With seven residential projects containing 900 units already under construction — and another two dozen projects approved — the most upscale shopping street across the Valley is evolving. But the mixed-use buildings are getting taller and bulkier without regard to a long-standing aesthetic for the boulevard. From the Daily News:

"No one ever thought anybody would want to put residential on Ventura Boulevard," said Lisa Sarkin of the Studio City Neighborhood Council. "There is [sic] no references, rules or constructs on what is being built."

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"Developers are just coming in and doing whatever is the cheapest way to construct and then going away," said Diane Rosen, who lives off the boulevard and heads the land-use committee for the Encino Neighborhood Council. "We're left with the gridlock. We're left with the intensity of overpopulation. We can't take this, unless they sit down and do some really thoughtful planning."

Gerald Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino, is skeptical of the concept that residents will walk from their homes to nearby services. "On Ventura Boulevard in the summer, it is simply too hot to walk out and go shopping. They're not going to take a shopping cart to schlep groceries from Ralphs."

Also on Ventura:The city has declared a painted mural at the Studio City Hand Car Wash illegal, despite praise for it from Councilwoman Wendy Greuel. The mural, depicting Studio City history, was painted without a permit and is currently covered. DN