Local News in Brief : 3 Cities Agree to Coordinate Planning

In an attempt to deal with worsening development and traffic problems on the Westside, officials from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood have agreed to become better neighbors by coordinating their planning and transportation efforts.

During the past month, the city councils of the three cities have endorsed a memorandum drafted by their planners that formally commits the cities to greater cooperation on planning issues, particularly those regarding proposed developments. A separate agreement on transportation--which would lead to a tri-city traffic study for much of the Westside--is expected next month.

Among other things, the agreement calls for planning staffs to notify other cities of proposed projects or new plans that could affect them. The cities will also reevaluate general and specific plans for compatibility along common boundaries.

“We have recognized that we do not really make independent decisions,” said Mark Winogrond, director of community development in West Hollywood. “Our decisions have an effect on our neighbors, and our neighbors’ decisions have an effect on us.”