This op-ed I authored in March of 2014 explains why I thought residents should support the referendum then circulating against the over-sized, over-commercial project proposed by Hines at the former Papermate site on Olympic Blvd.  Residents succeeded in qualifying the referendum, and the Council majority was (barely) convinced to reverse its decision.  Still, my
take on this project warns us what to watch for next time.  We can do better.