or kitchen. Height restriction is 45 ft. We’re at 36 ft. Questions from Committee Members/Stakeholders Millar – What’s the dimension of the garage? (Wexman - 19’ x 19’) How will two cars fit in there? (Wexman - This size meets city requirement.) Bougart-Sharkov – Smaller lot is a very good tool to approach urban infill in a neighborhood like Silver Lake with established scale. It gives us an opportunity to accommodate new units on vacant lots which are compatible to the existing surroundings (vs. building condo buildings). Darny – She lives at 3300 Larisa Ave.. When will construction begin? (Wexman – Not for at least a year.) Herman-Wurmfeld – Was surrounding neighborhood fleered? Bougart-Sharkov - For 3310, yes. She has talked to other neighbors. We always do our outreach separately from the City’s 500 feet radius. Herman-Wurmfeld – Are you available on Tuesday night to come to the solar energy meeting? It’s not mandatory. (Wexman – Perhaps) Nettler – Is it your goal to maintain a continuous level sidewalk. (Wexman – the code for the driveway is a 2% slope.) Millar – Sidewalk is on the south side of the street. Even-numbered houses have a sidewalk; odd- numbered houses do not.

M/S/P (Bougart-Sharkov/Millar) Move to support project subject to the following conditions: a/ include trash can designated area consealed from public view. b/ suggest that solar panels are included into the original design.” Straw Poll: Marano abstains.VanAmmerse – in support Committee Vote: Unanimos in support of the application. Motion carries.

3. Sunset Junction Demolition Update (Chair), Resolution, Motion, 7:30 p.m. SLNC Region 5, L.A. CD 13 Discussion, possible action Nahum – Gov. Affairs is also taking up this issue. Bougart-Sharkov – Over a year and a half ago, developer came to meeting with a proposal for close to 100 units with ground level commercial mixed-use for a big corner lot located between Sanborn, Sunset and Santa Monica Blvd.. Because it was within the Sunset Junction, we insisted that we hold an open community meeting on the site, prior to developing more detailed design and submition to the City. The proposal was calling for small size apartment/ rental units which was beneficial to Sil- ver Lake to accommodate so many people in studio-sized units. On the other side, the proposed building was huge, and the design needed a lot of work before it fits properly into the existing surroundings. They exceeded the height in the south/West corner of the building but were going to use the density bonus SB1818 in order to accommodate it. Community meeting outcome was a disaster for the developer and the architecture firm. The community was in disapproval to what it was proposed so far. Architect was willing to work with UD&PAC on revising the proposal. Tragically, the architect passed away suddenly a few months later. The UD&PAC heard nothing from the developer since.

The tenants/ store keepers had short term leases month to month. This summer, they received notices to vacate the property on September 5th.

Meanwhile, the Committee found out evidence speaking about the historical significance of the old GLBT bookstore “Diferent Light” housed in one of the small stores on …. Santa Monica Bl. The store operated about 15 years on this location until it movved to West Hollywood. At the time Difer- ent Light, Black Cat on Sunset, the second floor of Intelligencia and the Sunset Juction Festival were all historically linked to the LGBT civil rights movement. We contacted the L.A. Conservancy about the bookstore’s legacy. A volunteer architect and members of this committee begun working on a his- tiric designation application with the City.

CD13 hosted a meeting with the developer and the Chair of this committee. This meeting took place on August 24. Asked the developer if they intend to demolish after the stores were vacated. Develop- er said noone is talking demolition yet. The developer was told that there is some historical significance in those buildings along Santa Monica Bl. There are many ways suggest preserving the legacy. For instance, you can incorporate the origianal front facades into the new building. At the meeting one of the CD 13 deputies asked Bougart-Sharkov if she was asking the developer (Matt Levy) not to demolish the structures before ways to preserve portions of them being expored. The answer from Bougart-Sharkov was “YES, for the record, I DO”. A next meeting was going to be scheduled to discuss with the developer and the project architect what are the possibilities to accommodate the old existing stores facades into the design of the future building. After that it was going to be presented to the community through the review process with UD&PAC, then SLNC Gov. Board.

Bougart-Sharkov and Wes Joe (member of UD&PAC) proceeded work with the L.A.Conservancy on the application. CD13 and the L.A. Conservancy had a meeting. Developer was not capable, or willing to bring the Architecture Firm into the Discussion. On few ocations he stated that “the architect is not available…”

Shrtly after the stores were vacated, on Friday night/ Saturday early morning, the stores were demol- ished. Demolition permit was not posted on the site (which is a violation of the LAMC).

