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Del Aire apartment project is OK'd
Developers of 430-unit complex will contribute
to library, parks after reaching compromise with residents.
By Kristin S. Agostoni Daily Breeze - November 4, 2004
The county's Regional Planning Commission signed
off Wednesday on plans for a 430-unit apartment complex in unincorporated
Del Aire -- a decision reached not long after the developer and
residents said they'd resolved their differences over the controversial
project.
For the past few months tiny Del Aire has fought vigorously
to block the building proposed by Trammell Crow Residential, arguing
that an influx of renters would crowd local streets and schools
and compromise the character of the neighborhood.
A public hearing in September at Anza Elementary
School brought out at least 200 residents, most of whom opposed
the complex on a vacant 5-acre tract near the Airport Courthouse.
But since Trammell Crow agreed to scrap 20 of the
units and contribute to the local library, park and schools, members
of the newly formed Del Aire Neighborhood Association changed their
tone.
In letter Tuesday to the Department of Regional Planning,
President John Koppelman said the group would withdraw its opposition
and encourage others to follow suit. "What we've accomplished with
our minimal resources is just very amazing to me," Koppelman said
Wednesday. "We got what's best for the community."
Trammell Crow representatives had been meeting with
residents over the past few weeks at the commission's urging. George
Minter of Greer/Dailey/Minter, a public affairs consulting firm
working with Trammell Crow, said the concessions were worth it.
"I think from Trammell Crow's perspective, they're
going to be part of the neighborhood, so they want to be a good
neighbor," he said. "We didn't want there to be a lot of antagonism."
In addition to the developer's offer to reduce the
density, Minter said the agreement stipulates that Trammell Crow
will contribute $25,000 a year for three years to the Wiseburn Education
Foundation, along with $10,000 a year for three years to the Wiseburn
branch of the county library.
Another $66,500 will be earmarked for improvements
to a day care facility that operates out of Anza Elementary.
At the county's direction, residents and Trammell
Crow representatives will also form a neighborhood benefits committee,
which will stay active for three years and operate with a $150,000
escrow account established by the developer. Of that, $50,000 will
help improve the local park, Minter said.
Hawthorne City Councilman Gary Parsons, whose council
strongly opposed the development, said he's satisfied with the agreement
between Del Aire and Trammell Crow.
He pointed out that Hawthorne residents stand to benefit
because children in the city's Hollyglen section attend Wiseburn
schools and use the local library.
"I feel satisfied that the developer is going to invest
back in the community," Parsons said. "If their neighborhood improves,
that obviously will improve the city of Hawthorne."
The Regional Planning Commission's approval Wednesday
morning was unanimous. The matter comes back for final approval
next month, and will then be turned over to the county Board of
Supervisors.
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