Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Partially-Built Hollywood Target Ordered To Stop Construction
We have a husk of a Target, but no Target. (Photo by howard-f via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
()
The much-anticipated Hollywood Target store has hit a snag. A judge has ordered that all construction stop, even though construction is already underway.The Target store on Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue was supposed to contain parking, eateries and other retail. It was also supposed to be 74 feet high, but as it turns out, commercial buildings in the area cannot be taller than 35 feet. Superior Court Judge Richard L. Fruin, Jr. has sided with the store's community opposition and shut Target down in its tracks, the L.A. Times reports.
To be fair, this particular Target and its height has been a subject of controversy for a while. It was first approved in 2010, then foiled by lawyer Robert Silverstein who represented two neighborhood naysayers, Robert Blue and Doug Haines. The project was approved once more in 2012.
Two community groups filed a lawsuit against the Target—the La Mirada Avenue Neighborhood Association (of which Haines is a member), and the Citizens Coalition of Los Angeles. And, naturally, Silverstein returned to represent them.
Silverstein says his clients want Target to tear what they've built down and build a store under 35 feet. Opponents are also worried that if Target gets the all clear, other developers will want to build tall buildings in the area, too. Target, on the other hand, wants the city to rewrite some of the zoning laws that apply to the Vermont/Western Station Neighborhood Area Plan.
Support for LAist comes from
Lawyers for Target say they focused on building a larger store because that's what Mayor Garcetti, then a Hollywood councilman, wanted them to do. According to Marie Lloyd, a spokesperson for Garcetti, the Mayor envisioned a pedestrian-friendly shopping area with restaurants and other retail that would create jobs. Fruin does not believe Garcetti's vision merits exempting Target from the rules.
Meanwhile, we've got a husk of a Target, but no Target. Target is appealing the decision, saying that if their request to continue work is denied, it will be a blow to the site's construction workers.
This isn't the first time the La Mirada group and Silverstein have stood in the way of a new development. They also opposed new condos at Melrose Avenue and Larchmont Avenue, the Old Spaghetti Factory tower and several other projects, according to Curbed LA.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist