Council upholds DOT findings in Howard Hughes Center appeal; item approved 9-1

The Los Angeles City Council on June 2 voted to approve item 13, effectively upholding the Department of Transportation—s findings in a dispute over the Howard Hughes Center development agreement and associated coastal transportation fees.

The matter reached the council as an appeal by homeowners and community groups who argued a change in the project—s planned use—from office to an evening-heavy mix of theater, restaurants and retail—would shift traffic impacts and require additional mitigation. Craig Sherman, representing the appellants, told the council the mayor—s office had unilaterally amended a development agreement and that the city must enforce the Coastal Transportation Corridor Specific Plan and the 1986 development agreement.

"This appeal—s about West Side traffic — your…