Universal Citys New Development Project

(Los Angeles is a world-famous city known for its Hollywood attractions, and on the negative side, its surplus of traffic. )

One notable area, Universal City, which is home to movie and TV show sets, tourist attractions and a theme park, may also become the new epicenter of a major residential development project.

A December 7, 2006 article by Roger Vincent and Amanda Covarrubias of The Los Angeles Times, “A cast of thousands of homes,” gives the details behind a residential and office complex that is proposed for the Universal Studios lot.

“Universal City, already the world's largest movie studio lot, would also become a major office and residential hub as part of a $3-billion development plan unveiled Wednesday by owner NBC Universal.”“Under the proposal, the historic studio would add a neighborhood with 2,900 homes and apartment units — creating a new community at a time when large parcels of land for new housing are virtually unavailable within the urban core.”

New restaurants, stores and a hotel are also called for in this development plan.

The biggest concern amongst residents of nearby neighborhoods is the increase in traffic that such a large development would bring.

“Those additions would transform the 391-acre property and adjacent land into a more urban center, to the alarm of some nearby residents who voiced concerns Wednesday that more traffic might choke the area.”

“‘Just because something is possible to build and makes sense from a corporate standpoint doesn't mean it's going to be good for all,’ said Daniel Savage, president of the Hollywood Knolls Community Club residents association. The group's members ‘are still extremely concerned about the potential negative impact on the community,’ he said.”

The area is already extremely congested by traffic and most residents only believe the new development will make things worse for everyone.

Universal Studio’s president, Ron Meyer says the new development will take this area to a new level and be good for the development of the whole community and surrounding areas in general.

“The project would create 17,000 construction jobs and add 11,000 permanent jobs to the 10,000 full- and part-time positions already at the studio, said NBC Universal, which is owned by General Electric Co.”

The project would still have to go through a rigorous approval process in order to be approved as well as bypass any concern from the neighboring residents, which is quite plentiful.

“Plans by previous owners came to nothing amid vociferous opposition from neighbors and community leaders concerned about increased traffic congestion. This time the studio reached out to public officials and homeowner groups in an effort to build support, although some groups were still waiting for more details before taking a stand.”

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