Council approves partial street vacation in Bel Air after split committee vote

The Los Angeles City Council on Feb. 19 approved the vacation of a small cul‑de‑sac in the Bel Air area, adopting recommendation b by a 13-2 vote.

Council Member Fuhrer moved recommendation b for the street vacation; the motion was seconded by Council Member Misakowski. Public supporters and the applicant argued the vacation would improve privacy and security for residents in the hillside area, and speakers said the item had advisory agency approval and a favorable Fire Department review of gate layout and access.

Council Member Walters said she voted against the item in committee and urged the full council to reject the motion, expressing concern about privatizing city streets and noting a state law authorizing closures only in specified high‑crime instances. Other members warned a complete closure of a public street could be legally vulnerable; the city engineer recommended denying a portion of the requested vacation because it is needed for public street purposes as a turnaround for fire and emergency vehicles.

Speakers for the applicant said the planning advisory agency later found the project consistent with the general plan after revisions and neighbor agreements were reached; a single protesting neighbor settled terms with the applicant, the applicant said. The council discussed whether vacating the entire area could be challenged in court, and whether portions needed to be retained for turnaround and emergency access.

After debate, the council approved recommendation b on the floor; the clerk announced the vote as 13 ayes, 2 nos. The council instructed the clerk to transmit the item forthwith.