28
October 2013
Residents form associations to curb zoning abuses, crime
THEN.....
1988
NOW!
2013
Bruce Walker, a Local Broker & Property Owner, began his career 25 years ago. He has seasoned not only in looks, but in his profession as well. As One Professional to Another, I Congratulate the Larchmont Chronicle on 50 Years of Success!
When this newspaper began publishing, only one neighborhood association was active—Hancock Park Homeowners Association. It had been formed in 1948 under the name Hancock Park Property Owners Association, and had offices on Wilshire Blvd. The group’s stated purpose was to enforce deed restrictions and protect single-family zoning. The list of sponsoring members in 1948 included Robert Breyer, Pierpont Davis, Colonel Andrew Copp Jr., Gabriel Duque, Henry Mudd, Mrs. Thomas Ridgeway and Roy Seeley. Presidents through the years were Robert Wood, Stuart Ketchum and Joseph Wolf. Recent residents taking the gavel have been James Wolf and current head of the Association is Cindy Chvatal. Gradually, other neighborhoods began forming groups to maintain and enhance their areas.
Homeowners activate neighborhood group
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Zoning, taxation, crime prevention and beautification were some of the issues the newly reactivated Windsor Square Association tackled in 1978. The group, originally formed in the 1940s, had been dormant for many years. Marcus Crahan was elected president of the group by the organizing
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committee. The new group outlined tentative boundaries from Beverly Blvd. to Wilshire Blvd., Arden Blvd. to Van Ness Ave. Michael O’Neil was named vice president, Mrs. Beatrice Challis, secretary; Ben Root treasurer. Directors were Norman Phillipon, Norman Murdock, Mary M. Miller, Lucy Bell McBain, Dr. James Gibbons, Knox Farrand, Catherine Crahan. Directors-at-large, who represent each block in the Windsor Square area, were named to improve the representation and communication among residents. The Association, which previously focused on zoning issues, planned to expand its areas of concern. Crahan said the reactivated group would also pursue matters relating to residential care facilities, foot patrols to aid crime prevention, property tax and insurance rate limitation, block parties, recreational areas and beautification. Current president is Larry Guzin.
Group created when houses threatened In 1972, the city of Los Angeles threatened to condemn and raze four houses between First and Second streets on Wilton Place. The city ignored the protests of homeowners and proceeded with condemnation pro(Please turn to page 29)
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