We are long-term residents of the “Woods” neighborhood in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, and are trying to stop the City from permitting commercial development in our neighborhood. The City of LA Planning Department has drafted a land-use change for the “Woods” neighborhood that will allow COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT along Palms Boulevard from Beethoven Street to Walgrove Avenue. This is called “upzoning”. It will also extend the height allowance of any new development along this corridor to three stories! We believe this change is unacceptable. As community members and homeowners, we are protesting the City’s proposal to change land-use rights in the heart of our neighborhood. The “Woods” streets neighborhood is our home and intruding commercial businesses are simply unnecessary and unwanted. 

Upzoning will not only disrupt the residential footprint of our neighborhood but also threaten the safety and overall quality of life and close community we’ve built together.  Commercial activities would increase traffic, congestion, noise and parking issues daily. Most concerningly, it will threaten the pedestrian safety of all of us who live here especially children riding bikes and walking to and from the elementary and middle schools.

Moreover, preserving our residential homes is vital during this housing crisis. These homes often bring in young families and allow long-term residents to age in place. We are not willing to sacrifice our presently livable streets for unneeded commercial services on Palms Boulevard. As a neighborhood we are fortunate to be in walking distance to the already vibrant restaurants, shops and small businesses on Venice Boulevard and we are committed to helping that area thrive.

This petition comes from our deep personal connection to this neighborhood and our shared commitment to preserving its unique character for ourselves and future generations. The public response period to the City’s plan is currently open and as property owners our voices carry significant weight in this matter because it is a permanent change to land-use. The City is required to deliver a revised draft of the plan in February 2025, so we must act now.

If we do not immediately tell the City that we reject the proposed upzoning of Palms Boulevard this change will likely be finalized. We must act quickly and loudly to protect our neighborhood.

Please join us in signing this petition which will be delivered to the City November 15, 2024.  If you live in Mar Vista, please be sure to sign the petition with our neighborhood zip code.