By Alison Shackelford
Copley News Service

Plans for a 430-unit apartment complex in Del Aire moved forward Wednesday when the county's Regional Planning Commission signed off on the project, despite a threat from the city of Hawthorne to sue if the developer does not make changes.

The decision leaves the complex with a final hurdle to clear -- approval from the county Board of Supervisors, which is scheduled to consider the project March 22.

Although the apartment complex would be built in Del Aire, just south of the Airport Courthouse, some Hawthorne residents are concerned that a large influx of renters could lead to clogged streets and crowded schools in Hawthorne's nearby Hollyglen neighborhood.

The city has provided the developer of the complex, Trammel Crow, with a list of complaints, and the City Council voted in November to sue if the developer declines to change the project and it gains approval from the supervisors.

Still, Hawthorne can't file a suit until it exhausts several administrative remedies, including appealing aspects of the Regional Planning Commission's decision and asking the supervisors to reject the entire project, City Attorney Glen Shishido said.

But if necessary, "we fully intend to pursue litigation," Shishido said.

Representatives from Trammel Crow said they have addressed Hawthorne's concerns in addition to offering a package of developer-subsidized community improvements. Although the package was created in response to demands from Del Aire residents, it will benefit Del Aire and Hollyglen, according to a Trammel Crow spokesman.

In addition to $1.5 million in mandated fees, the developer will contribute more than $322,000 to support community resources such as child care, schools and libraries used by residents.

Considering all that, a lawsuit by Hawthorne would have no merit, said Kim Paperin, a development associate with Trammel Crow.

"We've answered the allegations that (Hawthorne) has presented and fully addressed the issues," Paperin said. "We really feel this is a great project. It helps to meet the housing needs of Los Angeles County and delivers benefits to not only Del Aire but directly to Hollyglen as well."

John Koppelman, who led Del Aire's initial opposition to the project and, as president of the new Del Aire Neighborhood Association, negotiated with Trammel Crow for the concessions, said he now believes the apartment complex is in Del Aire's best interest.

"I don't see a better project coming, and I can imagine some worse ones that won't throw any money toward our neighborhood," he said. "This way, we'll get a neighbor who we at least have a relationship with."

Staff writer Ian Gregor contributed to this article.