Land Use Cause for Concern, D'Amico Says

Land use is the most important thing the City Council decides. That was the message a candidate for the panel delivered during a meet and greet Monday night. 

“The future of the city of West Hollywood will be determined by how the City Council votes on development,” said candidate , speaking at a gathering sponsored by the West Hollywood Heights Neighborhood Association. “How we vote on land use cannot be taken lightly.”

Urging a vote for D’Amico, event organizer Elyse Eisenberg said, “John’s experience both personally and professionally is in land use. He has a better understanding of it than anyone on the City Council.” 

D’Amico previously served on the city’s Planning Commission and Design Review committee. He holds two master’s degree—in architecture and urban planning—and works as an architect and project developer. 

A 20-year resident, D’Amico praised the unique character of West Hollywood and the city's small town feel. He then expressed concern about the City Council approving too many new developments, ones that he says lack a distinctive design. 

“What’s special about West Hollywood, once it’s gone, it’s not going to come back,” he said. “I’m interested in getting this city back on track. This bigger, faster, louder direction the city is going in has to stop. Otherwise West Hollywood is going to disappear into the Greater L.A. basin.”

D’Amico criticized the proposed general plan that recommends taller buildings and larger developments along major transportation corridors. “More development and taller buildings are not something the residents want," he said. "They’ve said that repeatedly. But the City Council is pushing it through nonetheless.”

When questioned about his aversion to taller buildings, D’Amico said he was opposed for three reasons. First, taller buildings on the north side of a street spoil the view of the hills. Secondly, tall buildings on the south side of the street cast a shadow over the street. And finally, he isn’t convinced that the city needs the 1,000 more apartments that taller buildings would provide.

D’Amico also advocated creating a Parking Commission since parking tickets are such a huge source of revenue for the city. “If you want to appeal a ticket, you should get to talk to a real person about it.” 

When questioned about the new library, set to open this summer, D’Amico said he was uncomfortable with the $64 million price tag. But he also added that the building lacked anything distinctive architecturally. “It’s right across the street from three world famous buildings [the Pacific Design Center], yet it’s just blah.”

The City Council election will be held March 8.