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Meeting: Regular City Council Meeting

Meeting Time: May 15, 2023 at 6:00pm PDT
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Agenda Item

3.B. APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S CERTIFICATION OF A FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND APPROVAL TO DEMOLISH ALL EXISTING STRUCTURES ON SIX CONTIGUOUS PARCELS IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A NEW FIVE STORY, MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 8527-8555 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD AND 8532-8552 N. WEST KNOLL DRIVE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA [J. KEHO, J. ALKIRE, L. YELTON]: SUBJECT: This item is regarding a timely filed appeal of the Planning Commission's adoption of Resolution Nos. PC 22-1481 certifying a final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and PC 22-1482 which approved the demolition of three, two-story commercial structures, surface parking lots, and four single-family dwelling units on six contiguous parcels (1.4-acre site) in order to construct a new, five-story, 158,836-square-foot mixed-use development containing 44,274 square feet of commercial space (including 12 live/work units, retail, restaurant, office, and personal service uses), and 111 residential apartment units (of which 17 are affordable) over three parking levels (two of which are subterranean) with 347 parking spaces. The project has not been amended or changed since the time of Planning Commission's approval. This project is subject to the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) as the project is 70% residential, exceeding the two-third residential threshold required under the HAA (Gov. Code 65589.5(h)(2)(B)). This project will add 111 additional residential units (including 17 affordable) to City's existing housing stock. As a qualifying HAA housing development project, the project can only be denied with findings of a specific, adverse impact to the public health and safety that cannot be satisfactorily mitigated (Gov. Code 65589.5 (d)(2)). The project also includes 12 live/work units, which is a unique land use that can provide a more reasonable cost of living by combining a live/work use that the City seeks to encourage. The project is near major transit, which follows the state legislature's recent intent to provide more housing near public transportation and in transit corridors.

STAFF REPORT ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT A ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT B ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT C ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT D ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT E ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT F ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT G ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT H ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT I ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT J ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT K ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT L ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT M ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT N ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT O ITEM 3.B. - ATTACHMENT P PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE 5.12.23 (Morning) PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE 5.12.23 (Afternoon) PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE 5.15.23 (Morning) PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE 5.15.23 (Afternoon)
2 Public Comments
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    Victor Omelczenko over 1 year ago

    Confronting commercialization creeping into residential neighborhoods prompts appeal support. Cumulative impacts of new developments in this area on environment & neighborhood livability are given short shrift. FOUR single-family homes are demolished in the process. Subtract that loss before touting the 111 new units, 85% to be full market rate, only 15% affordable. What kind of public benefit is that when 20% affordable has been the usual standard? More should be expected from developers.

  • Default_avatar
    Kellan Martz over 1 year ago

    Hello members of the City Council,

    I am writing in opposition to the appeal of this housing project. I have read through the lengthy & convoluted appeal arguments. They lack any merit. The appeal has no basis under the law, including statutory law (HAA, PSA, CEQA, etc.) and case law (the Lafayette case etc.) This is a good project that will bring much needed housing to the area, including low-income units and live/work units. It's time to approve this project and get it built. Thank you.