Zine and Project Official Discuss Costco Plan

Concerned residents and labor union members packed Woodland Hills Academy’s auditorium Wednesday to hear discussions of Westfield’s plan to include a Costco as part of its mixed-use development project. The Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council hosted the meeting with Councilman Dennis Zine and representatives of Westfield Topanga and Costco. The 146,000 square-foot Costco store proposed for the corner of Victory Boulevard and Owensmouth Avenue as part of The Village at Westfield Topanga has raised concerns in the community about issues such as traffic congestion. The addition of the Costco was announced this year after Westfield majorly cut down its development project and made other changes to the plan. Zine attempted to clear the air of past accusations that he misled constituents. He emphasized that while he was instrumental in starting discussions between Costco and city officials for store expansion to the area, he is not responsible for architectural changes made by Westfield. Zine also said he continues to support bringing in the retailer. “I’m trying to bring in some jobs, some opportunities and bring in sales tax to this community,” he said, adding that changes in the economy call for some more affordable shopping options. Members of the Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council made a presentation, suggesting that Westfield and Costco consider adding streets that would cut through the block where the store would be located in order to improve accessibility and traffic flow. They also suggested changing the plans for the store’s parking lot to reduce blight and to create a more pedestrian-friendly design.