This will mark the first step toward physically altering the face, the appearance of one of Culver Citys longest standing neighborhorhoods.
While the demolition vote is expected to formfully pass, the more interesting question is,
How soon can the demolition begin?
Virtually immediately, in Mr. Roses view.
Roses Reasoning
With most of the buildings along Exposition and National boulevards already vacated, having been purchased by the city, there is no need to wait long, according to the Councilman.
As buildings are vacated, for the safety and health of the community, buildings should be torn down, Mr. Rose said, to prevent persons such as vagrants from occupying the property.
Taking note of the fact that this newspaper has been heavily critical of City Halls methodology in seizing properties held by small-business owners, the Councilman said:
In the long run, what we are doing will be best for Culver City.
I truly understand the issue of property rights. But this kind of action is necessary.
We (the City Council sitting tonight as the Redevelopment Agency) are the bad boys for creating a place for the light rail to stop in Culver City.
Where, Yes. But When?
Meanwhile, at least going into the meeting, the date for destruction of the historic buildings on Exposition and National boulevards is less clear than the Wednesday weather forecast on Mars.
Guessing by anonymous sources has centered on 09, which used to be the year hardy advocates predicted light rail would come to Culver City.
A web of impediments basic funding shortages, lawsuits and daily price increases has conspired to create terminal uncertainty from a calendrical standpoint.
Sooner or Later?
Light rail enthusiasts, however, are salivating over the prospect of razing the aging properties.
They would take that as a sure sign light rail looms over the next horizon.
Not so fast, though.
In fact, no known plans exist for converting the industrialized triangle into a big casino for City Hall.
Influential sources at the corner of Culver Boulevard and Duquesne are acting cautiously.
Dont Move Until
My attitude, one City Hall insider said this morning, is no building should be torn down until hard plans for the (mixed-use) project have been approved.
Nevertheless, visions of the proposed business-residential complex inside the triangle turning into a 24-hour piggy bank for City Hall dance in the heads of city officials.
They expect payoffs from the complex to line the citys coffers in gold coins for decades to come.
Council Members Go East
Transportation Director Steve Cunningham will join Vice Mayor Alan Corlin and City Councilman Scott Malsin on a one-day business outing to Washington later this month in quest of fresh light rail funding.
They expect to visit the offices of three Los Angeles members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, Rep. Maxine Waters and Rep. Diane Watson.
Without a dollar figure in mind, they will be asking for a pledge to insure enough funding for the Expo light rail project to extend the route to Santa Monica, instead of terminating it in Culver City.
