because potential buyers were uncertain as to whether or not the cottage would be landmarked, and whether historic designation would prevent them from remodeling or demolishing the home in the future. The 1,526-square-foot home earlier this year was listed for sale at $3.3 million.
Following a series of delays earlier this year, the appeal was finally heard before the City Council in June — to the chagrin of the property owner’s attorney, Chris Harding, and three of the councilmembers, each of whom felt the hearing should be postponed because two of the seven councilmembers were absent.
“The appeal warranted a full or near full council,” Harding said in June.
The councilmembers went back and forth at each other about whether the matter should be heard. Clearly frustrated that both councilmembers Ken Genser and Kevin McKeown would not support a postponement, Councilmember Pam O’Connor got up in protest and decided to sit out of the discussion, forcing the council to hold the public hearing.
By the end, the cottage’s landmark status was upheld by virtue of a lack of action taken by the council, angering Harding, who alluded to a possible lawsuit.
The celebration for the Save the Cottage contingent was short-lived, as the council voted last month to re-hear the appeal in order to avoid a potential lawsuit. The hearing is expected to take place after the new year.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 26, 2007. Read the original PDF.