I am sending this update regarding an email you may have received through the Change.org mail system from CD 12 Councilmember John Lee responding directly to the Stop Home Depot petition.  I would like to clarify the Petition, with all supporting documentation, has not formally been submitted to Councilmember Lee and I was not informed prior to his response posting.  Since initiating the Change.org petition, I have had conversations with Councilmember John Lee and his staff regarding this important issue.  It was expressed that the Councilmember would not take a position on the HD project until all of the applicant’s documents were filed and reviewed. Additionally, Lee’s office stated that input from the community was essential to the decision-making process.  The Change.org petition became a valuable method to substantiate the community’s concerns and opposition to Home Depot’s application to build.  

With the Change.org petition at 2,120 signatures, it appears a large enough community response has occurred for John Lee to now express his position.  As a community we can monitor Lee’s future actions and commitment to opposing the Home Depot proposed project and eventually his recommendation the application be denied.  We look forward to Lee’s formal written request to the Los Angeles City Planning Commission for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) requirement as part of Home Depot’s application.  

Most importantly, I want to thank each and every person who signed and promoted this Change.org petition.  Your support has been invaluable.  It started with one voice and grew to over 2,100 voices.  When we work together, we can accomplish great and positive results for our community.  I want to express that the battle is still ongoing until Home Depot’s project is either voted down by the Los Angeles City Council or Home Depot withdraws their application.  There is still work to be done. Please visit www.StopHomeDepot.com for the community group’s comprehensive Stop Home Depot Report.  Another resource is the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council website that provides impartial information on HD project, including copies of all related documentation. 

Special Note: In fairness, with the upcoming election on March 5th for the CD12 Councilmember seat, the other candidate, Serena Oberstein, has expressed from the start of her campaign the need for a comprehensive EIR as part of Home Depot’s application.  For more information, you can visit Oberstein’s election webpage.