Controversial Hollywood Hotel Project Delayed
Delays have hit a 21-story, Art Deco hotel proposed at the site currently occupied by Jack in the Box at the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga boulevards in Hollywood.
The LA City Council’s planning and land use management committee postponed voting on the project, which requires a zoning and height change. The project has been controversial, drawing complaints against one of the developer's executives, the Beverly Press reports.
R D. Olson president of construction Bill Wilhelm has been criticized for being a former member of the Christian group Legatus, which is linked to the publication of anti-gay articles. Labor union UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents more than 23,000 hospitality workers, launched an ad campaign targeting Wilhelm's involvement with Legatus.
Wilhelm has reportedly resigned from the organization and issued a statement that he does not hold with some of the positions taken by Legatus.
LA councilman Mitch O’Farrell, who represents the neighborhood, said there has been nothing homophobic in the developer's approach to the proposed hotel.
R.D. Olson Construction bought the property three years ago.
The planning and land use management committee is expected to weigh in on the proposal in June.
