CBS Parking Lot Gets Mixed Reviews

Residents of Valleyheart Drive have their own ideas about how to beautify the dirt lot at the end of their block.

Until recently the spot along the Los Angeles River and across from the CBS Studio Center hardly merited a look. But that was before the studio leased the property from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to give employees a place to park during the studio’s expansion project.

Now about 40 cars come and go each day under the eye of a security guard--stirring up dust and the ire of some nearby neighbors.

While some residents have applauded the studio for sprucing up the lot, others say the use has disrupted the peace--and the cleanliness--of their neighborhood.

“Everybody’s benefiting but the neighbors,” said resident Jo Farkas, who along with others has complained to studio and public officials.

CBS leased the triangular piece of land from the county in July.

In a letter to studio President Michael Klausman, signed by “the neighborhood,” residents contend that the situation “has created a dust bowl that penetrates our homes and is creating respiratory distress . . . as well as causing a cleaning nightmare!”

In response to dust complaints, Klausman informed residents by letter that he would pave the lot.

But that announcement drew more criticism from those who believe a paved lot with lights and a fence would eliminate dust but would also disrupt the aesthetic of the tree-lined street.

Still, other residents have called to commend Klausman for putting the lot to use and preventing homeless people from gathering there, Klausman said.

“We’re trying to be the good guys here,” he said. “But the neighborhood won’t get together. Whatever they decide, I’ll do.”

Lance Grindle, the DPW’s head of permits and subdivisions, said the county often leases vacant land and often such property is used for parking.

CBS’ lease will expire in 1998.

“Either CBS will renew their lease or the property will be available,” Grindle said. “The residents could get together and buy it, and leave it as open space. That’s happened before.”