LOS ANGELES -- Supporters of a dramatic expansion at the Museum of Tolerance spoke out Wednesday, saying the museum will not create noise or parking problems.
The 28,000-square-foot expansion would bring the museum, the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, to about 97,400 square feet. Opponents of the project said the expansion would bring noise, parking woes and traffic to the neighborhood.
The center's public relations director, Avra Shapiro, said Wednesday that museum has 242 parking spaces, with an additional 117 spaces across the street. The total is enough not to create overflow into nearby neighborhoods, Shapiro said.
The Los Angeles Times reported that a 100-foot noise buffer on the museum's southern end would be shortened to 20 feet.
Shapiro said the museum has worked with an independent noise consultant, who recommended insulated glass with a 4-inch air gap for sound absorption. She added that although the first and second floors have a 20-foot setback, the third and fourth floors have a 43- to 53-foot setback.
Also, Wednesday, supporters of the project praised the museum and advocated for its expansion.
"Like millions of people who have visited the Museum of Tolerance, I always look forward to the new exhibitions and additions to the already outstanding components. It is essential that the plans for continued growth progress as scheduled," said middle school teacher Shelley F. Deutsch, who added that she has taken more than 1,000 students to the museum.
"It seems to me that the proposed cultural center is a much better of the existing space as more people will be exposed to museum's important message," said Auschwitz Concentration Camp survivor William Harvey.
