SHERMAN OAKS : Mall’s New Owner Vows Improvements

After five years, street improvements promised by the now-bankrupt developer of a Sherman Oaks shopping mall could begin as early as mid-June, a spokesman for the new owner of the mall said Friday.

“I will do whatever I can to get thesE things done todayyesterday,” said Stephen Hlebasko, spokesman for the European owner of La Reina Fashion Plaza at 14622 Ventura Blvd.

Hlebasko said he will submit updated plans for the improvements by June 2. The plaza will absorb all costs above the $187,000 judgment the city attorney’s office obtained by suing the original developer’s backers, Hlebasko said.

The mall’s original developer promised the city to widen Ventura Boulevard at its intersection with Van Nuys Boulevard, insert a turn lane and make other improvements to accommodate increased traffic created by the mall.

The new owner obtained a temporary permit--which expired last month--to occupy the building. City officials said they are trying to extend the permit while securing quick completion of the road work.

The president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. said he wants the city to withhold the permit until the improvements are complete.

“That’ll pressure them to get the work done quickly,” said Richard Close, association president.

“We’re trying to establish a fair and reasonable time schedule for these things to get done,” said Vivian Rescalvo, planning deputy for City Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky.

Rescalvo suggested the city may issue a short-term permit that would force the property owner to make the improvements quickly.