NBCUniversal Cancels Residential Development as Part of Massive Expansion Plan

NBCUniversal's massive expansion plan has been revised and will no longer include a controversial addition of 3,000 units and associated retail spots on what is now Universal’s backlot, according to Deadline.com.

The residential units had been opposed by many nearby neighborhood leaders because of potential negative environmental impacts, as well as increased congestion and a decrease in backlot jobs. In February, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky .

Originally priced at $3 billion, the project is now estimated at $1.6 billion, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

NBCUniversal president and COO Ron Meyer released the following statement, according to Deadline:

Los Angeles has been the home of Universal for nearly 100 years and The Evolution Plan is our commitment to our community, to our neighbors and to our businesses. We have gathered feedback from thousands of members of our community, including our elected officials. And, after taking a hard look at the project, the current real estate market, our business needs and the needs of our surrounding communities, we believe it’s best to ask the City and County to focus on our 20-year plan without any residential development and to retain our backlot for production.

This is the right time in the process to make this decision and it will enable us to concentrate and invest in our core businesses — television and film production, Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park and CityWalk. Planning for our future in a way that is responsive to the community has always been a priority of the Evolution Plan. Today marks the next step in making this important project a reality.

The NBCUniversal Evolution plan involves revamping studio facilities, adding new theme park attractions and Citywalk venues, creating new jobs and installing connections to public transportation to and from the complex. 

Check these previous stories to learn more about the NBCUniversal expansion plan: