Community Group’s Meeting With Developer Delayed

A Westwood community group evaluating the merits of a controversial proposed development in the village won’t be hearing back from the developer on the changes they suggested until at least the end of March.

A 21-member working group of residents, business owners and community leaders assembled by Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Feuer to review the proposed Village Center Westwood was to have met with developer Ira Smedra on Feb. 24. But Smedra said he needs more time to rework the project and check with his tenants about what community members want changed.

The proposed $100-million, 16-screen movie and retail complex has been praised by local businesses as the centerpiece for Westwood’s revival, but has drawn criticism from influential homeowner groups as a mammoth mall that would overshadow the rest of the village.

The working group suggested several significant changes, including keeping open a street that was scheduled to close, reducing the height of complex and eliminating the movie theaters.

Smedra said he will try to incorporate some of the group’s ideas by working with the architect and tenants. A meeting will be rescheduled toward the end of March.