Letter to the Beverly Hills Courier March 10, 2023

Dear Beverly Hills Courier,

“Survive to Thrive” was the business motto as the Covid-19 pandemic destroyed normal. I not only own a retail store on Canon Drive but am also a Beverly Hills resident.

I participated in calls with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Task Force, and OpenBH. We not only discussed short term solutions but also what the business community needed to thrive in the future. We determined that Beverly Hills needed to attract dynamic businesses that would enliven the city as well as entice visitors. We need a new luxurious development like the Cheval Blanc Hotel and Spa.

We need to vote yes on Measures B & C on May 23^rd.

Beverly Hills’ business triangle is a community and as we lift one business, we help others too. Landlords, commercial real estate agents, and city planners worked quickly to ensure top retailers and restaurants like Erewhon and Funke could open quickly to fill empty storefronts.

I am eternally grateful for the fast-thinking and quick action of our council and city employees for creating and implementing OpenBH. This program not only helped save our businesses but also showed us that Beverly Hills enjoys a vibrant night life.

Beverly Hills has enjoyed a reputation as a luxury destination, yet the definition of luxury has changed, and Beverly Hills needs to evolve if it hopes to maintain its stellar reputation and lure national and international visitors. We need to welcome change and encourage more developments like Saks Fifth Avenue and the Aman Hotel project.

Last year, City Council approved the LVMH’s 5-star Cheval Blanc Hotel and Spa to anchor Rodeo Drive. It’s a billion-dollar multi-use space designed by world-renowned architect Peter Marino. They choose Beverly Hills as their first US location to join the list of magnificent properties in Paris, St. Tropez, St. Barths, Courcheval, and Randelhi Maldives. 

The proposed 115 room hotel will also host retail, restaurants, a spa, and a 500-member private club. Also, it will meet the City’s Green Building Code as well as a minimum of a Gold Standard LEED rating.

LVMH retail already dominates Rodeo Drive with stores ranging from Louis Vuitton, to Bulgari, to Dior. This project will be a huge boost to the city, not only for the projected city revenue of $750 million over the next 30 years, but also for $100 million for schools, the marketing opportunities, and the extended revenue to neighboring restaurants and stores like mine. 

LVMH went through the planning commission and adjusted designs to pass not only the Environmental Impact Report, but also to address comments made by residents who attended the city meetings. They went through the proper channels, complied with the planning commission, and met the requirements of the city and council.

Since this project required a change to the zoning ordinance, the City Council created a development agreement so LVMH must commit to making a one-time $26 million unrestricted direct contribution to Beverly Hills to address the community’s greatest needs, as well as a $2 million contribution to support the arts.

After the project was finalized and approved, Unite Here Local 11, the union which represents hotel workers, managed to acquire 2,000 residents’ signatures to force a vote on May 23 to review two ordinances. Measure B asks voters to approve the new zoning ordinance. Measure C asks voters to approve the development agreement.

Please continue to support your local businesses that have survived to thrive. We need your help to maintain Beverly Hills as a world-class destination filled with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Let’s redefine luxury while guaranteeing vital funding for our schools, fire fighters, police officers, parks, and other city services.

Vote YES on Measures B and C!