FORMER VONS HEADQUARTERS TO BEGIN DEMOLISHMENT

New World International (NWI) owns the former Vons Headquarters building that sits in the arc

between Sunset and Michillinda north of Huntington Dr. The site, which was originally constructed as a luxury department store, has been vacant for many years and has had many issues with break-ins, vandalism, and attempted squatting. NWI has plans for a residential redevelopment of the site, which is making its way through the Planning review and entitlement process. While we normally would not allow for a building demolition without a replacement plan approved, the issues at this site are unique, not only with vandalism but with the single-use nature of the current structure and the expectation that the demolition itself will be a time consuming and expensive effort. Therefore, we are prepared to allow for demolition to increase the security for the neighborhood and to remove what is becoming an eyesore.

NWI plans to have its contractors begin interior demolition of the Vons HQ on October 26, so people will notice activity at the site in the coming weeks. The demolition also calls for the removal of several non-protected trees along Sunset Boulevard. We are requiring additional notifications in the area in addition to posting notices on the trees given the conversations in the community recently with tree removals.

I think it would be a good idea to send an update to the Lower Rancho and Village ARB chairs and HOA presidents to clarify what is happening and avoid confusion. Since the demolition was associated with a proposed new development, community members may assume the mixed-use project has been approved, not realizing that the original project has since been closed.I would also like NWI to provide written confirmation that residents at the assisted living facility have been notified of the upcoming work, given the sensitive nature of the use and the potential for significant construction noise.