Packed crowd, sitting on bleachers, listens to Jason Teague, architect, explain his proposed project at 1414 Main.

Largest crowd ever–170– attended the LUPC meet Wednesday to hear three of the largest projects Venice has ever had–Abbot Kinney Hotel, Firestone Brewery, 1414 Main–each encompassing one block. The crowd was moved to the gymnasium because the normal meeting place had insufficient room.

Abbot Kinney Hotel, which has been to LUPC eight times, was passed. Firestone Brewery was passed with no further modifications. It is believed they will show the landscaping plans to the VNC. Both will be heard at the VNC February meet.

The 1414 project was center stage during the process. Rick Garvey organized a large contingency to oppose the project. Garvey said there were only three or four speakers for the project, the rest were against it.

According to Garvey, John Reed, member of LUPC, asked Jason Teague, architect for the project, if he would be willing to make any changes and resubmit and he flatly said “no.”

Jason Teague commented “We were voted down and we will be going before the VNC in February.”

One person just leaving the mike after testifying before the LUPC members.

Members of the Land Use and Planning Committee (LUPC) of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Members from left to right are: John Reed; Sara Dennison, vice chair; Mia Herron, Robin Rudisill, secretary; Jake Kaufman, chair, Mehrnoosh Mojallali, Steve Traeger, and Robert Aronson. Missing from the photo is Jim Murez. He had to recuse himself from the hearing of the project. These Venice residents are volunteers.