RESEDA : Planners Renew Business Controls

The Los Angeles Planning Commission on Thursday voted 4 to 1 to renew an interim law that would prohibit undesirable business uses from developing in Reseda’s fading business core while a master plan for the area is being prepared.

Interim development controls for the area have been in effect since 1988, when Councilwoman Joy Picus, who represents the area, first vowed to come up with a specific plan to revitalize the 24-block strip.

It’s unclear how long the interim ordinance, if approved by the City Council, would remain in effect. The Reseda Central Business District Specific Plan has been under review by the city attorney’s office since June, 1991, and is still subject to City Council approval.

The Specific Plan seeks to “stimulate economic growth” in the aging business district centered at Sherman Way and Reseda Boulevard, city planner Deuk Perrin said.

The Reseda business district can rebound as a middle-class shopping center if investors believe the city will use measures--such as the ordinance approved Thursday--to discourage the development of more thrift shops, pawnshops and adult-oriented businesses in the area, city planners contend.

Casting the lone dissenting vote against the zoning proposal was Commissioner Ted Stein, who regularly votes against renewing interim control measures that have been in effect for several years.