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# Santa Monica Prop. A’s problem
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-prop-as-problem-editor/
- Published: 2003-02-07T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T01:30:51.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Montana, #archive-import

*By Beatrice H. Nemlaha Santa Monica*

Tom Larmore’s recent guest commentary included the following distortions and omissions in his effort to justify Proposition A, a solution in search of a problem: 1\. The Landmarks Ordinance does not contain “severe restrictions” on what a property owner can do. All interior remodels are solely within the property owner’s control. Exterior remodels significantly expanding size and amenities of a home have routinely been approved for landmarks and homes in historic districts. If the remodels are visible from the street, they need to be compatible with the existing architecture. Compatibility is not necessary if changes are not visible. Demolitions are allowed on evidence of economic hardship. 2\. The proposed garage in the Third Street Historic District was denied because a respected preservation consultant, members of the neighborhood, city staff, the landmarks commissioners and the City Council all concluded its design was incompatible with the district. Since the district was designated in 1990, 13 remodels/renovations, including one demolition, have been approved by the Landmarks Commission of city staff, along with one garage. The garage Mr. Larmore mentions is the ONLY proposed remodel ever denied. 3\. The list of potential contributors to an historic district mentioned by Mr. Larmore is part of an inventory of older properties in the city, which the Landmarks Commission updates every ten years. The inventory is a routine, prudent planning measure. Any member of the public can see it at any time. 4\. The owner of the 18th Street house, which was designated a structure of merit, is a developer who had already torn down two other north of Montana homes and was on his third. Concerned 18th Street neighbors sought the Landmarks Commission’s help.

Proposition A is a gift to real estate developers and speculators. It strips our community of its ability to protect the drastically diminishing number of homes and neighborhoods which we might want to protect for our city’s and our children’s future. Proposition A is a solution in search of a problem. It is bad law and should be defeated.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 7, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020703.pdf?ref=smdp.com)