Downtown lights to get brighter?

The developers behind a proposal to replace the Wilshire Grand with a $1.4 billion retail/office/hotel extravaganza are asking the city to establish a sign district in that part of downtown. It's basically an extension of L.A. Live's neon glare, perhaps resembling the bright lights of Tokyo. The Wilshire Grand people want the city to waive L.A.'s hotel bed tax, as has been done for the Convention Center Hotel and the Grand Avenue project. From Curbed LA:

Here's the definition of what type of signage could be included, per the EIR. "...large-scale animated and static signs designed to convey a business, product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, institution, brand, or any other commercial or noncommercial message, including Changeable Copy Signs (to be utilized for a scrolling news ribbon) and Integral Electronic Display Signs. Architectural lighting could also comprise any part of the signage program."

With the ongoing slugfest over digital advertising, this might be a tough go. But never underestimate the ability of big-time developers (and their lobbyists) to sway elected officials. Of course, given the not-so-wonderful economy, it's also possible that the final project will bear little resemblance to what's on the drawing boards.