FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NEW CENTER
Q: What types of stores and restaurants are you proposing for the center?
A: We are very early in the process and have not approached retailers or restaurants yet. However, we are committed to bringing high quality shops and restaurants. If there are specific shops or restaurants you would like to see at the center, please visit the Feedback page and let us know what shops and restaurants you would like to see for the new center.
Q: Are you proposing any type of big box stores for the center? Is Target going to be added?
A: We are not going to be adding any big box stores, so there will be no Target store. We are however going to allow larger format stores that need larger spaces than a typical boutique such as Crate & Barrel, H&M, etc.
Q: Are you proposing to add movie theaters?
A: No.
Q: Are you going to add another department store like a Nordstrom?
A: No because the configuration of the remaining portion of the site that can be developed does not permit the addition of another department store like Nordstrom.
Q: How late will the new sit-down restaurants stay open?
A: We are proposing to allow the restaurants to stay open until 11:00 p.m. The Dining Terrace and stores will continue to close by 10:00 p.m., as our current conditions allow.
Q: Will you continue to have the community room?
A: Yes. We are looking to move the community room into the shopping center and make it more attractive.
Q: Why are you not adding any stores along on Riverside Drive?
A: Historically the majority of the community has not been in support of having stores along Riverside Drive. So, instead we are trying to make Riverside Drive look nicer with new landscaping and enhanced building facades.
However, we have heard from some people in the community over the last year that they may like to see other types of changes on Riverside Drive. Some people wanted a new pedestrian entrance on Riverside, some wanted a more active and interesting frontage with store fronts, restaurant entrances, etc; while others said no to such additions. We are open to hearing what the community wants and to try to reach a solution that works for the community.
TRAFFIC
Q: How will the new entrance and parking affect traffic on Riverside Drive?
A: The main entrance on Riverside Drive will significantly improve traffic flow and parking in and around the center:
- The new main entrance on Riverside Drive will consolidate and eliminate the confusing and inefficient side-by-side driveways created by the adjacent Ross Center driveway. The new entrance creates two left-turn lanes into the center from westbound Riverside Drive, regulated by left-turn arrows within the new traffic signal operation, and a dedicated right-turn lane from eastbound Riverside Drive.
- By placing the entry road along the eastern edge of our property, we will eliminate the current situation of pedestrians crossing the traffic lane to get to the center from the parking areas from Macy’s.
- For traffic exiting the center at the new main entrance, three exit lanes will be provided: one left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes. Entry and exit signals will be coordinated so as cars turn left into the center from Riverside Drive, cars will exit the center from the two right-turn lanes. The three exit lanes will aid in dispersing vehicles from the center while minimizing the length of time that traffic on Riverside will be stopped. Furthermore, the left turn lane exiting the center will allow for traffic to be directed to Hazeltine, which is not currently possible.
- In addition, a new internal roadway network will be constructed along the back of the center next to the freeway that will connect the new parking structure with both the new Riverside driveway and the existing Hazeltine driveway. The network will allow for a continuous flow of traffic across our site as there will be no parking stalls adjacent to this roadway. The current condition during busy times where traffic queues from our existing driveways onto Riverside and Hazeltine will essentially be eliminated.
Q: Are you upgrading the left-turn lane on Hazeltine into the Bloomingdale’s parking structure?
A: We are aware that once you enter the Bloomingdales lot, it is narrow and sometimes requires cars to stack onto Hazeltine to allow cars to back out of spaces in the first row of parking. We are planning to resolve this situation by allowing additional space for cars to stack within the parking structure, rather than backing traffic up on Hazeltine.
Q: How are you protecting the neighborhood north of the center from cut-through traffic?
A: We are proposing to install a new signal and new traffic diverter island on Riverside Drive at Matilija that will only allow traffic to make right or left-turns out of the center, and not allow traffic to travel straight through onto Matilija
PARKING
Q: How tall is the parking structure going to be near Macy’s?
A: The structure will be no taller than the current Macy’s building and will keep to the height limits placed on the center previously. The structure will be tiered so that it moves away from Riverside Drive as you go up in levels.
Q: How many parking spaces will be provided?
A: There will be a total of 4,875 parking spaces provided for the shopping center, or an increase of approximately 1,000 parking spaces beyond our current supply. In addition, the parking will be more efficient, allowing spaces to be closer to the center and have the electronic counters to help visitors know where they can find parking.
ENTITLEMENT
Q: What are your zoning and entitlement requests?
A: In general, Westfield is requesting (1) A zoning change to clean up the zoning on the property, (2) a conditional use for what the City calls a major project (anything in excess of 100,000 square feet), (3) technical approvals regarding the Bloomingdale’s corner, (4) an approval for shared parking and (5) alcohol permits for the new eateries.
Q: Will an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) be prepared on the proposed project?
A: The City of Los Angeles is currently in the process of preparing an EIR on the proposed improvements to Westfield Fashion Square. The EIR will analyze alternatives to the proposed project, all potential environmental impacts (aesthetics, air quality, geology and soils, hydrology/water quality, land use and planning, noise, public services, transportation/traffic, urban decay), cumulative impacts from other proposed projects in the vicinity, and identify measures to reduce significant environmental effects (if any).
Q: Have you asked for the community’s feedback on the proposed improvements?
A: Since December 2005 as well as after submitting the project application to the City in January 2007, Westfield has asked for feedback from the community on improvements for Westfield Fashion Square. Westfield has reached out to the community through community meetings, mailings and surveys, door-to-door neighborhood walks, outreach to center visitors, and a project website and hotline. Westfield has also discussed its plans with the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC), the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association (SOHA), and local business groups.
Westfield looks forward to continuing the dialogue and is committed to developing a plan that is responsive to the community’s needs and concerns. In addition, the City will hold public hearings which allow for even more opportunity for public comment.
CONSTRUCTION
Q: What is your proposed construction plan? Will the center be open during construction?
A: The center will remain open during construction and construction will be phased to maintain adequate parking for visitors at all times. The first phase will include construction of the new parking structure along Riverside Drive. After the new parking structure is completed, the second phase of the construction will take place behind the existing center along the 101 freeway and will include demolition of the existing parking structure and construction of the new retail areas.
Q: How will you protect the community from construction noise? What times of day will construction take place? Will you work on weekends?
A: We will meet all of the City’s noise standards and mitigation requirements (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday). Please keep in mind that the majority of the construction will take place behind the center and a sound wall / barrier will be placed along Riverside east of Macy’s.
Q: What are you going to do to keep the dust from spreading into the neighborhood?
A: The City and Air Quality Management District have strict guidelines for keeping dust down during construction. We will make sure that we are meeting all of these standards.
Q: Will you be sticking to the noise restrictions currently in place for garbage pick up and use of the loading docks?
A: Yes, we are not proposing to change any of the current noise restrictions. Trash enclosures will continue to be locked from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and trash pick up will only be allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. All new trash enclosures and loading areas will be constructed on the back of the property. We anticipate that the use of the ones on Riverside will decrease after the project is complete, because of the newer ones in the back.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us!
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