New Deal Clinches Ralphs Supermarket Expansion

Ralphs Markets has agreed to further conditions on its plans to build the San Fernando Valley's largest "Fresh Fare" supermarket at the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Hazeltine Avenue, Sherman Oaks Patch has learned.

The Los Angeles City Council approved the project last week. However, Ralphs continued to discuss various aspects of its plan with the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association. SOHA, a local group with more than 2,000 members, has opposed the proposed market on grounds that it is too big for the neighborhood.

With the threat of litigation hanging over talks, the parties continued to negotiate aspects of the more than 70,000-square-foot project.

"We did manage to negotiate a number of positive additions to the project, including a 24-hour security guard, a $100,000 community protection fund for traffic and safety mitigation, an acoustic enclosure for the truck loading dock," said SOHA board member Marshall Long. Ralphs also has agreed to pay  $100,000 to $130,000 for public art at or near the site, Long said.

The other condition requested by the homeowners group is that City Councilman Paul Koretz, who voted in favor of the project, require the store to submit plans in compliance with the governing land-use laws. Specifically, this applies to the project's "Specific Plan," which spells out height limits along Ventura Boulevard and adjacent areas.

Ralphs requested to be relieved of several exceptions or variances from the Specific Plan with regard to building heights and signage.

With these conditions in place, the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council voted to support the project. Ralphs has said its plans for the expanded supermarket include a store with wide aisles, large bakery and deli sections, and areas where shoppers can dine and drink coffee.

The supermarket chain, owned by Kroger, made its case for expansion through a specially created Web site, which features videos promoting the project and testimonials from area residents who were asked by the company to voice their support.

During past hearings on the plan, more than 400 community members expressed support for the upgraded supermarket.