The bassist for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Red Hot Chili Peppers has an idea for expanding his Silverlake Conservatory of Music that matches the Los Angeles neighborhood's funky, bohemian vibe.
Flea and his school for less-privileged aspiring musicians has flourished here for 13 years at the corner of Sanborn Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. He wants to expand the school, giving students more space than the tiny, soundproof rooms they now have.
He's got his eye on a small plot right across the street. Problem is, that space is owned -- and slated for development -- by a company called Frost-Chaddock.
Their plan is very different from Flea's -- a five-story residential building.
"We just want to serve the community," said Flea. "Our goal is really simple. It's just something that kids want, you know?
"We don't want it to turn into the Third Street Promenade," a reference to the shopping area in Santa Monica.
He's even willing to buy the land, if that's what it takes. So far, though, Frost-Chaddock has said no.
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In a written statement, officials there said that they're working with the community and the conservatory to develop a "mix of much-needed rental housing, retail, restaurants and walkable street-scape."
Flea says that's not what he sees in their plans.
"I understand. It's business," Flea said. "You want to make money. But not at the expense of the community. And not something the community doesn't want."
