Dennis Zine Writes In With Comments Regarding Costco

Dennis Zine writes in a comment to the “Done Deal” post:

Recent reports in the media have raised some issues over the proposed Westfield Village Project. Let me clarify a few things; while the prospect of a Costco coming to the Westfield development is pending, the deal has not been finalized. Westfield, the owner of the property has proposed several development concepts from residential to commercial for the parcel of land stretching from Victory Blvd. to the Promenade. Having said that, I have been working with Costco for a few years to determine a suitable location for a store to be established in the West San Fernando Valley to make it convenient for residents in the area to shop. Costco ultimately determines the demand for one of their stores at a particular location. It is also my understanding that the current Costco in my district is anticipated to close and that will leave the Southwest Valley without any Costco. This development is in the very early stages and all of the specifics including the architectural details, a traffic plan, and environmental impacts are to be determined. Nothing will be set in stone without an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in addition to a full review by the relevant City Departments, the City Planning Commission, the Planning & Land Use Management Committee, and the full City Council. When a draft EIR is released, a public comment period follows, and subsequently, every single concern is addressed. I am supportive of the concept of a Costco because of the job creation and much-needed tax dollars it will bring to the area, but there will be several opportunities for residents to voice their opinions on this matter so we can ensure a sound plan for the community. As the Councilman for the district, my obligation is to provide economic vitality, and in that endeavor, I will continue to promote opportunities for job creation and a robust economy for residents in my district.

Mr. Zine, so the question I pose to you, is what sites in Woodland Hills and the west SFV were considered and why were those rejected?  What about sites just for the Costco that are not Westfield owned?  How much empty office space is already in Warner Center?  Does it need more?  Why do we care if Westfield develops that site at all costs?  Wasn’t Catalina Yacht’s property a consideration?  Seems like a Costco would be better suited there?  I’d like to see more real discussion involving the community on this.  That’s my goal, I am not even anti-Costco, I just feel consideration needs to be made to the long term interest and not the rush to develop anything at all just so something is developed.

Note: It appears Zine’s comment is a cut-and-paste of a retort from his weekly newsletter.

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