Forums on Preservation Plan

In an attempt to defuse controversy over a proposed historic preservation plan, West Hollywood’s Historic Preservation Task Force has announced that it will hold a series of monthly educational forums beginning Wednesday.

Mayor Alan Viterbi and members of the task force will discuss the city’s proposed historic preservation ordinance during the first forum. Each of the forums will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave. Admission is free.

Other forums, scheduled for April 6 and May 4, will deal with courtyard housing and the city’s history as reflected in its historical buildings, said Ruthann Lehrer, a task force member.

The City Council appointed the task force to draft an ordinance, which it hopes will be ready by May, that will establish a landmarks registry.

A consulting firm hired by the city last year recommended 118 structures as possible city landmarks, angering property owners whose homes are on the list. They have complained that the preservation plan could prevent development of their properties, and thus ruin their value.