July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City Of Santa Monica Files Notice Of Preparation For Downtown Specific Plan:

City officials filed on Sept. 19 a Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Santa Monica Downtown Specific Plan (DSP), informing relevant parties and the general public of pertinent information applicable to the proposed zoning update.

In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, the official Notice of Preparation was sent to the State Clearinghouse, responsible agencies, trustee agencies, organizations, and interested parties, according to the Sept. 19 memorandum on Santa Monica letterhead.

The seven-page Notice of Preparation for the DSP’s Draft EIR outlined the Plan’s location, boundaries, description, and “probable environmental effects.”

With the “probable environmental effect” section, the Notice of Preparation listed 18 areas the DSP would impact if implemented in its current form.

For example, one area of impact listed was aesthetics and visual resources.

“The EIR will present a general discussion of potential changes in aesthetic character,” the Notice of Preparation reads. “The EIR will consider potential impacts to scenic resources (including removal of mature trees in the urban forest), obstruction of public scenic views, and increased nighttime lighting.”

Another area of impact is air quality.

City officials stated while the DSP intends to implement a proactive goal of congestion management and “no net new p.m. peak hour trips,” the EIR “will evaluate potential for air pollutant emissions changes both locally and regionally.”

With the possible arrival of high-rise buildings along Ocean Avenue, shadows were listed as an area of impact.

“The draft (DSP) incorporates building form, massing, setback and stepback standards as well as design guidelines for new projects to encourage pedestrian orientations, design compatibility, and conservation of the physical character of the Downtown,” the Notice of Preparation reads. “The EIR will evaluate potential shading impacts on sensitive uses (such as residential uses and open space areas).”

The Notice of Preparation also listed transportation and traffic as an impact area.

Through the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) and the DSP’s Draft EIR, City Hall hopes to strengthen multimodal transportation options in the Downtown area while also increasing development near mass transit and managing vehicular congestion.

Other areas of impact include climate change, construction effects, cultural resources, geology, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, noise, population and housing, and public services and recreation.

According to CEQA guidelines, the Notice of Preparation must be circulated for review for 30 days.

A public scoping meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 3 to update residents and stakeholders of the DSP and its environmental review process. The meeting will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium’s East Wing (1855 Main Street).

Nearly 9,000 notices were sent out this past week to inform residents and other interested parties of the Oct. 3 meeting, according to City Hall.

Comments about the environmental review process may be submitted through Oct. 21 to Rachel Kwok of the Strategic and Transportation Planning Division. Her email address is Rachel.Kwok@smgov.net.

City Hall created a website specifically for the DSP, where anyone interested may find out more about the Plan. The website is www.smgov.net/pcd/plans/downtown-specific-plan/.

According to the Notice of Preparation, the DSP covers about 0.5 square feet of land at the western edge of Santa Monica. The DSP applies to the area bordered by Wilshire Boulevard to the north, Lincoln Boulevard to the east, the Santa Monica Freeway on its south, and Ocean Avenue along the western edge.

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...