Photo: Diane Edwardson, September 28, 2011. California Black Walnuts help keep the upper plateau in the controversial 16-lot subdivision from sliding. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
The Board of Public Works voted today to add conditions to the native tree removal permits for the controversial 16-lot subdivision in the Semi Tropic Spiritualists' Tract.
Neighbors, tired of decades of speculators running amok on our large hillside lots, advocated for denying the tree removal permits until the building permits were approved and paid for.
City Councilmember Eric Garcetti's office received an overwhelming message from neighbors and concerned community members to preserve the trees for as long as possible. CD13 planning & economic development deputy Marcel Porras backed this position in testimony in front of the board, requesting the tree removal permits be tied to the building permits.
It's sort of of win for the community, but really not much of one.
Just remember, the same 3 lots were approved for 30 units in the 1980s, but never built. See: Legacy of Failed Development.
Despite the developer, Planet Home Living, claiming they've applied for their grading permits, nothing appears on the Building & Safety website for 2400 Allesandro, 2005 El Moran or 2021 El Moran.
On tree replacement, Ron Lorenzo, Department of Street Services (Trees) said he was willing to work with the developer to substitute a more appropriate tree than Western Sycamores.
