Dream retirement turns into mansion-sized nightmare
I am writing to warn other Burbank property owners about what
happened to me -- a longtime property owner on Keystone. I would hate
like the dickens to see any other property owner faced with my
predicament.
A new building code was passed in Burbank, effective June 22, I
understand, that requires any new home construction to have a
five-foot sideyard setback. But, woe is me, my next door neighbors to
the north have managed to sidestep that requirement because their
building permit was approved before June 22, I was told by the
Burbank Planning Department.
Therefore, their new two-story, 4,000-square-foot big box of a
house will sit approximately three feet from the property line
between us. I will likely not be able to see even the sky, much less
the hills, from my nice little kitchen garden window. This huge house
will be totally out of character for the street and it will dwarf my
little 1,300-square-foot bungalow.
The entire house and garage have been demolished over the past
weeks -- subjecting me to an incredible amount of dust, dirt, glass,
nails, debris including workmen's trash, and instead of a view of the
hills, I now have a view of a blue portable toilet, trash, etc. Part
of their old wall (the old wood framing and foundation) remains
standing, propped up, next to my little driveway.
I have been informed by the Planning Department that I am helpless
to do anything about it -- unless their old foundation is removed
alongside my driveway. If that is removed, then the sideyard setback
has to be five feet. So maybe I should stay up nights to watch for
that possibility. I know for certain that with a brand-new
4,000-square-foot house going up, that little old foundation is not
-- repeat not -- going to remain as part of such a large and
expensive undertaking.
So, listen to my warning. My nice little bungalow will now be next
to this monstrosity three feet away from the property line. My faith
in Burbank city government has been shattered and I am in despair
about this situation. And there is nothing I can do about it. My
planned retirement of enjoying my nice little Burbank bungalow just
above Glenoaks Boulevard has turned into a nightmare.
CHARLOTTE HOPWOOD
Burbank
Park walking now a treacherous endeavor
I don't usually wear a construction worker's hard hat and take an
anti-anxiety pill prior to taking my dog for a walk in the park, but
now it's a must. Ralph Foy Park has become a sports battlefield with
