November 4, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Planning Commissioners Continue Fleshing Out Bergamot Plan:

Perhaps the third time will be a charm. After spending two meetings in June deliberating over the Final Bergamot Area Plan, the Planning Commission returns to the dais Wednesday to make one more pass at the document that proposes to re-zone a chunk of land between Pico Boulevard and the Santa Monica Freeway to be a neighborhood commercial district.

After poring over the proposed Final Bergamot Area Plan at its June 12 and June 19 meetings, the Planning Commission will continue July 10 to make headway in recommending to Council members the proposed re-zoning changes.

An element the commissioners will be discussing: a piece of property on Pico Boulevard zoned as “mixed-use boulevard.”

According to City staff, the applicant – TC Pico Development LLC – states the “mixed-use boulevard” designation is inconsistent with the surrounding area’s designation as “mixed-use boulevard – low” per the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE).

The change in zoning – considered outdated by a land use law firm representing the applicant seeking the change – would allow for a surface commercial parking lot to be built.

The commercial parking lot, if built, would service a three-story office building already on the property (3402 Pico Boulevard) owned by the applicant.

As a whole, the Final Bergamot Area Plan proposes to be a “plan grounded in history and culture” and would potentially “knit together a community ‘place’ that serves the surrounding residential neighborhoods and the employees of existing businesses.”

The plan also calls for the addition of new streets and bicycle pathways.

According to City staff, once complete, the Bergamot Area would be a transit-oriented creative arts district and Santa Monica’s first new neighborhood of the post-World War 2 era.

“This Plan’s vision seeks to take the area from a monoculture of workplaces to a diverse social, cultural and economic neighborhood. The Plan removes prior prohibitions on housing, restaurants and services that will improve quality of life and opportunity,” City staff stated in a presentation.

The core components of the Bergamot Area Plan include: open space, urban form, and street networks; land use; circulation and mobility; arts and culture; economic sustainability; and, utility infrastructure.

A few revisions have been suggested during the consideration of the Final Bergamot Area Plan, including updates to the housing policy in the area and the addition of content enhancing the operation of mass transit.

Once commissioners complete their discussion of the Final Bergamot Area Plan, they will vote on a resolution to submit the document to the city council for formal approval.

Commissioners previously deliberated the Bergamot Area Plan in February but did not take a formal vote on the document’s draft. In March, the council held a study session to flesh out some of the Plan’s issues.

One concern at the Planning Commission stage was the potentially high level of oversight required to monitor the Plan’s execution. After all, the draft of the Plan is 230 pages in length and covers the development of several projects. Included in the Plan are technical specifications for how high buildings are, how much parking should exist, and the like. Also, Expo Line riders will be making their first Santa Monica stop at Bergamot Station, which is also part of the Plan.

During the council’s discussion of the draft Bergamot Area Plan, concerns were raised about affordable housing, unit sizes, and whether the document is too prescriptive in its design requirements and should be more flexible.

The Bergamot Area Plan has been in development for almost three years, though the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be nearing.

Planning Commissioners will continue deliberating the Bergamot Area Plan at its July 10 meeting. The Mirror will continue following the Plan’s progress through the Planning Commission and City Council stages.

in News
<>Related Posts

Coast Guard Completes Marina del Rey Yacht Fire Fuel Cleanup

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

The Vessel No Longer Poses a Pollution Threat After Weeks of Recovery Operations Cleanup efforts have concluded in Marina del...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...

Brentwood’s Beloved New York Bagel Co. to Close After 21 Years at Topa Town & Country Center

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Local Favorite, Designed by Renowned Architect Fred Gehry, Must Vacate by December 31 By Dolores Quintana New York Bagel Co.,...

Activist Named 24th Senate District’s “2024 Woman of the Year”

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

In Addition to Working With the Alzheimer’s Association, She Has Been Active in the Stop Asian Hate Movement Senator Ben...

Santa Monica Pier Bridge to be Replaced in $29M Project

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

The Updated Design Includes Expanded Walkways, Modern Lighting, and New Railings Santa Monica has finalized the design for a new...

H5N1 Detected in LA County Wastewater, Health Officials Urge Precautions for Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Los Angeles County Investigates Low-Level H5 Avian Flu Detected in Wastewater The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is...

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

Santa Monica Seeks Public Input on Cannabis Equity Program

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

This Program Aims to Ensure That Individuals Affected by Past Criminalization Have Fair Access to Opportunities Santa Monica is calling...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn

Here’s Why West L.A. Stunk So Bad This Week

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Coastal Communities Were Blanketed by an Intense Smell Brought on by an Oceanic Phenomena Sarena Snider had just returned to...

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...

Michael Mina’s Egyptian-Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Santa Monica

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Inside, the 270-Seat Restaurant’s Interior Draws Inspiration From Greek and Egyptian Coastal Aesthetics Renowned chef Michael Mina has opened his...

Los Angeles Dodgers Win 2024 World Series in Thrilling Comeback Against Yankees

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Dodgers Claim the Championship Title With a Stunning Victory After Intense Game By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles Dodgers are...

Trailer for Luca Guadagnino’s Queer Drops, Set for Limited Release on November 27

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Based on William S. Burroughs’ Novel, the FilmBrings a Powerful Love Story to Life Not content with releasing one amazing...