Contingent AF Exclusive: Mar Vista Developer Skips Community Meeting, Now Under Investigation for Soft Corruption
Mar Vista developer under scrutiny for skipping community meeting, raising concerns of potential soft corruption.
Mar Vista, Los Angeles - Construction may be underway at 12032-12038 Washington Place, but the developer behind the project, 1340 Broadway, LLC, is now facing scrutiny for skipping a critical community meeting. According to city officials, the developer failed to attend a mandatory meeting with the Mar Vista Neighborhood Council to discuss the project, raising concerns of potential soft corruption in the approval process.
The controversial project, which will feature two four-level townhome-style buildings with a total of eight residences and rooftop terraces, has faced backlash from community members who feel the development is out of character for the neighborhood. Many residents have expressed concerns over the impact on traffic and parking, as well as the potential for the buildings to block views and disrupt the neighborhood's aesthetic.
Despite these concerns, the project was approved by the Los Angeles City Council in a 12-2 vote, with Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents the Mar Vista area, voting in favor. However, the developer's failure to attend the community meeting has sparked an investigation by the city's Ethics Commission, as it raises questions about the level of influence and potential conflicts of interest in the approval process.
"It's concerning that the developer failed to attend a mandatory meeting with the neighborhood council, especially given the strong opposition from community members," said a spokesperson for the Ethics Commission. "We are currently investigating any potential violations of the city's ethics laws, and will take appropriate action if necessary."
This isn't the first time 1340 Broadway, LLC has faced controversy in their development projects. The company, headed by developer Michael Stockton, has a history of pushing through controversial projects, often ignoring community input