Supporters and opponents of the Parking, Safety and Athletic Improvement Project voiced their opinions at the first public hearing with the City of Los Angeles Planning Commission at Van Nuys City Hall on Tuesday.

The project entails the construction of a three-story parking structure with a rooftop playing field and a bridge to connect the garage to the upper school campus across Coldwater Canyon Avenue.

The purpose of the hearing was to allow testimony from “affected and/or interested persons,” according to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. Harvard-Westlake administration and project supporters spoke at the hearing, as did those opposing the plan, including members from Save Coldwater Canyon.

“After hearing the testimony from the Harvard-Westlake parents, alums and employees, it is clear how much this project will benefit the HW community,” President of Save Coldwater Canyon Sarah Boyd said in an email. “What is not clear is what possible benefit this project has to the public that outweighs its numerous negative impacts.”

A hearing officer representing the Los Angeles Department of City Planning hosted the hearing and will prepare a report and recommendation about the project for the Planning Commission on Sept. 28.

“We were pleased so many Angelenos shared their views on the Harvard-Westlake Parking, Safety and Athletic Improvement Project,” Chief Financial Officer for Harvard-Westlake David Weil said. “We appreciated the outpouring of support the community showed for this project and look forward to sharing our proposal with the City Planning Commission on Sept. 28. We believe the facts will show that the project can be constructed sensibly and safely and will bring long-term benefits to both the school and the community.”