San Fernando Valley : Renovation Project for Galleria Scrapped

The owners of the Sherman Oaks Galleria have scrapped plans for a mall renovation project that would have included an entertainment center, City Councilman Michael Feuer’s office announced Monday.

Prudential Insurance Co. of America and Dai-Ichi Life (USA) Inc. have decided on a remodeling project with new restaurants and 13 additional movie screens--bringing the total to 18--and new restaurants.

Today, the owners are to file an application with the city for project approval, said Howard Gantman, Feuer’s assistant chief of staff.

Mall neighbors had criticized the Galleria’s original project as a Universal CityWalk-type attraction that they feared would foster youthful hooliganism, and had met with the owners to discuss their concerns.

“I feel the meetings have been productive and promising,” said Gerald A. Silver, president of the Homeowners of Encino. He said any final blessing from homeowners “is subject to seeing the plans that they file.”