Council approves vacation of small Bel Air cul‑de‑sac despite objections about privatizing streets

The Los Angeles City Council approved a request to vacate a short cul‑de‑sac in the Bel Air area by a 13–2 vote, despite repeated objections from a councilmember who said the action risks privatizing public streets.

The motion (identified as recommendation B in committee) was moved by Councilmember Fuhrer and seconded on the floor; the council recorded the vote as "13 ayes, 2 nos." Supporters said the area was largely vacant or private property adjacent to the street and that the vacation had been recommended by the advisory agency, upheld by the Board of Zoning Adjustments, and reviewed by the Fire Department for emergency access and turnaround arrangements.

Public speakers including Larry Gray and a representative for the applicant urged approval. Councilmember Walters said she voted against the item in committee and argued the closure would amount to further privatizing city streets; Walters and another councilmember recorded no votes. Supporters countered that the specific portion being vacated was a short driveway-like segment and that the applicant and neighbors had reached agreement.

Councilmember Holden and others asked for clarification about a portion identified by the City Engineer as necessary for public street purposes; staff explained that the segment in question serves as a turnaround for fire and emergency vehicles and is typically retained when other portions of a street are vacated. Opponents warned that litigation in earlier cases had required reopening streets and that closing the entire area could be found unlawful.

The council approved recommendation B and ordered the matter forwarded "forthwith."