Developer creates revitalization plan for 3.1-acre area in Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A developer is planning a major rehabilitation project for an area of Pacific Palisades that's seen better days, but not everyone is on board with the idea.

The proposal by Caruso Affiliated - the developers behind The Grove and the Americana at Brand - want to turn a 3.1-acre area on and around Swarthmore Avenue into "Palisades Village," a revitalized Main Street with parking, shops, restaurants, a park and a restored movie theater.

"I'm very excited about bringing back a great old street that used to be very vibrant in Los Angeles," developer Rick Caruso said.

At a public hearing at City Hall Thursday morning, residents, who were bused in by the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, spoke out. The majority were in support of the plan, but not everyone has been convinced.

Some residents had several concerns, such as Swarthmore being turned into a one-way street, the sale of alcohol and the hours of operation.

Kenneth Turan, a longtime resident, said while he is excited about the concept of a spruced-up downtown, there are a lot of unknown factors.

"I'm happy that things are going to come to life again - this stretch of this city has been dead for too long - but I'm worried about traffic as many of the residents are," he said.

Signage is already up for the proposed project and developers said they hope to start construction by July. The goal is to open in late 2017 or early 2018.