Ben Soleimani threatened legal litigation over the previously approved Weaver’s Walk park space. (photo by Rance Collins)

On March 3, the West Hollywood City Council approved C.S. Legacy Construction to build an amended version of Weaver’s Walk – the park space with a weaving pathway designated for the Melrose Design District along Melrose Avenue and Norwich Drive.

In April 2024, Weaver’s Walk was approved and included greenery, a public art piece by Karon Davis “Before Picasso” and 21 trees lining its pathways. But the number of trees has now been cut to 12 after a threat of litigation from store owner Ben Soleimani, who owns a self-named luxury furniture store that he claims would be obscured by the trees.

“The community spent years providing input for the Weaver’s Walk project at community gatherings, pop-ups, commission meetings and council meetings,” Councilwoman Lauren Meister said. “Their input was put aside for one business owner who chose not to participate in the process because, ultimately, it was easier to threaten litigation. A new plan with 43% less trees, and no input from the community – [is] beyond disappointing and a slap in the face to our residents and the environment.”

Weaver’s Walk has been on West Hollywood’s docket since 2014, when the city began community outreach. During the City Council meeting, several residents expressed disappointment, and even anger, with the decision to cut the number of trees after more than a decade of community planning.

“Not quite a year ago, Mr. Soleimani had a parade of people show up, complaining about a lack of notice,” resident Kimberly Winick said, then citing the years of public engagement the project had before approval. “We’re here on less than a week’s notice on a radical revision into something that is not at all what any of us want in this neighborhood. And it’s not what this City Council … approved 11 months ago. What is before you now has nothing to do with a green, healthy, inspirational space. This is nonsense.”

The council, however, said their hands were tied.

“We have to do what’s best for the city and also the residents and none of us that made whatever vote we made [at the meeting] were in any way, shape and form, happy with what we were trying to do,” Councilman John Erickson told the Beverly Press.

“I share the frustration with how much time has been invested by the community and by the city to arrive at an outcome that feels so disappointing to some of the neighbors,” Mayor Chelsea Byers said. “But I don’t want to lose perspective – after 12-plus years, the city is finally gaining a brand-new green space where a concrete island once existed, featuring diverse trees and plant life, art, benches and enhanced walkability, all in the middle of the Design District. This space will hold great long-term benefits to the city and the surrounding community. Moving forward, we have to work harder to engage stakeholders from the outset to avoid costly project delays and to ensure our city is best representing all voices in the community in our final decision-making.”

Vice Mayor John Heilman echoed Byers’ sentiments.

“It will still be a beautiful addition to the Melrose streetscape with 12 new trees, art work and a shaded pedestrian walkway,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that the commercial property owner wasn’t involved in the process as this plan was formulated. In the future, we need to make sure that all stakeholders are represented when we design public improvements which will directly impact them. While the city had numerous, properly-noticed public meetings to discuss the plan, the property owner directly adjacent to the plan didn’t participate in those meetings.”

After the long gestation period, Councilman Danny Hang said he was thankful Weaver’s Walk was getting off the ground.

“Approving it now avoids even more delays and gives people something real to enjoy sooner than later,” he said. “If we drag this out with more debate or litigation, we risk leaving the area unfinished even longer. Plus, this design complements the area. It’s going to look great once it’s done.”

Soleimani did not respond to a request for comment.