By Mary O’KEEFE

The building in the 2600 block of Foothill Boulevard is nearing completion but local residents are concerned about the height of the structure.

The development on the former site of Plumb Crazy has had its share of ups and downs – literally. There have been concerns from community members about the proposed underground parking, the third story and a Moreton bay fig tree that is located next to the development.

Developer George Voskanian worked with the Crescenta Valley Town Council on the tree issue along with design questions including the color of the completed building and the use of native La Crescenta rock.

Lately however there have been some concerns at the height of the building, which is only permitted to 35 feet. In 2010, it was found that the original plans proposed a three-story building. Those plans were submitted without the correct grading. A neighbor discovered that the plans did not appear to match the natural grade of the property and exceeded the height limit. The neighbor brought this finding to the attention of Public Works, which investigated and discovered that the plans were not in compliance.

The project was stopped while the developer came into compliance, which he did in October 2010. The building dropped from three stories to two stories. Now the ever watchful neighbors are concerned of the height of the building again.

Kerjon Lee, spokesman for Los Angeles County Public Works, said that an inspection was made at the site earlier in the week.

“A general observation of the building by County Public Works Building and Safety staff did not indicate a height exceeding 35 feet,” Lee said. “However, as is our common practice when this question is raised, our office has asked the developer to provide a final survey showing the elevations at the front, rear and the center of the building.”

Once Building and Safety has received the document concerning the measurements, a final determination will be made by the department.

Another concern was the presence of what appears to be storage sheds on the roof of the building, however Lee said after an investigation they found there was no storage area on the roof. The structures are several façades that had been previously approved by the County Department of Regional Planning.

There were also concerns from neighbors about the times construction began in the morning.

“The developer told Public Works that he does not begin construction work until 7 a.m. The current noise ordinance allows for construction between the hours of 6:30 am. and 8 p.m.,” Lee said.

The information on the building’s measurements were not available at press time.

  Mary Okeefe