August 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City to Issue Solicitations for Affordable Housing Development at Bergamot Station Arts Center

Proposals for the Bergamot Station Arts Center must prioritize maximizing affordable housing units while also considering potential artist housing and the preservation of current uses and tenants

The City of Santa Monica is set to issue solicitations by the end of June for the development of affordable housing at two city-owned properties, including the Bergamot Station Arts Center at 2500 Olympic Blvd., following a directive from the City Council on Feb. 25, 2025. The second site, known as 4th/5th/Arizona, encompasses 1333 4th St. and 1324 5th St. Both properties have been declared surplus land under California’s Surplus Land Act to facilitate affordable housing projects aligned with the city’s Housing Element obligations.

The solicitations, to be released on June 30, will be distributed to developers registered with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and posted on HCD’s website. Proposals for the Bergamot Station Arts Center must prioritize maximizing affordable housing units while also considering potential artist housing and the preservation of current uses and tenants. For 4th/5th/Arizona, the focus will include revenue-generating options such as market-rate apartments, a hotel, or other commercial ventures. Both sites will require proposals to incorporate community benefit uses.

The city will enter a 90-day negotiation period with responding developers. If no proposals meet the criteria, Santa Monica will initiate a request for proposal process outside the standard surplus land procedure. Following council selection of a development team, staff will draft an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, to be signed by the city manager and the chosen team, outlining the scope and timeline for community outreach to gather public input on design and community uses. A final development proposal is expected to return to the City Council for approval in the first quarter of 2026.

The Surplus Land Act mandates that public land not used for city business be prioritized for purposes like affordable housing when made available for sale or development. Designating these sites as surplus allows the city to explore additional revenue-generating uses alongside affordable housing to sustain the projects.

Community meetings scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at 6-7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers (a special Housing Commission meeting), and Thursday, May 22, at 6-7:30 p.m. at Santa Monica Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd.) will provide details on the Surplus Land Act process, the selection of these sites, and prioritized proposal elements beyond affordable housing, concluding with a Q&A session

<>Related Posts

THIS WEEKEND: 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots to Roll Through Santa Monica and Venice

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The festival site at Ocean Front Walk Plaza will transform into a lively showcase of Indian culture, expecting around 50,000...

Film Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPSRated PG-13115 MinutesReleased July 25th  The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a different aura from...

Aging Mindfully: Zen-Inspired Senior Living Takes Shape in Simi Valley

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Two Zen-inspired senior living communities are embracing the reality of aging — consciously. Ensō Village, open since 2023 in Sonoma County,...

Palisades, Malibu Among Areas Exempt from SB 9 Under Newsom’s Wildfire Safety Order

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Newsom Sides with LA Leaders on SB 9 Freeze, Mayor Bass Issues Executive Order Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed...

‘All Stars’ National Night Out Coming to Santa Monica on Tuesday

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

The event, themed “Santa Monica All Stars,” aims to foster police-community partnerships through a sports-inspired evening The Santa Monica Police...

City of Santa Monica Issues Statement on Surprise DTSM Board Member Replacement

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Santa Monica City Government Defends Emergency Action and Process After the surprising move from the City Council, six members of...

Texas Kitchen Chain to Open Santa Monica Location at Former Fresh Corn Grill Site

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

The Santa Monica outpost will occupy a 3,050-square-foot space featuring a newly built kitchen and a large outdoor patio HomeState,...

Film Review: Together

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Dave Franco and Alison Brie, a married couple in real life, star in Michael Shanks’ gruesomely passionate...

Family Members Sue City of Santa Monica, Driver After Woman Killed by Car on Beach

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Lawsuit Alleges City Failed to Prevent Vehicle Access Despite Prior Incidents The family of Sherese Allen, a woman fatally struck...

Family Members Sue City of Santa Monica, Driver After Woman Killed by Car on Beach

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Lawsuit Alleges City Failed to Prevent Vehicle Access Despite Prior Incidents The family of Sherese Allen, a woman fatally struck...

New Beginnings in Brentwood: Dr. Marian Oppenheimer Opens Private Psychology Practice at wellpeople

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

For more than 30 years, Dr. Marian Oppenheimer has dedicated herself to one clear purpose: helping people heal, grow, and...

Wildfire Price Gouging Protections Extended for Displaced Residents

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

These provisions limit rent increases and hotel rate hikes during a declared emergency and prohibit landlords from evicting tenants The...

Tsunami Advisory Issued for Los Angeles Coast After 8.7 Quake Near Russia

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

Strong Currents, Surges Expected; Residents Urged to Avoid Beaches and Harbors Update from NWS Los Angeles at 6:50 a.m. “Latest...

City Council Removes DTSM Board Members Amid Transparency and Governance Concerns

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

The council’s decision follows tensions between DTSM and the city, including disputes over parking rate increases and maintenance agreements The...

SMPD to Increase Enforcement Against Illegal Off-Highway Vehicles

July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025

Officials stated that the increased enforcement comes in response to growing safety concerns and complaints from the community The Santa...