NBC Universal has proposed a $3 billion commercial and residential addition to its 300-plus acres in Universal City. It would include 2,900 additional condominiums and additional television and movie production facilities. Last October 2, the company publicly stated that it would provide $100 million in transportation improvements to mitigate traffic generated by the proposed new development. Then last December, a bombshell was dropped when Comcast, the company with cable networks, regional sports networks, and other properties, would merge with NBC Universal into a new partnership. General Electric, the parent of NBC Universal, would own 49 percent, and Comcast would own 51 percent, a controlling interest. Now what would happen to the proposed $3 billion NBC Universal development at Universal City? My sources at Comcast here in Los Angeles caution not to expect any changes by the new partnership in dealing with the proposed new development. This is a merger, and not an acquisition by Comcast. Final authority is with Comcast, but each entity will manage their individual assets. I have asked the executives of NBC Universal to deep six their $100 million traffic mitigation plan, and take a bold and creative step, by picking up the costs of their patrons using the Red Line subway to Universal City. Instead of tinkering with traffic lights and a new freeway onramp to the 101 freeway, they should put together an advertising and marketing plan to persuade their 10 million visitors each year to use the subway and other light rail systems to travel to their entertainment venues at Universal City. Universal should pay the costs of subway travel to and from their venue. The Universal guest, receiving the subsidy, will spend the additional $2.70 subway toll on another burger or coke. Universal will not lose any money with this agreement. People mover needed The Universal City Red Line subway station was built in the 80’s to accommodate the millions of visitors to the CityWalk, studio tour, and Gibson amphitheater. MCA Inc, the then owners of Universal, promised to build a people mover system up the long hill from Lankershim Blvd. up to the venues. It was never built. Now inefficient polluting studio trams carry the many thousands of guests each day up the hill. It is not a very attractive or convenient means to travel to the park. The new merged company should now build the people mover system to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to Universal City. The public would applaud them for this needed change in transportation policy. The new Comcast-NBC-Universal partnership, now has a chance to be the new Angels of Los Angeles. They could take the $100 million dollar traffic mitigation commitment, and subsidize the subway cost of their guests traveling to Universal and returning home. Millions of automobile trips to our area each year, would be eliminated. Millions of pounds of car exhaust from automobiles cut, and millions of gallons of gasoline saved. Our elected city and county officials have the final say with this project. They have the leverage to mandate Comcast NBC Universal to enact this proposal. Public officials like to be bold and daring in front of their constituents. This is an opportunity to make a change in our transportation patterns to improve the quality of life for all of us. It is time for some strong leadership from our elected city and county officials. The Red line subway was a $4 billion dollar investment in Los Angeles, paid for by the taxpayers. Comcast NBC Universal now could provide transportation corporate leadership like we have never seen in Los Angeles. Hopefully, they will take this bold step and reduce traffic congestion in the east San Fernando Valley. Jack McGrath owns GM Communications, a public relations and advertising firm in Valley Village. He is the former president of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at: [email protected]
Subsidize Red Line Subway To Ease Traffic At Universal City
