Newsletter: The Media Messenger

Renewal and Expansion Discussed in Public Forums

The Hollywood Media District's renewal and expansion efforts have begun. In early October, surveys were sent to all property and business owners in the district. Additionally, surveys were sent to the potential expansion area between LaBrea Ave. and Highland Ave. After the surveys were returned, they were tabulated an analyzed by the BID's renewal consulatant, Brad Segal of PUMA (Progressive Urban Management Associtates).

A series of public forums were then held to gather further input from stakeholders. Segal conducted the public forums by asking what has changed for the better in the district, and what has not changed, or has gotten worse. After that discussion, Segal then distributed green and red dots to the stakeholders and asked them to place them next to the BID's services that they either wished to enhance with more funds, or diminish by taking funds away.

At the end of the sessions, Segal summarized the results of the 'dot' exercise and then handed out a survey similar to the exercise, to find out what services the stakeholders want to pay for.

Segal will continue to work on the expansion, meeting with stakeholders and board members later in the month. A new management plan will be drafted by December.

Petitions and balloting must be finished by May, 2004.

Call For Directors

As the Media District heads into its last year under the current contract, four positions on the Board of Directors will be opening up. The positions are for one year each.

The Nominating Committee is soliciting names for consideration. Nominating forms have been sent to all property owners. The deadline is November 14, 2003 at 5:00pm. For extra forms, please contact Devin at 323-460-4770.

The Slate will be declared duly elected at the Annual Meeting in December, 2003.

The Nominating Committee is Alex Colanero, Tim Mahoney, Ana Ramirez, Billy Stabile, Ron Stein, Eliza Thorne, and Ferris Wehbe.

THE BOULEVARD
Santa Monica Blvd.: The Spine of the Media BID

The Santa Monica Boulevard Project saw its kickoff on Wednesday, October 22. Stakeholders on the Boulevard as well as city and state officials attended the meeting, organized by Doug Suisman, the BID's urban designer.

Suisman prepared plans for improvements to the Boulevard, including new trees, lighting, crosswalks, bus stops and kiosks. A long-term goal is to underground the utilities.

Suisman also said that property owners would be encouraged to make improvements to their buildings, such as façade upgrades and lighting.

A key component of the project is the development of Theater Row, which lies in the heart of the Media District. Representatives from the theaters indicated that parking was the major problem for them.

At the end of the presentation, a committee of volunteers was established to take on the project. The progress and future meetings will be featured in the Media Messenger.

Media District Briefs

- The 50 new trash receptacles that were installed throughout the Media District awhile back have now been decorated with the BID's logo. Hollywood Center Studios affixed durable metal signs with anti-graffiti coating to the receptacles. Thank you Tim Mahoney! The receptacles are maintained through the BID by Hollywood Beautification Team.

- Work continues on the Highland Gateway Project. Landscaping at the 76 Station has been completed (see photo at left) and the sign has been approved and ordered. The sign and planters will be installed in the coming months.

Queen Palms and flowers have been planted at the 76 Station on Highland at Melrose as part of the Highland Gateway Project. Photo by Devin Strecker

Banerjee to Assist with Parking

Frances Banerjee, formerly the General Manager of the Department of Transportation, City of Los Angeles, has been contracted to help the Media District create more parking spaces. Banerjee is currently the president of Banerjee & Associates.

For the next six months, Banerjee will be advising the BID on ways to increase and maximize use of the street parking that is available in the District, as well as begin to explore options to bring more parking to the District.

HMD Calendar

HMD Board Meeting
When: Thursday, Nov. 20
Time: 4:00 pm
Where: CFI, 959 Seward St.
Call 323-460-4770 to RSVP

Business Watch Meeting
When: Thursday, Dec. 11
Time: 12:00 pm
Where: Hollywood Community Room
6501 Fountain Ave. (At Wilcox)
Call 323-460-4770 to RSVP for lunch

Renewal Steering Group Meeting
When: Friday Nov. 7
Time: 9:00 am
Where: CFI, 959 Seward St.

GRAFFITI PAINT OUT AGREEMENT

Your consent is necessary to obliterate graffiti at your site. The Hollywood Beautification Team, through the city, will assist in the acquisition of free paint for your property or paint out graffiti using your paint.

Please make sure that your business or property has a signed Agreement on file. For more information or an Agreement, please contact Devin at 323.460.4770.

Activities Report
October - Compiled by Securitas

Questions or Comments

Feel free to contact the Hollywood Media District using the following contact information:

Hollywood Media District
1304 North Highland Avenue #200
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone:  323.460.6322
Fax:  323.460.6488

Executive Director: Mary Lou Dudas
MDudas@pacbell.net

Assistant: Devin Strecker
Devin77@pacbell.net
323-460-4770

Hollywood Media District Field Office
6775 Santa Monica Blvd. #2A
Hollywood, CA 90038
Phone:  323.871.4150
Hours:  7am - 11pm, Mon-Sat

Security Supervisor: Ken Nakano
kenneth.nakano@securitasinc.com

Hollywood Media District Property Owners
Association Board of Directors

Jeff Anthony, President - Iron Mountain Film and Sound
Tim Mahoney, Vice-President - Hollywood Center Studios
Eliza Thorne, Secretary - Seward Film Vaults
Don Robertson, Treasurer - Honda of Hollywood
Fred Anawalt - Anawalt Lumber Company
Carol Cassella - RenMar Studios
Larry Curtis - CFI
Jack Fleming - ADS
Morton Lakretz - The Crossroads
Michael Malick - Marcus & Millichap
Jacques Massachi - Ori Service Center
Albert Sweet - Al Sweet Development
Gene La Pietra - Arena Cafe
Brian Scane - The Paladin Group, Inc.
Ron Stein - Crest NationalFilm & Video
Ferris Wehbe - Hollywood Little Red School

Names and Numbers