The Los Angeles city Planning Commission yesterday approved two 55-story high-rises in Hollywood. These new skyscrapers, which occupies one million square feet for apartments, offices, and retailers, would be next to the Capitol Records building.
However, City Councilmen Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge oppose this intrusion to the Hollywood skyline. And they’re not the only ones. The Planning Commission meeting was packed with residents who opposed the development, but construction workers and developers argued in favor of all the jobs this would create. Others like Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce consider the high-rises a push forward for the city. The City Council still needs to approve this development by the New-York-based company Millennium Partners.
Why are so many city officials split on this development? Will construction of these high rises bring in more jobs? Will it drag on and create air pollution for local residents? Will the Hollywood high-rises be a terrible addition to the Hollywood skyline or will they transform the city for the better?
Guests:
Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles city councilman representing the 4th district, which stretches from Koreatown to North Hollywood
Dana Perlman, Los Angeles City Planning Commission