Capitol Studios Update: Struggle to Preserve Echo Chambers Continues

After numerous postponements, the Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) hearing concerning construction of a 16-story condominium adjacent to Capitol Studios took place June 24.

Numerous Capitol supporters, including EMD Administrator John Acosta and Local 47 members, turned out to protest the proposed construction, saying the noise would negatively impact recording sessions in addition to putting the studio's unique echo chambers at risk. The construction would also obstruct the view of the famous studio tower along the Hollywood skyline.

The committee voted in favor of noise controls that would prohibit the developer from using pile drivers and from excavating or conducting ground-level construction within 40 feet of Capitol after 10 a.m. on recording days at the studio. In addition, a thick neoprene foam liner would be installed around the excavation site of the condo's parking garage in order to shield Capitol's underground echo chambers from excessive vibration and noise.

"While these measures are welcome, we feel they still aren't strong enough to adequately safeguard against noise disruption in the studios," said Acosta.
The City Council will vote on whether to implement the committee's proposals July 8. At this important meeting, the Council must face a choice between a parking lot and Hollywood's architectural heritage and ongoing economic vitality. A recent study commissioned by Capitol found that the studio pumps more than $21 million in wages into the L.A. economy annually and accounts for almost 200 full-time job equivalents.

Local 47 thanks the membership for all for the support shown so far, with e-mails and letters numbering in the hundreds. Please continue to check www.promusic47.org for updates on the preservation of Capitol Studios.

Postponed...there may be good news!

Dear Local 47 Members:

We have just learned that the PLUM Committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been moved to next week. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support. The emails & letters have been coming in by the hundreds and we hope City Hall has heard the message loud and clear. The following is an email I just received from Greg Parkin Senior Director of Operations at Capitol Studios:

“I have just received notice that the PLUM meeting has been postponed until next Tuesday. PLEASE forward this on to anyone you believe was planning to come.

This is a last minute change requested by the developer in an effort to further address mitigations requested by EMI/Capitol .

I would also like to take this time to brief you on developments that have taken place in the past few days. This will perhaps help you frame your comments for next week's PLUM (Planning and Land Use Management) meeting down at City Hall.

We appreciate the various groups that have expressed interest in having their say before the city. (IBEW, Musicians Local 47, RIAA, NARAS, etc.) I am happy to report that at this point we have prepared extensive mitigations in conjunction with our acoustician, engineers, and legal team that the developer seems ready to accept.

This is obviously a positive development. We would still welcome all of your input before the PLUM committee in regards to the studios and what they mean to you and your group. You have the opportunity next week to demonstrate all that the studios mean to your organization and the lengths to which you will go to protect them. Feel free to address what concern's you most about a disruption for the studio: everything from economic impact from a day's closure, long term closure, or jittery nerves about noise. An alternate issue facing many residents is the sightlines.

We will definitely be stating that we appreciate the cooperation of 2nd St Ventures. We will also state that wavering from these commitments will bring us and hopefully you back to City Hall to defend this historic studio and all of the people, music, and commerce it supports. It is very important for the City representatives at the PLUM meeting to know that you will be back, and you will contact the appropriate City Council members if the developer does not honor the proposed mitigation measures designed to protect the Capitol Studios and echo chambers.

The more you can say how unique the Studio is, how much it contributes to LA’s cultural and economic life and how much it means to you and your group personally, artistically, and financially, the more impact we can have. If you do come, You will need to fill out a speaker card to be allowed to speak before the Committee. You will be limited by the Committee to two minutes in which to speak, so if you plan on speaking make sure that your are able to get across your message within the time limit . We would be happy to walk you through any questions you may have.”

We will continue to send updates on this very important issue.

Fraternally,

John Acosta
Electronic Media Administrator

Tuesday June 10 at 2 pm

promusic47.org

WHAT: The City Council’s Committee considering this issue is called PLUM (Planning and Land Use Management). Board of Public Works

WHERE: Edward R. Roybal Hearing room 350 City Hall 200 North Spring Street

WHEN: Tue 6/10/2008 2PM

WHAT TO SAY: You can be very helpful by showing up even if you choose not to speak. If you do choose to address the Committee, the more you can say how unique the Studio is, how much it contributes to LA’s cultural and economic life and how much it means to you and your group personally, artistically, and financially, the more impact we can have. You will need to fill out a speaker card to be allowed to speak before the Committee. You will be limited by the Committee to two minutes in which to speak, so if you plan on speaking make sure that your are able to get across your message within the time limit . I will be on hand and will be happy to walk you through any questions you may have.

You may also send an automated email to each of the Council members from Local 47 website, promusic47.org.

I look forward to seeing you Tuesday downtown, and please take a moment to send a letter to the Council members!

John Acosta