Cerritos Council Approves Remodeling of Four Acre Shopping Center

Proposed center remodel-Construction on Landmark Square remodeling is expected to start in early spring. Above is a rendering looking at the remodeled Center from South Street.

By Jerry Bernstein

Meeting in regular session July 23, the Cerritos City Council approved the remodeling of a shopping center located on the southwest intersection of South Street and Gridley across from the Cerritos Center at 11300-11388 South Street. Known as Landmark Square, the work includes the partial demolition of two existing buildings and the upgrading of three of the four buildings on the property. Upgrades also include landscaping and vehicular entry onto South Street via installation of a new left-turn lane. The property is zoned CR [Regional Commercial] and totals approximately 4.98 acres.
Seeking approval was Michael Tseng, Perkowitz & Ruth Architects of Long Beach on behalf of the property owners, G & A Partnership.
In other business the Council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city code establishing rules for excessive dog barking. The ordinance permits a single resident to file a complaint about a neighbor’s barking dog, if sufficient evidence is provided to initiate an administrative citation. It would require no other witnesses or neighbors to be part of the complaint.
The complaining neighbor would be required to furnish a log to document the times, days and duration of the barking. Staff will advise the resident on additional methods to obtain evidence including video, tape recorder, etc., then evaluate the evidence and make the necessary recommendations. If the complaining party still wants to proceed, he or she will be notified in writing that their declaration is made under penalty of perjury and the City bears no responsibility for the validity of the complaint. The owner of the dog(s) can appeal with the same options as the person(s) making the complaint. In the case where the violator requests a hearing, both parties would appear before the hearing officer and the City would not be involved.
The Council denied an appeal by Robert and Sue Reeder 19202 Stefani Ave., seeking the removal of a parkway tree adjacent to their property. Mrs. Reeder indicated she has developed a severe allergy to the pine tree and the associated pollen from the tree. She submitted medical documentation to support her concerns as it pertains to the parkway tree.
Mr. Reeder noted that the required continual pollen and pine needle cleanup has made property maintenance and management of Mrs. Reeder’s health condition difficult.
Tod Kuh, Parks Superintendent said denial of the request was based on the city’s tree ordinance which requires a tree be removed if it is diseased, dying or dead and presents a hazard for public safety. In his report he said there was not sufficient grounds for removal of the tree.