Despite opposition to a a project at 1012 2nd Street by several residents living in the surrounding area, The Santa Monica City Council denied three separate appeals to the project plans. The project was approved by the Planning Commission in February, but the appellants object to the slew of variances and other items.
The project calls for construction of a four-unit condominium, and includes retention and rehabilitation of an existing City Landmark designated turn-of-the-century Victorian cottage. It also calls for construction of three new condominium units on the rear of the parcel located at 1012 2nd Street. The applicant is requesting a height of more than the allowable 35 feet, as well as six additional variances on elements such as setbacks and number of stories.
The three appellants based their cases on the lack of an environmental review for the project, inappropriate displacement of four tenants who have lived on the property for more than 15 years, traffic congestion and other objections pertaining to the variances. Several residents in the area voiced concerns about the project, mainly related to the loss of views and sunlight in nearby buildings due to the proposed project’s height.
An owner of an apartment building at 1008 2nd Street said he is not opposed to development at 1012 Street, but that, as it stands, the proposed project is too tall, too dense and too close to his building. Neighbors also voiced concerns about asbestos, a decline in air quality and noise during the estimated 18-month construction period. Councilmember Bobby Shriver asked the applicant to speak about the potential hazard from asbestos, and the applicant said asbestos removal will be done safely and in a way that will not impact neighbors’ health.
Mayor Genser called the design of the building and the variances reasonable, but had questions for staff about the lack of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. The staff replied to the mayor’s concern, saying the project is in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards and is exempt from a CEQA review.
Other agenda items included the introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code to establish a new marathon route segment in Santa Monica, including a finish line on Ocean Avenue and post-event activities at the 1550 lot. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
Jason Perry was appointed to one unscheduled vacancy on the planning commission, and Barry Seid was appointed to a third term on the commission for the senior community.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held on October 13.
