Re “I Don’t Want Church in My Backyard”
Movie historian/journalist Ross Hawkins, who complained bitterly last week about the perceived “mansionization of Culver City,” especially a project by his backyard neighbor, hopes to rattle the walls of Council Chambers with his piercing complaints at the 7 o’clock City Council meeting.
Prefacing his argument by saying he does not want a church in his backyard, Mr. Hawkins wrote:
“A large, yawning bay window on the top story looks directly into my backyard.”
Mr. Hawkins said his goal for this evening is to convince the City Council “to halt the mansionization of Culver City, these big buildings they are putting up.”
“I want the Council to be accountable for what is going on.”
Mr. Hawkins says he has supporters, and among the emails he received after filing his strong objections here last Friday:
“Thank you for your article in the Front Page. I am truly sorry that the city allowed such a structure to be built. Like you, I am one of many Culver residents very concerned with the current state of our residential zoning codes. (I live in Carlson Park, which is the epicenter of the recent epidemic of overbuilt, inconsiderate homes.)
“A number of us have begun to organize and push the city to put a formal moratorium on the issuance of building permits for large homes — with the ultimate goal of permanently changing our zoning. About 20 areas in L.A. have or are in the process of adjusting their zoning to properly balance existing owners’ property rights and to ensure that new homes do not negatively impact the character of an area.
“I strongly urge you to come and speak at (tonight’s) City Council meeting. There is a formal agenda item, which took a good effort to get recognized, on ‘manisionization’ and overbuilt homes in Culver. Your situation is a perfect example of why a moratorium is needed now — and your comment on home values next to these monoliths is right now! You can fill out a speaker card for Action Item A-1. If you are unable to attend — please write to city.clerk@culvercity.org and ask that you statement be formally read into the record.
“On June 14, we are holding a community meeting at 7 p.m. at the Vets Auditorium to address the issue as well.
“As this problem is likely only to get worse and support from residents is a must.”
