VOICES-The recent article by Shelley Wagers and Dick Platkin on mansionization struck a chord with me in light of the battle I am currently fighting. Most of the issues the article highlighted are mirrored in my own situation, with the added issue of forged signatures and a long and costly lawsuit.
I have lived in the Venice/Marina area for more than 20 years – I love this neighborhood and I am deeply vested in it. My house, like most on our street, is single storey but in June 2013, construction started to turn the house next door into an oversized glass McMansion.
The main facts of the case are as follows:
- The Owner/Developer wanted a reduction in the 4ft side yard setback, which I would not agree to.
- He still reduced the setback, by more than 20%, and forged my husband’s signature on a Boundary Modification form (my husband was not on title at this time). A handwriting expert supports our claim of forgery.
- I wrote and emailed the LADBS numerous times with my concerns but was ignored.
- We filed a police report, contacted our Council Member Mike Bonin’s office and contacted LADBS to stop the construction until further review.
- A letter to revoke the permit was sent to the Owner/Developer, yet in a closed door meeting with an LADBS official the revoking of the permit was dropped. No explanation was given to us.
- We resorted to legal action to get some answers.
- LADBS took the position that they can grant the setback reduction to the builder, even if the neighbor objects. But they have jurisdiction for 20% or less, we have a 25% reduction, therefore it is outside LADBS’ jurisdiction.
- City Attorney Mike Feuer said they would not pursue a criminal case regarding forgery, as we also had a civil case going. He stated, “There is no interest in two adjudications.”
- We were due to have a jury trial start on Monday September 21, 2015. But on Thursday September 17, The Judge said that it may be an Administrative case.
- We are currently objecting to that ruling, as we want a jury trial. We started legal action (March 2014) on the basis that we would have a Jury Trial.
- Our next court date is October 20, 2015.
(The writer is a resident of the Venice/Marina area. Her name has been withheld because the issue is in litigation.) Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 13 Issue 80
Pub: Oct 02, 2015
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