A Los Angeles City Council vote on Wednesday resulted in the suspension of a controversial hotel project in Benedict Canyon. This decision was met with opposition from some residents in the area, who voiced concerns over the project’s potential impact on the environment and public safety. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, representing the Fifth District, introduced a motion that garnered support from 8 out of 14 council members. The motion calls for a reevaluation of the General Plan amendment, which had previously been approved by the Planning Department and Planning Commission, allowing for the construction of the Bulgari Hotel in a residential zone.
Yaroslavsky emphasized the importance of prioritizing the city’s best interests and aligning with land use, climate, and public safety goals. She also highlighted the uniqueness of each district within Los Angeles and the need to protect the special places that make the city distinct. Prior to the vote, Yaroslavsky presented four reasons to support her motion, including a possible ethics violation related to lobbying efforts for the General Plan amendment.
Evidence suggests that Stacey Brenner received over $174,000 for lobbying while her husband served as the planning and land use deputy for Councilman Paul Koretz. Yaroslavsky questioned the lack of consultation with the City Ethics Office or the City Attorney’s Office regarding this conflict of interest. Brenner personally submitted and signed the General Plan amendment application.
In addition to the ethics concerns, Yaroslavsky argued that the proposed project posed significant environmental threats and increased hazards for residents in the canyon. She emphasized the opposition from numerous constituents, as well as Mayor Karen Bass and environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
The Bulgari project, introduced in 2018, plans for a 59-room hotel and eight single-family homes on approximately 32.67 acres of land. The hotel would feature 18 buildings, a parking structure, a funicular railway, and other amenities. The residential portion of the site would include eight single-family homes ranging from 12,000 to 48,000 square feet.
Developer Gary Safady assured that efforts would be made to ensure the hotel blends in with the environment and that events on site would be smaller compared to nearby hotels. Safady also committed to replacing any trees displaced during construction at a 4-to-1 ratio.
The proposed project sparked strong opposition from Benedict Canyon residents, community groups, and environmental organizations. Concerns were raised about public safety and environmental impacts. However, labor organizations such as the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council argued that the project would generate jobs and benefit the city as a whole.
Celebrities also weighed in on both sides of the issue, with Mark Wahlberg, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Gerard Butler expressing support, while Phil McGraw, Robby Krieger, and Stefanie Powers voiced opposition.
Prior to this vote, the council had previously been deadlocked on the issue. However, Councilwoman Traci Park changed her stance and provided the swing vote that allowed the motion to pass. Park cited the concerns raised by constituents and the desire to protect the Santa Monica Mountains and its ecosystem as reasons for her decision.
Council members Heather Hutt, John Lee, Monica Rodriguez, Paul Krekorian, Kevin de León, and Curren Price remained opposed to the project, highlighting the importance of completing the environmental impact review process before taking a position.
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