Despite denial by commission and staff, massive project gets approved
The city council on Tuesday gave its final approval for what is characterized as the largest Main Street development Santa Monica has seen in years.
Though the council voted to approve all the necessary permits required for the project, the city’s Architectural Review Board will still rule on the development’s overall conformity with the neighborhood — a controversial issue that led the Santa Monica Planning Commission to originally deny the project Dec. 5. But Jacobs appealed to the city council.
“We have been through this process before and (conformity) seemed to be a controversial sticking point,” said Jacobs. “We ask that the council give direction to the ARB on this very point.”
The council did not address Jacobs’ concern and gave no direction to the ARB on Tuesday. Officials said a letter from council could be issued at a later time.
It has taken nearly two years for the city planning department to review the 133-unit housing and commercial development, located at the former Pioneer Boulangerie Bakery site at the north end of Main Street and across the street, just south of Pico Boulevard.
Jacobs’ plan originally was rejected by senior city staff, who said the building was too large for the neighborhood and wasn’t compatible for the area.
However, after the developer met privately with council members to outline the changes he would make in exchange for the council’s approval, the city council voted Feb. 12 to conditionally approve the project once those changes were in writing.
Since then, senior city staff members changed their recommendation to grant all necessary permits and allow the project to move forward.
“I think this is a project that, though it’s not perfect, fits our community’s general goals,” said Councilman Ken Genser.
At Tuesday’s meeting, an almost equal number of residents spoke both in favor and against the project.
Those in favor said the apartments will rejuvenate a dilapidated and dangerous empty lot.
“I’m all for this project,” said resident Paul Pierson. “It’s a blighted place right now. All kinds of nasty things are going on at those two lots.”
However, those opposed said the new apartments would inundate the neighborhood with new traffic and construction noise.
“This is Santa Monica’s version of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,” said Kathleen Masser. “By selling out, the city will befoul our neighborhood with a monument to greed.”
Jacobs filed a lawsuit against the city in early November. The suit claims the city delayed the environmental impact report on the project, which is supposed to be done within 12 months, as prescribed by state law.
Jacobs has not dropped his lawsuit against the city, but has told the Daily Press in the past that the suit’s status is unclear.
Some residents criticized the council for rushing to approve the project in order to avoid Jacobs’ lawsuit, which some officials said could have forced the city to pay millions in damages.
Residents contend the council may have muddied the process when developments are approved in Santa Monica, a charge staunchly denied by city officials.
“The public actually saw what happened here two weeks ago, and that’s unfortunate thing,” said Arthur Harris. “I am sorry, very sorry, that I saw it. It was the first time I left the council (meeting) embarrassed.”
Genser addressed the criticisms of the council’s handling of the Jacobs’ approval process, saying nothing improper had occurred.
“It’s a complete myth,” he said. “I believe we did our jobs here.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 28, 2002. Read the original PDF.