Council confirms street assessment of $12,655 for North Hollywood lot after owner objects

The Los Angeles City Council confirmed a 1911 Act assessment of $12,655 on Wednesday against a vacant lot on Morella Avenue in North Hollywood after the property owner said the improvement did not increase his property’s value.

Milton Burrow, the lot owner, told the council his land at 6742 Morella Avenue had declined in value since he bought it in 1990 and that he received no benefit from the curb and gutter improvement that triggered the assessment. "My value of my property has continued to go down… I receive no benefit whatsoever from this $12,655 assessment," Burrow said.

Randy Price of the Bureau of Street Lighting (Public Works) told the council the project was a 1911 Act assessment initiated by petition in 1997, conducted in compliance with Proposition 218 requirements and that four property owners were assessed. Price said three of the four owners voted in favor of the project and that Burrow was the owner who voted against it. The assessment was spread according to the city's method for allocating benefit costs.

Councilmember moved to confirm the assessment as completed and properly noticed. Councilmember Misakowski moved the committee report and Brinson seconded; the clerk recorded 12 ayes and the council adopted the confirmation.

Burrow asked for additional departmental follow-up and the chair directed Public Works staff to meet with him to answer questions and provide additional information. The council did not alter the assessment amount at the meeting.

The assessment action was administrative confirmation of a locally financed street improvement project under the Municipal Improvement Act of 1911. The council’s vote confirms the assessment record and authorizes collection under the law and related procedures.