By John Gorman Santa Monica
I think the city government and the citizens of Santa Monica are going to be shocked at how imposing the combination of the two projects are going to be at the north end of Main Street. On the front page of the Friday, Sept. 20 edition, the sketch of the complex is rendered from a distant perspective from the west as if from a large vacant field, when in reality, the massive complex that was approved there will prevent that perspective. Although I believe the owner has the right to develop the property, the city should have clearly indicated the scope of development they would allow there before the sale of the property, which would have an impact on the sales price, thus precluding the new owner from whining about his return on investment on a smaller, more appropriate development. The combination of the two developments may be more imposing than the city is acquiesced to.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 25, 2002. Read the original PDF.