Before the three term-limited members of the (now) old City Council could mount their steeds last night, ride out of town and yee-haw into the next chapter of their lives, the just sworn-in new Council majority was trying to overturn the last controversial act by their predecessors.
Perhaps the Entrada Office Tower is not a done deal, as suggested by the old Council’s split vote two weeks ago.
An ultimate call may lie in the hands, and perhaps the law books, of City Atty. Carol Schwab.
At the instigation of freshman member Chris Armenta, and as expertly amplified by holdover Councilman Gary Silbiger, the new Vice Mayor of Culver City, Entrada rose from the ashes as probably the longest Opening Night in Council history leaked, amazingly, toward 1:30 this morning.
The re-introduction of Entrada was not a surprise.
Protestors Arise
It has been hanging over City Hall for fortnight, like an elephant suspended from the ceiling, ever since passing the inspection of the old City Council.
Defeating, if not skunking, Entrada was the catalyst for Mr. Silbiger’s unprecedented filibuster on the nights of April 14 and April 15. He attempted to derail the 12-story building and parking structure adjacent to the Radisson Hotel.
Mr. Armenta and Mr. Silbiger, ideological allies and the newest anticipated coalition, were motivated by a conviction that the will of the people was denied when the old Council green-lighted Entrada.
An overflow crowd, that appeared to be largely comprised of Westchester residents living across the street from the southern Culver City project, protested the plans for a variety of reasons, including obstruction of their view of hills and mountains. More than 100 persons expressed objections, probably a City Hall record.
A Second Try
Buoyed by the presence of Mr. Armenta, a genuine philosophical partner for the first time in 6 years, the re-energized Mr. Silbiger moved directly to his main point, to have the whole discussion of Entrada revived by having it placed on a near Council agenda.
He failed, however, to attract a necessary third vote. But the subject is hardly dead.
A pivotal ruling is pending.
Another freshman, Andy Weissman, a lawyer by day, interjected a sobering question for Ms. Schwab:
Is there a substantial risk of liability for the city — from the developers — if the supposedly final Entrada decision is rescinded?
Have the developers advanced so deeply with their acquisition of property and other details that they could reasonably be expected to bring a major suit against City Hall if the April 15 decision is reversed?
Ms. Schwab indicated she would offer a perspective by next Monday evening when the new Council conducts its first pre-meeting Closed Session.
If Ms. Schwab provides even a narrow ray of sunlight and hope, sources indicated that Mr. Silbiger and Mr. Armenta are likely to attract a third vote for agendizing, which would breathe populist new life into the ex-corpse Entrada.