from LAist: by Zach BehrensGriffith Park as Historic Cultural Monument
The Mt. Hollywood Trail in Griffith Park
Environmental and neighborhood groups are organizing to save Griffith Park from the possibility of development. Last month, Col. Griffith J. Griffith's grandson and the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust put in an application to formally preserve the park by getting it designated as a historic landmark.
"We're doing it to stop commercialization," the grandson told the Daily News last month. "They want to build aerial trams, hotels and build restaurants. "We don't need any of it. I believe my great-grandfather would be turning over in his grave." Lots of people support the idea, but one person, Councilman Tom LaBonge is wary of limiting development under the guise of a possible need for infrastructure for things such as water, power and sewer.
Since the Daily news article, groups near and far are doing a grassroots campaign to support the application to decalre the park a City Historic-Cultural Monument. In a call to action e-mail from the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council, they say that if the park becomes a monument, that "it would not prevent further development." Rather, "it would help to ensure that historical aspects of the Park are preserved and that the people of Los Angeles have notice and opportunity to be heard on significant developments." The full e-mail is with background, instructions on how to voice your support and documents, is below:
Here is what you need to do NOW.
1. Make your views known by sending letters or e-mails to Councilmember
Tom LaBonge and the Cultural Heritage Commission at the addresses below:
Councilmember.LaBonge@lacity.org
Hon. Tom LaBonge, City Hall- room 480, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles,
CA 90012
CHC@lacity.org
Cultural Heritage Commission, City Hall room 620, 200 N. Spring St., Los
Angeles, CA 90012
Tell them that "I strongly support the designation of the whole of
Griffith Park as an Historic Cultural Monument. I hope that you agree
and will support it as well."
Please customize your letter to increase its impact. Please be good
enough to send a copy to us at GGPNC@GGPNC.org.
2. Attend the next hearing: The Cultural Heritage Commission will be
voting on the matter again at their Thursday, October 2nd meeting. It
begins about 10am on the 10th floor of City Hall. It is open to the
public and your views are welcomed.
3. Follow the progress of the Application and get more information by
going to www.GGPNC.org or by clicking here.
Our GGPNC website has additional information including a copy of the Application [pdf] and the CHC staff report, a list of
supporting organizations, and more sample draft letters for you to use. There is even a survey form where you can submit your support.
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to all your contacts and enlist
them in the fight to preserve all of Griffith Park.
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