The Board of
Directors has expressed dismay at the continued
delays in constructing a proposed parking garage
on Vine Street adjacent to the Nosotros Theatre
(formerly the Doolittle). Two years ago, Department
of Transportation (DOT) officials promised to
begin construction on the garage in order to
time its completion to that of the Encore Hall
gay and lesbian elder housing that took up half
of the surface
lot. Encore Hall will be completed
this March and the City has yet to break ground
on the garage. DOT is now saying they can’t
break ground before 2008. “This delay is going
to create a real hardship for the businesses in
that area,” said Chamber Chairman Jeff Briggs.
“In a few weeks, another 385 parking spaces will
be lost when Hollywood & Vine begins
construction.” The Chamber is urging its
members to either write or email Gloria Jeff,
the general manager of the Department of
Transportation, and request a quicker start on
the garage. Her email address is:
Gloria.Jeff@lacity.org.
Chamber
President Leron Gubler appeared before the
Community Redevelopment Agency this week in
support of the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
project, adjacent to the Chinese Theatre. On
the agenda was approval of the signage program
for the project, which was approved by the
Agency commissioners. Representatives of the
museum said that it was their hope to begin
construction by this summer if all of the
approvals can be secured by then. Madame
Tussauds has also pledged to work with long-time
local business, the Hollywood Wax Museum, in
order to help them through the transition to
find ways that the two facilities can work
together.
Work
is beginning at the corner of Hollywood and
Highland Avenue on a test section of the Walk of
Fame to see if new specifications can prevent a
recurring problem there of cracks and upheaval
on the Walk of Fame. For the past several
months, a task force that the Hollywood Chamber
of Commerce has been participating on has worked
to find a way to fix Hollywood’s famous
sidewalk. Agencies that are contributing money
to the test repairs, include the Hollywood
Historic Trust, City of Los Angeles, Metro, and
Hollywood & Highland. It is hoped that the test
strip can be completed prior to the Academy
Awards. If the test holds, then the task force
will pursue repairs to the entire stretch of the
Walk that is buckling.
Business
executive, television producer and star of
The Apprentice Donald Trump received a star
on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. One of
the most prominent businessmen in the nation,
Trump expressed appreciation to the Chamber and
Hollywood Historic Trust for the honor. Due to
a spat that Trump has had recently with Rosie
O’Donnell, there was tremendous media interest
in the ceremony, a portion of which was
broadcast live by CNN. Also on hand to help
honor Trump were Jay Leno and Larry King.
A
new State Enterprise Zone that was approved in
December for Hollywood will offer some great
opportunities to Hollywood businesses. City
officials explained the program at this week’s
Economic Development Committee meeting.
Enterprise Zones are incentives designed to
stimulate growth and development in select
areas. By far the most lucrative tax credit
available through the program is the hiring tax
credit, which allows an employer to take credits
of up to $35,100 per “qualified” employee, based
on wages over a five-year period. Other
benefits available include net operating loss
carry forward, net interest deductions, and
sales or use tax credit for the purchase of
“qualifying” machinery and parts. For further
information, contact (213)744-7111 or go to
www.lacity.org/cdd/business. Chamber member
Nojan Boloorchi of KBKG, Inc., also offers
assistance in helping businesses understand how
they can benefit from the program. He can be
reached at (626)449-4225. The Chamber will also
post information on its website as it becomes
available.
Hollywood’s
American Legion Post 43 will host the Chamber’s
monthly Business After Hours Mixer on Thursday,
January 25th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30
p.m. Located at 2035 N. Highland Avenue, the
post is an L.A. registered historical landmark.
Built in 1928, the building’s architecture is
Egyptian Revival-Moroccan Deco, and is worth
attending the mixer just to view the impressive
building. However, there will be the usual
not-to-miss opportunity to mix, mingle and
network with other Chamber members. Price of
admission is $10 for members and $20 for
non-members, which includes two beverages and
delicious hors d’oeuvres. For reservations,
call (323)469-8311 or email
steven@hollywoodchamber.net.
Work
is beginning at the corner of Hollywood and
Highland Avenue on a test section of the Walk of
Fame to see if new specifications can prevent a
recurring problem there of cracks and upheaval
on the Walk of Fame. For the past several
months, a task force that the Hollywood Chamber
of Commerce has been participating on has worked
to find a way to fix Hollywood’s famous
sidewalk. Agencies that are contributing money
to the test repairs, include the Hollywood
Historic Trust, City of Los Angeles, Metro, and
Hollywood & Highland. It is hoped that the test
strip can be completed prior to the Academy
Awards. If the test holds, then the task force
will pursue repairs to the entire stretch of the
Walk that is buckling.
A
new State Enterprise Zone that was approved in
December for Hollywood will offer some great
opportunities to Hollywood businesses. City
officials explained the program at this week’s
Economic Development Committee meeting.
Enterprise Zones are incentives designed to
stimulate growth and development in select
areas. By far the most lucrative tax credit
available through the program is the hiring tax
credit, which allows an employer to take credits
of up to $35,100 per “qualified” employee, based
on wages over a five-year period. Other
benefits available include net operating loss
carry forward, net interest deductions, and
sales or use tax credit for the purchase of
“qualifying” machinery and parts. For further
information, contact (213)744-7111 or go to
