Westwood approves widely-criticized plan to demolish the city's largest park to build offices

The Westwood City Council voted to pass a proposal that will replace Joe D. Dennis Park, at the corner of 50th Street and Rainbow Boulevard, with several multi-story, mixed-use buildings. Residents protested the project over concerns about its finances, the impact on pedestrians and Westwood's identity.
A much-watched and controversial project to bring office buildings and a park to a prominent green space in Westwood is moving forward.

During a Thursday night meeting, the Westwood City Council approved several items related to Mission Woods-based Karbank Holdings LLC’s project proposal for Rainbow Boulevard between 50th and 51st streets.

Karbank envisions replacing Joe D. Dennis Park with four multi-story, mixed-use buildings and giving the city 3.86 acres — where the original Westwood View Elementary currently sits — for a new park.

The governing body, including the mayor, approved a preliminary development plan and rezoning requests in a 5-to-1 vote. Councilmember Holly Wimer voted in opposition.