Wiesenthal Center, neighbors reach agreement

Friday, March 12, 2010 | by

A group of neighbors has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the expansion of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.

In return, the center will pay $150,000 to the group, Homeowners Opposed to Museum Expansion, to cover legal fees and to purchase noise-monitoring equipment.

Following 21⁄2 years of mutual recriminations, formal hearings and lawsuits, the settlement leaves the museum’s plans to rent out its expanded facilities for social events and conferences largely intact.

Neighbors had complained that the 28,000 square-foot expansion in the West L.A. area would negatively impact the residential character of the area because of the construction noise and the increased traffic and parking problems.

Under the agreement, the museum will be allowed to rent out space for conferences, workshop, banquets, parties and concerts. Most events will have a cap of 500 guests, with a maximum of 800 for up to 12 events per year. In addition, the museum can hold up to 18 evening events per month, and up to 10 per month lasting until midnight. — jta