LA City Council Seeks to Restrict Tour Buses Near Marilyn Monroe’s Former Home

Just as in life, the late Marilyn Monroe continues to attract curiosity in death. However, the city of Los Angeles Friday advanced an effort aimed at restricting tour buses from operating or traveling on streets near the former home of Monroe in Brentwood after designating the property a historic cultural monument in June.

In a 13-0 vote, council members approved a motion introduced by Councilwoman Traci Park and seconded by Councilman John Lee. Park’s motion instructed the Department of Transportation to evaluate street segments to restrict tour bus operations on the following:

— Fifth Helena Drive between Carmelina Avenue and Fifth Helena Drive’s cul-de-sac; and

— Carmelina Avenue between Sunset and San Vicente boulevards.

Department staff are expected to report back and provide recommendations to effectuate the restrictions.

Council members Imelda Padilla and Heather Hutt were absent during the vote.

Monroe’s home was designated as a historical cultural monument two months ago, spearheaded by Park, who represents the 11th District, which includes the property located at 2305 W. Fifth Helena Drive. The city moved to save the home following an attempt by the owners to demolish it last year.

The actress died on Aug. 4, 1962, at the age of 36 as a result of an overdose inside her home. Monroe had been one of the most popular Hollywood stars during the 1950s and early 1960s.

Residents in proximity to the Brentwood home have expressed concerns about privacy and safety with the designation, which Park said she would do.

Peter Sheridan, an attorney for Brinah Milstein, Glory of the Snow 1031 Trust, and Roy Bank, owners of the Brentwood Home, had criticized the council’s action at the time.

“The designation today was yet another step in an admittedly biased, unconstitutional, and rigged process, as set forth in the owners’ lawsuit. Traci Park’s actions today and throughout the process, disregarding the interests of her constituents and the facts and merits, demonstrate that no one’s home or investment is safe,” Sheridan said in a statement on June 26.

The property owners had challenged the designation, suing the city for injunctive relief. On June 4, a judge tentatively denied their attempt.

Attorneys for the property owners previously filed court papers with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant in which they said the city was violating the law by trying to give the home historical recognition. The pair bought the residence last July for $8.35 million and had obtained a demolition permit from the city — which was later revoked.

The judge issued a tentative ruling in favor of the city, calling the Milstein-Bank motion an “ill-disguised motion to win so that they can demolish the home and eliminate the historic cultural monument issue.”

The couple would not suffer the irreparable harm they claimed by being denied a preliminary injunction because the City Council would address the issue, according to Chalfant.

— City News Service