Redevelopment Agency

Finally the Community Redevelopment Agency’s record (“No to CRA, Yes to Help,” July 2 editorial) of ineptness and extravagance is becoming known.

At least the northeast San Fernando Valley has been able to learn from North Hollywood’s mistakes and can move on without the CRA’s yoke.

Both areas could be helped significantly by a variety of tax incentives. Construction and rehabilitation of residential, commercial and industrial properties would certainly benefit from new federal and state income tax credits and faster depreciation write-off. Reduced city business license taxes would attract new jobs to the areas and to the whole city. To help revitalize the northeast Valley, homeowners, tenants, business owners and landlords need to work together.

It’s also about time for the CRA to finally be effective in North Hollywood or get out of the people’s way.

VICTOR N. VIERECK

Member, North Hollywood

Project Area Committee

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It takes great courage to realize that you might have made an error and to admit it. On behalf of the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, I would like to compliment Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla for his insight and concern about having the Community Redevelopment Agency responsible for the redevelopment of his district.

I would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my position and that of our organization that we will be inviting private developers to meet with the councilman or his aides, to tour and discuss the feasibility and opportunity for the private sector to work together to revitalize the northeast San Fernando Valley.

Only then will we be in a position to determine the next course of action.

J. RICHARD LEYNER

Chairman of the board,

United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley