Summertime

George Gershwin's song "Summertime" begins with the words "It's summertime and the living is easy."   I love the song on several levels. There is a simple beauty to the music and lyrics. But when it is performed by an operatically trained singer, as it often is, I am transported to that imaginary place of an everlasting and perfect summer. If you haven't guessed by now, summer is my favorite season.  

It's hard to say what I like most about this season. Windows and the patio door open through most of the house is a big plus. Sleeping with the reliable breeze we get virtually every night is a treat. Even though I have lived in the same house for almost thirty years, dining on the deck with friends still feels special, almost like being at a resort. Thanks to the efforts of my partner Mike, our house is surrounded by blooming beds that include petunias, alyssum, impatiens, bougainvillea, begonias, mandevilles, vinca, and an assortment of succulents. Just being treated to the beauty of all these flowers every day is enough to choose summer as the #1 season.

Concerts in the Park

Concerts in the Park at Eagle Rock Recreation Center are another big reason to celebrate the summer season. Michael Nogueira's leadership and the generosity of many sponsors have kept this important community event alive for sixteen years. There is no event that has a stronger community spirit than the concerts. We attended the recent Tribute to Neil Diamond performance that was sponsored by Bryan Paul and Eagle Rock Plaza. Kudo's to both Michael and Bryan for making this wonderful evening happen.

From the stage to the back of the lawn on Eagle Vista Drive, Eagle Rockers, young, old, and in between, had spread their blankets, set up folding chairs, and enjoyed a great evening of music, picnic treats and camaraderie. It was especially moving to see so many parents not just caring for their children, but dancing with them, playing games with them, and expressing their affection for each other in a very joyous and natural way. I was pleased to be able to say "hi" to so many friends and frankly disappointed at how many Eagle Rockers I know who never go to these concerts. The final concert of the season is on August 25 featuring big band music. Even if you feel it is way before your time, I promise you will enjoy the trip back to an earlier era and may even be moved to join those on the dance floor under the stars over Eagle Rock. More photos available on Facebook at TERA The Eagle Rock Association's page.

Welcome to Eagle Rock

Vons

Progress on the redevelopment of Vons on Figueroa at La Loma has come to a standstill. Part of Vons' plan has been to repurpose an alley that runs behind the existing structure. The original city approval for this action had expired, forcing them to halt construction and reapply for the permit. TERA has provided a letter of support, encouraging the city to reissue the "Valley Vacation" so that Vons can resume the project as quickly as possible.

2224 & 2228 Yosemite Drive

A new small lot subdivision project is being proposed for the south side of Yosemite Drive, just west of the Yosemite / Eagle Rock Boulevard intersection. Although the new structure will strongly resemble a condominium or apartment building, there are important characteristics that distinguish a small lot subdivision project and make this approach increasingly attractive to developers and to certain homeowners.

Since we are likely to see more and more similar projects, it would be good to better understand the rationale for this type of development. In 2005 the City of Los Angeles passed the Small Lot Subdivision (Townhome) Ordinance. The heart of this ordinance is that it allows for individual homes to be built on smaller lots with more modest requirements for setbacks, side yards and other common requirements for individual homes. The rationale behind this ordinance is that by reducing the cost of land to a developer, the homes will be sold for a lower price. A narrow separation between units typically eliminates common walls. Because these units are fee-simple, homeowners acquire ownership of the housing structure, as well as the land on which it's built. This eliminates the need for a homeowner association and the associated fees. The ordinance does encourage developers to build structures that are in scale with the surrounding neighborhood, and to the degree possible, use materials similar to what is found in the existing neighborhood.

Frank Lawrence, representing West Coast Housing Partners will present the Yosemite project to the TERA Board at the August meeting. The proposed structure will be located between existing apartment buildings. The fact each unit is individually owned rather than leased would bring additional stability to the neighborhood. TERA will take a final position on this project once we have met with Mr. Lawrence.

Mount Royal Housing Development

The developer continues to attempt to advance his proposals to develop the hillside above Mount Royal with 8 new dwellings. Strong opposition to the project by many in the neighborhood has continued. Recognizing the community opposition, but also recognizing the excessive number of waivers required for this project to go forward, TERA has appealed to the Council Office and to the Neighborhood Council to not provide support for the project.