Let’s Talk About Height
We recently met with Councilman Koretz and were delighted to hear his optimism towards our proposed plans. As a representative of a community with diverse opinions, he conveyed the community’s enthusiasm and excitement for the Ralphs, while addressing the concerns of a small group of residents. The issue of height of the proposed Fresh Fare is a concern that he has heard from a vocal minority. This is not an unfamiliar concern to us, as we’ve heard it from this group as well. As a responsible member of the community, we want to address the height issue head on.
This group of vocal residents has repeatedly called for the proposed Fresh Fare to be under 30 feet. However, because of our unique property and our opposition to having subterranean parking, it is not possible to have a Ralphs Fresh Fare at this height. People from all over the community have been expressing their dislike for subterranean parking for safety and access concerns. Yet this is what we’d have to do…have subterranean parking and have a store entrance that is lower than Ventura Boulevard.
We are working with the architects and Council office to avoid having any underground parking. In order to utilize the site that the Ralphs sits on, the proposed Fresh Fare needs to exceed the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan’s height limitations and we are figuring out just how much or how little this will have to happen. At the end of the day, the highest point of the current store is only two feet lower than the highest point of the proposed Ralphs Fresh Fare. This minor height variation is exactly that – minor.
The video above describes why we went above the height limit to begin with and what it would mean for the Ralphs Fresh Fare to comply with 30 feet. We encourage you all to take some time to express your thoughts and leave your comments below on this issue.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
i don’t know. after watching this video, it seems like the specific plan wasn’t really designed to provide jurisdiction over a plot of land that slants so dramatically from one block to the next. i’m sure it has its uses to prevent skyscrapers, which makes architectural sense, but the current ralphs is already above the specific plan, so it’s grandfathered in in a way. what’s the big deal if the new building is two feet higher in a few areas?
The size if the new building is fine with me, I love the new look and need a ralphs closer to me with fresh produce.
If the new Ralphs building were in front of the Taj Mahal or would block a breathtaking sunset on the Ocean, I would understand the issue – probably. But this new design would rejuvenate an area that seems somewhat stuck in the 70’s, would bring a breath or fresh air in the middle of Sherman Oaks, much like the new Galleria has done in the past, and it would probably bring even more jobs in the community. All this for two feet of height? Certain people really have nothing better to do than annoy other people. Oh, well…
I am very much in favor of the building of the new Fresh Fare store. I agree with not having underground shopping and parking. Hopefully, the approval process will be swift and clear.
I can walk to the Sherman Oaks store from home and would be inclined to do that much more often with the new store.
I like the one at Coldwater Cyn and Ventura a lot, so I know this one will be even better.
Best of luck.
I think it’s time for the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association to stop having nostalgia fits for the “beautiful” suburban dreamscape of the 70s. I bought a house in the 2000s and try to walk to as many places as possible. I live a few blocks from Ralphs and would love to have a Fresh Fare that is as pedestrian-friendly, airy, clean, well-stocked, and reflective of the urbanization of Sherman Oaks as the one proposed.
SOHA, please stop tanking pedestrian-friendly, urban, and multi-use developments in favor of vacant lots, dirty store fronts, and scary parking lots!
If Ralphs wanted to build a skyscraper on the site, I’d care about the modification to the specific plan. I see no problem with the proposed design and actually am really looking forward to it. Please don’t let SOHA ruin it!
Opposers should be able to explain how a 2 foot height extension would damage the community. Why is it not appropriate for ralph’s to obtain a variance or to challenge the height restriction in the first place. I understand the desire not to have sky scrapers along Ventura Boulevard but, there are many small office structures that look much taller than 30 feet. Furthermore, why can’t the city council raise the height restriction to 35 feet. This is ridiculous and is another example of the ability of a very few to impede the progress of the entire community. I, for one, would no longer shop at ralphs if it meant underground parking. Get the variance and get going on this long overdue project.
as a resident of sherman oaks for 30+ years, i cannot understand why people would turn away development of this type. i understand why the limitation is there…it’s to create a slight obstacle if someone was going to open, say, a 4 story banquet hall…but, when the development choice is right, and the tenant is one that is not going anywhere, why are we so hesitant? are we afraid of what? increasing property values? more beautiful streets? i just don’t get it. built it as high as you need it; best buy went through this same nonesense, and somehow they broke through. we wish u luck. look forward to seeing the ralphs soon!
As a general rule, I support a reasonable following of the rules of the game in our community. But I also want to be practical and enhance our community. If measured along Ventura Boulevard where the new structure will front, the proposed height of the new Ralph’s Fresh Faire is only about 5 feet above the standard allowed discretionary limit of 10 % above the current limit (30 ‘ + 3′). But because the rules state that the height must be measured from the lowest point (which is at Moorpark), the height is listed at 48′. The difference of three feet from the current Ralph’s height is well worth the beautification of Ventura, the added entrance on Moorpark, and the removal of exposed parked cars on Ventura, as currently exists.
Would the community be better off with a smaller, less diverse market, having parked cars visible on the Moorpark side, and less jobs and sales taxes for our city? Would you like to shop or park in a subterranean building? I think not, and that is why the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, and the vast majority of Sherman Oaks residents with whom I speak, join me in supporting this beautiful enhancement to Sherman Oaks.
Please join us in supporting this effort to make our community better!
Dr. Bob Cohen
Local resident for over 50 years
Local dentist for over 30 years
President
Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce
I see no reason to reduce the plans height. I hate underground parking lots. I don’t want to have to take an elevator everytime I buy groceries to get to my car. Imagine having to wait to get out of this underground garage everytime you want to buy something?
I agree with the other post that we need to create this new urbanization of LA where people feel invited to walk to places. I tired of always having to use my car. I love the design, please do not allow this to be changed.
Thanks
Remodelling Ralphs will be a vast improvement.
Sherman Oaks needs a fresh coat of paint, and as little updateing
Just as Tarzana has recently undergone, and it looks wonderful.
The underground parking is a bit forbodeing, plus would be an open invitation to the local transients to move in – which would scare Ralphs customers away. We hope the architects plans go ahead unchanged.
Good luck
i just spent 20 minutes writing a long response to this subject and then it didnt go thru to you !
Bottom line> good luck getting this project thru, minus the sub parking, which will invite transients to move in and customers to go elsewhere
Sherman Oaks needs a fesh coat of paint and a little updating
Samantha Vudrogovic
I think your new store will look beautiful. In this economy, if a company like Ralph’s is willing to spend money to build a new store that will employee people and pay taxes to the city… God bless them!
We need more companies like yours to help our communities. I hope these knuckle-heads at city hall give you the green light, and if they don’t… I say vote them out!
Leave your response!
Join the 400
See What Others Are Saying
Healthy Living
Tips on How to Stay Green!
How does the weather affect your health?
Smart Snacking Ideas
Follow Us
Get Our Blog via Email
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the products and services sold at a Ralphs Fresh Fare different from a conventional Ralphs store?
Will the store remain open during construction?
What changes are being made to the store’s entrances and exits?
Are parking spaces being lost due to the increased size of the store?
What landscape design improvements will be made with a new Ralphs Fresh Fare?
More Questions and Answers