Museum of Tolerance expansion approved in contested Westside neighborhood

The Los Angeles City Council voted today to approve an expansion sought by the Museum of Tolerance, rebuffing requests from neighbors who wanted the project to receive additional review from Westside Councilman-elect Paul Koretz.

On a 15-0 vote, the council agreed to allow the museum to add nearly 28,000 square feet, making it possible to host more events and receptions.

Supporters of the project said the museum had been a good neighbor and had agreed to spend up to $100,000 on traffic improvements to address congestion caused by its activities. Opponents said that the expansion would enable the museum to rent out its space for parties of up to 800, exacerbating traffic and parking woes in the neighborhood.

The project is one of at least five high-profile developments proposed for the district represented by Councilman Jack Weiss. All have been scheduled for a council vote in the final month before Weiss leaves office. Weiss decided not to run for a third term and instead mounted an unsuccessful bid for city attorney.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl said he spoke personally with Koretz, who will replace Weiss on July 1, and learned that the councilman-elect did not want a delay as long as there is a review of the museum’s activities in six months.
 
“He said ‘No, don’t hold up the project. Go forward with the project, and in six months we’ll review where we’re at,’ ” Rosendahl said.

-- David Zahniser at L.A. City Hall

Comments

[Cynthia Sirota]

I feel very discouraged with the Museums exspansion. I am one of the neighbors that lives four houses down from the museum. I want you to know that Jack Weiss never went to any of are open invitations to meet with the homeowners to discuss the expansion. The neighood is extremily proud of the museum. We were contesting the additional space height and the Banquet Room for up to 800 people. The museum will be able to have private parties up to 800 people 18 times out of the month to stay open until 12 pm. This is a very quite neighborhood. I do not think anyone living in this area or not would like to have 800 guest walking to there cars and making noise until 12pm. The museum does not have adequate parking now for its venue. Just wait until they finish construction and are open 18 nights out of month having music playing and making and speeches .