I assume that the City Council meetings are a time for discussion of business related to these two goals. It seems that the council often has discussions on events that are clearly against the goals of our city. There have been long discussions on developments, such as the Whole Foods store being placed in an inappropriate area. The Whole Foods store was going to be built to include a large amount of underground parking. It was also going to be placed less than a quarter mile from Pavillions (which has some organic products for sale). I used to live near this intersection, so I have some knowledge of the project’s potential impact.
This development was on the table until a large public outcry was needed to steer the council away from approving it as originally presented.
It should have been obvious that this development was not compatible within the community of homes. In addition, the intersection could not support the additional traffic.
This is just one example of how the City Council is working against its stated goals, by spending long periods of time discussing projects that are obviously in opposition of maintaining the quality of life in Burbank.
Another discussion that was on the table involved changing Chandler Boulevard from two-way streets to one-way streets. Once again, here is an example of a project not addressing the needs of Burbank neighborhoods. The proposal would negatively impact Burbank communities by increasing potential accidents to pedestrians and residents who live and play next to these streets.
There is a park-like bike path between the proposed streets. Drivers and buses would now be able to rush through these new one-way streets, with potential deadly consequences to pedestrians. I would assume that there would be a negative effect on the value of nearby homes.
Councilman David Gordon stated in his interview in the March 28 Burbank Leader that there is room for new projects in undeveloped areas (“Gordon is ‘no rubber stamp’”). Your article read, “Gordon said the city must take advantage of its abundant vacant industrial land by using zoning in such a way as to encourage and support development of clean industries.” Why isn’t this option explored? There should be less argument about projects that will negatively impact our Burbank community and neighborhoods.
If members of the City Council were protecting Burbank, then there would not be so much discussion of projects that would obviously make Burbank worse. More discussion should be spent on improving Burbank instead of week after week on inappropriate projects.
JIM McPHERSON is a Burbank resident.
