City May Sue Community College District

The City Council has decided that it will file a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Community College District if its concerns regarding an environmental impact report for West Lost Angeles College construction are not resolved by Friday.

This 2010 Supplemental Environmental Impact Report—which was approved Aug. 11 by the district Board of Trustees--has sparked controversy among homeowners associations concerning the more than 350,000 square feet of new development for West Los Angeles College, which will result in six new campus buildings and renovations to existing structures.

Residents and the City Council alike have spoken out against the 2010 report, stating that it , as well as disregarding a 2005 memorandum of understanding between the college and homeowners associations.

"The council determined that, unfortunately, filing suit against the Community College District provides us with the best opportunity to address the outstanding issues of concern to us," Councilman Scott Malsin said.

The City Council announced its intention to file suit at its Aug. 23 meeting. Camille Goulet, a lawyer for the Los Angeles Community College District, directed this reporter to the college for comment.  

West Los Angeles College Interim President Dr. Rose Marie Joyce issued this statement via e-mail:

"West Los Angeles College (West) appreciates the great support it has received from throughout the community and regrets that a few remain frustrated with our efforts. West has been proactively and cooperatively trying to resolve any remaining matters between the city of Culver City, Raintree Condominium HOA, Raintree Townhouse HOA and Culver Crest Neighborhood Association with regard to our building program and SEIR. This effort to resolve the matters between the parties has been ongoing since May 6, 2010, the close of the comment period on the 2010 Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR).

"The College can make no other comments at this time as it has become an active legal matter. Culver City Council has publicly approved and stated that the city will file litigation against the college if the matters concerning West's building program and 2010 Final SEIR with the Culver City community are not resolved."

Residents voiced their approval of the City Council's decision to pursue litigation on this matter.

"It is important for Culver City not to allow itself to be bullied by an entity that consistently fails to honor its obligations and ignores the impact of its obligations on its neighbors," John Kuechle said at a recent City Council meeting. Kuechle is a Culver Crest resident who has been an active opponent of the 2010 SEIR as well as the chairman of the West LA College Subcommittee of the Culver Crest Neighborhood Association.

 "The city is wise to pursue litigation against the college district, as the district has time after time reneged on its word and negotiated in bad faith," resident Steven Gourley said  in an e-mail to Patch.

According to Malsin, representatives from West Los Angeles College, attorneys for the community college district, representatives from the homeowners associations and city staff will conduct meetings before Friday to attempt to resolve the concerns.

"Ideally, we will get what we need before we need to file the complaint," he said. "But if we don't, that's what we will do."