Bundy Village Gets Planning Commission Approval (UPDATED)

The Los Angeles city Planning Commission voted to approve a controversial, mixed-use project at West Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive in West Los Angeles despite protests that it would add 21,000 extra car trips a day to the area.

The developer, Michael Lombardi, trumpeted the unanimous approval in a statement Thursday: "This approval would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our team, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and his office, and the community, with whom we have been working with for the past several years to design a project that will create greater access to urgently needed services," he said. UPDATE: After Rosendahl expressed concern that Lombadi's original statement indicated he had supported the project as-is, the Weekly was asked by Lombardi's publicist to strike mention of the councilman.

UPDATE (Con't.): However, Rosendahl in fact did support the project, at least in concept, until last month.

The Bundy Village project would include 385 residential units, retail space and medical facilities. Opponents fear that it will add the area's traffic woes. Rosendahl pulled his support for the development following protests, and he created a committee to help the developer downsize the project. However, committee members say Lombardi has been M.I.A. when it comes to meeting with them.

The developer has made some unilateral concessions, including removing retail and parking and reducing the height of one building. Lombardi says he'll work with the community:

"In the months ahead, we look forward to continuing our meaningful discussions with community stakeholders and receiving final approval, so Bundy Village & Medical Park can deliver high-quality healthcare, senior housing, and permanent jobs - all of which are needed in West Los Angeles."