Whittier : Apartment Zone Retained

Councilman Gene Chandler has blocked a request to prohibit construction of more apartment buildings on Dorland Street between Pickering and Citrus avenues.

Dorland Street has been zoned R-4, or high-density residential, for 44 years. A group of Whittier residents wanted the zoning changed to R-2, which would allow a maximum of two dwelling units per lot. The residents said more apartments would worsen the street’s traffic and parking problems.

However, developer Charles Lawrence, who bought two Dorland Street lots with plans to build apartments, said it would be unfair to change the zoning after he had proceeded with building plans.

An urgency ordinance to enact a zoning change required a unanimous vote of the council. Chandler made a motion to retain the R-4 zoning, which was opposed by the other three council members. Mayor Victor A. Lopez then moved for a 45-day moratorium on construction, with an exception for developers with building plans in progress. Chandler blocked that motion by voting against it.

Dorland Street will remain R-4 unless residents choose to petition the Planning Commission for a zone change.