By Lily Houston-Helbig Santa Monica
Call for architectural grace period Editor: I must agree with Burl Michael (“Housing project reaps benefits,” Jan. 10, page 4) when he comments that people who are on the Planning Commission who have any personal stake in any given public project should be disallowed to vote on that project. It’s basic democracy. Hello!
I also agree that the building at 15th Street and Broadway is rather ugly, especially with that foil thing. (But a nice color, for once.) I do not agree, however, that private citizens should be allowed to build as many units on their properties as are on public housing properties. The last thing we need is a bazillion more over-priced, over-sized condos. Public housing is our last, best hope to keep any degree of economic diversity and balance around here.
I hope and pray that the ‘Powers that Build’ for the Santa Monica public will re-think their architectural philosophy. (The exterior of the new library is still a shock.) Hey, guys! Yo! This is the public calling: What about graceful?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 17, 2007. Read the original PDF.