CD13 claims that they were not notified either. The CD 13 Planning Deputy Marcel Porras claims that he learn form the developer Matt Levy after the fact on the same Saturday morning, September while attending to an event together (at diferent part of the City). The UD&PAC found out on the DBS Website that the demolition permit was pulled on the morning of the meeting of August 24…!?

Marano – this developer is clearly a terrorist. He came in and bombed Silver Lake. Did he clear the asbestos in those buildings? We don’t know…?! Millar – The stuff was out in the open originally two years ago. The plans did not include any of those buildings. Nothing was filed with the City yet. Marano – He lied and said that the tenants were not paying their rent. Nahum – Governmental Affairs is putting out a motion saying that he acted in bad faith when he comes to community meetings. Bougart-Sharkov – She might try to attend the GA meeting to give background on the case. Herman-Wurmfeld – Will put it on the Public Safety Committee too. He has received a message by developers acting that he is unwilling to work with the community.

Motion – (Bougart-Sharkov/Millar) M/S/P: Motion that we condemn the act of Frost/Chaddock Developers, LLC and their Representative Matt Levy, who acted in bad faith and misrepresented his intentions to demolish the buildings at Sunset Junction. The UD&PAC will submit a joint motion with Governmental Affairs Com- mittees and draft a resolution for the SLNC Gov. Board meeting on November 2, 2011. Straw Poll – Lucia Marano – in support of the motion Committee Vote – In support unanimously. Motion carries.

VII. Committee On-Going Business 8:15 p.m.

1. CNC Review – Silver Lake Wine store on Glendale Bl. is looking for liquor license renewal.It’ll be on the November 9 UD&PAC agenda.

Fiftheen Group – the new property owner of the lot on Rowena where The Coffee Table used to be is working towards a proposal for townhouse units, instead of the current entitlments for a condo- minium building. Still no commercial. Talked with the developer and the architect in length whether they can accommodate some commercial and a road diet on Rowena. They will possibly come to the UD&PAC next month (November 9). Rambutan Restaurant – Measured and turned out that City Forestry Division don’t have sufficient room on the sidewalk for the tree wells. They can place trees in planters and put them next to the sidewalk along the property line. We may suggest that they restore the grass on the parkway. Could there be a succulent garden? Will go to the Executive Committee for an addendum/amendment to the motion. Public hearing at the ZA office scheduled for Oct. 26. 2. Reports: Discussion, possible action a/ Chair – Update SLNC Website, Facebook, Election – Ronald vanAmmers is helping with the SLNC UD&PAC Facebook page. b/ Update the SLNC Cell Tower Policy. Jonathan Nettler offers to help. c/ Still working with CD 13 and the winning team on the Sunset Junction Permanent Installation. Close to final stage in the design process. Ronald vanAmmers – All designs would be put on the internet. d/ Nahum/Fleming “Motion to support the continuation of Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov as Chair of the UD&PAC.” Motion carries unanimously. b/ Housing/ Preservation Sub-Committee – Wes Joe and Gale Jaffee could not attend this meetin c/ Road Diet Sub-Committee – Michael Groszkruger could not attend. d/ Environment Sub-Committee – Charles Herman-Wurmfeld Bettem-Ringuette – Presents statement against revising the apron parking policy. Safety and walkability issue. The SLNC Gov. Board already voted on the issue to support the City Ordinance and the City Council had it on its agenda for today too. Next Committee Meeting (November 9, 2011, 6:30 p.m.,)

Adjournment 9:00 p.m. M/S/P (Herman-Wurmfeld/Millar) “Motion to adjourn.” Meeting is adjourned in loving memory of Avram Chill for his community service and in support of Wes Joe.

Process for Reconsideration – The Board may reconsider and amend actions listed on the agenda if that reconsideration takes place immediately following the original action or at the next regular meeting. The Board, on either of these two days, shall: 1) make a Motion to Reconsider and, if approved, 2) hear the matter and take an action. If the Motion to Reconsider is to be scheduled at the next meeting following the original action, then two items shall be placed on the agenda for that meeting: 1) a Motion to Reconsider on the described matter and, 2) a [Proposed] Action should the Motion to Reconsider be approved. A Motion to reconsider can only be made by a Board Member who has previously voted on the prevailing side of the original action. If a Motion to Reconsider is not made on the date the action was taken, then a Board Member on the prevailing side of the action must submit a memorandum to the Secretary identifying the matter to be reconsidered and a brief description of the reason(s) for requesting reconsideration at the next regular meeting. The aforesaid shall be in compliance with the Brown Act.