Politics & Governnment

Catching Up With... Quimby Fees

By Eric Richardson — Monday — 1 Comment

Eric Richardson

As we start 2009, we thought it useful to take a look at some of the important Downtown projects working their way through the system.

One of the biggest Downtown issues of 2007 muddled its way into 2008, as no real progress was made on using Quimby fees collected from condo developers to create new park facilities for Downtown. The new year saw an audit by the Controller's office and new status reports and meetings, but no new parks.

Latest Status: Work is happening on two fronts. A working group has been meeting at the Central City Association with the aim of clarifying available opportunities and visualizing population. Up at City Hall, Councilwoman Jan Perry this month introduced a motion that looks to make Quimby funds available for purchasing foreclosed property at auction. — Continued Inside...

Around the Halls: January 5 - 8

By Eric Richardson — Monday

It's Monday, January 5, and the Los Angeles City Council is set to begin 2009 with a week that's light on meetings but heavy on Downtown interest. Coming up over the next three days: Quimby reports, the revival of an ordinance banning smoking in outdoor dining areas and a report on city assistance to keep MOCA on Grand Avenue.

Fashion District BID Gets Renewed, But Not Yet Finished With the Process

By Eric Richardson — December 19, 2008
1 Comment

It's no easy task to keep happy the stakeholders of a large Business Improvement District. The Fashion District BID, second largest in Downtown, spent all of 2008 gathering property-owner support for its renewal. At times, any sort of a renewal seemed doubtful. On Wednesday, City Council gave its final stamp of approval to a new Fashion District BID that covers...

Around the Halls: December 15 - 17

By Eric Richardson — December 15, 2008

It's Monday, December 15, and there's still a lot going on around City Hall as we head into the last full week before Christmas. On the agendas this week are budget issues, the Fashion District BID, special events policy and Quimby fees.

Bringing Back Broadway Honors Year of Progress

By Eric Richardson — December 11, 2008

Councilman Jose Huizar joked on Wednesday night that the Bringing Back Broadway effort has more meetings than city council. First announced on January 28, the effort now has a dozen committees and subcommittees working on different pieces of Broadway's revitalization. Those involved took a break on Wednesday to celebrate all that the effort has accomplished...

Around the Halls: December 8 - 10

By Eric Richardson — December 08, 2008

It's Monday, December 8, and with only two full weeks before Christmas there's still a full slate working its way through Council. On the docket this week are budget balancing proposals, Mills Act contacts for a number of Downtown buildings and updates on transportation funding.

Around the Halls: December 1 - 3

By Eric Richardson — December 01, 2008

Believe it or not, it's Monday, December 1. The city's returning from the Thanksgiving holiday, and on the docket this week are a new contract for the triathlon, an expansion of the Artists-In-Residence district and several vacations of public right-of-way.

Around the Halls: November 24 - 27

By Eric Richardson — November 24, 2008

It's Monday, November 24, and the week's a short one thanks to the Thanksgiving holiday. It's a light schedule for Downtown issues, but there are still a few items making their way through the process that deserve a note.

Around the Halls: November 17 - 19

By Eric Richardson — November 17, 2008

It's Monday, November 17, and Council returns from recess to a full slate of meetings. Wednesday's the heavy day for Downtown items, with mixed-income housing rules as the marquee item.

South Park Starbucks Loses Its Seats

By Eric Richardson — November 14, 2008
24 Comments

Opened two years ago, the Starbucks at 11th and Grand integrates perfectly into South Group's pedestrian-friendly streetscape design. Large sidewalks made plenty of room for cushioned outdoor seating, heavily-used by patrons who use the spot to hang out and catch up with neighbors. Or at least they did, until this week.