NBC Universal unveils plans for $3 billion development of Hollywood complex

I thought the last *expansion* was nixed because of the *neighbors*. Short term memory?

That's the idea though... under NBC rule, get the neighborhood on board by keeping them involved, show you have a long-term plan, work the system.

Saw this in the LA times article:

"Room for the housing project, to be located on the back lot, would be created by moving some tour attractions, such as Colonial Street, European Street, the Bates Motel and "Psycho" house, and the "War of the Worlds" disaster scene."

That essentially cuts off a huge chunk of the studio tour route, shrinking the theme park to an even smaller size. And it puts the new housing development literally on the edge of the studio backlot. Is that wise to forever limit the borders of the theme park and to create noise pollution so close to production space?

I doubt that that U. Hollywood would ever increase in popularity now that they are intent on elminating all possiblities for significant expansion.

^ I agree, but I think we all know that some of those backlot attractions are getting fairly "old and stupid." ;)

Granted, but we also can't forget "new and stupid" like Fast and The Furious.

What really stuns me about the article is that they think USC will be great because people can live and work in the same area, so it's great urban planning. Our mayor even thinks this will help the housing crisis in Los Angeles. I would like to know how he thinks the average retail worker at Citywalk/Theme Park/USC (those great new service level jobs that will be created) will be able to actually afford to buy even a starter 600,000+ 1 bedroom condo?

But back on topic, it's just amazing to watch Universal screw up so incredibly. The only rational I can imagine is that they are only thinking about short term gains. It's not like they are handling IOA and USF very well either.

"old and stupid" for some of us is brand new. I was able to go to Universal Hollywood for the first time last year. I had never seen any of the attractions there. I know I may be in the midwest, but I can't say that I know a lot of people that have been there.