Construction crews return to site of too-tall Target store in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (KABC) -- A judge orders construction to stop on a new Target store being built in Hollywood. Two groups opposing the project claim the city is violating its own zoning laws.

One of contentious issues is the height of the new store, which is more than twice the limit for the neighborhood. But despite the judge's order, construction work appeared to continue Thursday.

The project is almost 200,000 square feet. But it's the height that some residents are targeting, it will be 74 feet tall. They say city zoning laws limit projects in the area to 35 feet.

Attorney Robert Silverstein represents the La Mirada Avenue Neighborhood Association, which sued to stop the project.

Target's plan to build the store goes back to 2010 and was pushed forward by then-Councilmember Eric Garcetti who wanted to revitalize the neighborhood.

The new councilman in the area is Mitch O'Farrell, who says the store plans to hire hundreds of people.

A judge ruled the city must invalidate the permits for the project and work must stop. Thursday, however, there were construction crews on the job.

"Target is taking steps to continue construction at the store site so our opening plans remain on schedule, but due to pending litigation, we are unable to share specific details," the company said in a statement.