For weeks now, tempers and emotions have been simmering in Burbank over a proposed Whole Foods Market at Alameda Avenue and Main Street in the Rancho District. On one side is Westlake developer,
Tom Davies, who has spent millions of dollars for studies and plans to construct a nearly 60,000 square foot store on the site of the old Martino's bakery. After years of searching, Davies and his team insist this is the only suitable site in Burbank for the upscale food emporium.
Hoping to 'K-O' the project is a small, but mighty vocal minority out to preserve what it says is the small town -- child friendly -- equestrian atmosphere of the Rancho District. The two sides duked it out Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Burbank City Council meeting.
I stepped into the entryway of the Burbank City Hall around 7 p.m. and found a crowd swarming around a television monitor broadcasting the council proceedings. The overflow of people spilled up the steps and along the railings on the second floor.
It was clear from the wide shots on the TV screen that the council chamber was packed. Also, on the first floor there was a posted sign offering more seatingin the nearby Administrative Services Building at Third Street and Olive Avenue.
The big crowds showed up because the council was holding a public hearing on an appeal by the developer after the City Planning Board turned down the Whole Foods Market project, last October. More than 100 speakers signed up to make comments on the matter.
Council members expressed surprise and amazement at the response. All five officials have been swamped with letters, postcards, e-mails, and faxes about the Whole Foods fracas. Vice-Mayor
Marsha Ramos says she got somewhere in the neighborhood of 4,000 pieces of correspondence -- more than she has ever received for any other issue. Also, Ramos admitted she got an earful from relatives and neighbors as well. The issue has definitely struck a cord with folks in Burbank.
First up to the podium was the developer and his team, who came out of their corner fighting with an organized presentation of changes, facts and figures to make the project work. They had solutions to the concerns about traffic congestion, parking, and the safety of children and horses in the area.
During the parade of community speakers that followed, the developer received some support and some praise for the project. A long time resident gushed about the proposed market saying it would, "put the main back in Main Street." Another resident encouraged the approval because the market would make healthy alternative foods convenient for his wife who suffers from food allergies.
He scolded the opposition for its charges the market would destroy the neighborhood saying, "It 's not Dodger Stadium or a nuclear power plant. It's a Whole Foods Market."
The loudest and most passionate voices were the opponents who came armed with their own facts, reports, and even a 10-minute video. They slammed the project for its size and accused the developer of trying to create a regional store instead of a place for local shoppers.
Ironically, many opponents admitted to shopping at the Whole Foods Market in Glendale or Sherman Oaks, each store is about five miles away. Even though they appeared to have few qualms about adding to the traffic around those stores, these same residents were adamantly opposed to increasing traffic in their own neighborhood for a Whole Foods market.
As the clock ticked away the hours, the council listened to one opponent after another predict dire consequences if the project wins approval. A worried young boy even suggested the proposed market would contribute to "global warming." One resident summed it up by saying, "It doesn't fit. You must reject it."
Testimony from residents did not wrap up until close to 1 a.m. and that is when the council members began their debate. The audience had thinned out considerably and I was able to find a seat in the council chamber. The council discussed the environmental impact of the project. They puzzled over the meaning of a 'specialty food store' in the 1993 Rancho District Master Plan.
In 1998, the Plan was superseded by a city amendment that changed zoning rules in several districts, including Rancho. The amendment cleared the way for a grocery store like Whole Foods at the proposed site.
It was well after 2 a.m. when the council focused in on reducing the size of the proposed market on the 76,000 square foot lot as a possible way to craft a compromise. Councilman
Dave Golonski called for a reduction of one-third to around 40,000 square feet. The developer was reluctant to commit to downsizing the project, but agreed to take two weeks to work up some new changes.
The council voted 4-1 in favor of continuing the hearing until Feb. 20. I watched as weary participants in the audience stumbled for the door and home to grab a few hours of sleep. None looked happy with the council action. The way I see it, seeking a compromise is good, but it has to be a realistic compromise.
Size doesn't always matter. I live in Burbank and shop regularly at the Handy Market on Magnolia Boulevard. It is small, but very popular. There are long lines and crowds on most Saturdays.
Whole Foods Market has a stellar reputation for superior organic and healthy foods and that will draw large numbers of consumers as well. The square footage of the store will not affect that. If you build it, they will come. And I admit, I will be one of those shoppers.
Designing a store that fits in with the Rancho District neighborhood is important and essential. Still, traffic and other problems will arise and must be dealt with to create a shopping environment we all can live with and enjoy.
Burbank is not an isolated hamlet in make-believe Kansas. Burbank is a thriving diverse city in the 21st century and its officials have to be willing to make tough decisions that will benefit all of its citizens.