DOES SOHA TAKE MONEY FROM DEVELOPERS?

The first in a series of myth-busting discussions about a very vocal part of Sherman Oaks – SOHA.

It’s no secret that some people bash homeowner groups like SOHA.  It’s an easy way out to blame concerned, organized residents who are taking action about something impacting their neighborhoods.  Because it is often necessary to counteract the spin that accompanies a controversial project and/or issue, longstanding community groups like SOHA use a bully pulpit. Our pulpit is multifaceted - community meetings; newsletters, a dedicated youtube channel, and a newspaper column.

Yet, even with our consistent outreach, misleading information ends-up being circulated in Sherman Oaks.  Ironically, that works to the detriment of the entire community because it enables politicians to play community interests against each other. The following serves as a prime example of a SOHA “urban legend:”

SOHA takes money from developers for projects planned for Sherman Oaks. 

We don’t; but, first a primer on a crucial part of how the development game is played in Los Angeles.

As a result of shortsighted city policies, developers’ interests are often favored over a community thanks to a very persuasive group of downtown lobbyists. Lobbyists have unprecedented access to our Council Members.  Many times, by the time a project is filed in the City’s Planning Department, a Council Member’s mind has been made up about the project.  So, organizations like SOHA find themselves in the position of having to make further requests of developers than the city requires. 

Our position is to ensure that land use laws are upheld, and that the surrounding neighborhood/community is adequately protected from the impacts any large scale project generates – more traffic, congestion, gridlock, etc. Such protections include, but not are limited to, creating traffic mitigation plans, installing traffic calming devices, and more. The only way to obtain further safeguards is to enter into negotiations with developers and Council Members.  Often the results are fruitful – developers realize what is being asked for is reasonable, especially since such protections also benefit the project.  These talks can lead to additional funding commitments from the developer – either voluntarily or at the request of the Council member to pay directly for infrastructure improvements or into trust accounts administered by the City of Los Angeles. During this time, SOHA also works hand in hand with the Council Office to guarantee any conditions and terms are incorporated into legally binding documents

In conclusion, SOHA does not take money from developers.  However, there are developers who live in Sherman Oaks and are members of SOHA, and they are welcome and pay the same nominal membership dues as all other SOHA members. 

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