Little Tokyo Begins to Mobilize Against Developer Encroachment

by Mike Liu
10/15/07

A representative of 3D Investments, purchasers of 434-room New Otani Hotel and the adjacent Weller Court shopping center, attended a Little Tokyo community meeting, sought to still recent concerns about the future of the neighborhood. Community members proposed setting up an endowment, more affordable rents, relocating the Japanese consulate to Little Tokyo and stronger planning and zoning to counter the sale of major sections of Japan towns in LA and SF. There was also a need for a long-term vision for Little Tokyo.

About a hundred people attended the bilingual community meeting. Students from UCLA claimed that many were ready to take action to save Little Tokyo. Others said that they would focus on working with the developers. A representative from Jan Perry, the area's councilmember, assured community support.

Faraz Daneshgar, one of four brothers in a Beverly Hills real estate company, claimed his company is interested in working with the Little Tokyo community, though they made their purchases without consulting or informing the community.

In addition to 3D Investments' purchases, another real estate company bought the Japanese Village Plaza, the other major shopping center in Little Tokyo.

“This is kind of a pattern,” Bill Watanabe, of the Little Tokyo Service Center, said, “These companies, they’re in it for the business; what is good for the community is not high on their priorities,” he said.

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