To preserve or opt out
Dear ER:
The goals of the Manhattan Beach preservation ordinance were well-intentioned and well supported initially, but that all changed when the council went against the Planning Commission recommendation and removed the “opt out” provision (“Details decided for Manhattan Beach Historic Preservation,” ER Jan. 6, 2016). Without this essential provision, we go from community supported, incentivized, voluntary preservation to something far more contentious — property right restrictions potentially forced on homeowners.
Preservation is a worthy goal. We live it daily in our 1947, 1,300 sq.ft. home. But imposing this on some homeowners, at substantial cost, is not. If the current council does not believe a homeowner will ever be forced into a historical designation, then the ordinance should just contain the opt out provision.
Just having this involuntary method on the books could lower the value of affected properties, because it puts a legal cloud over future development rights. There is a cost, whether property rights are directly restricted, or development is delayed by a well-intentioned or vindictive neighbor, or there is this cloud of not knowing precisely what future development rights are. It comes down to. It is unfair to saddle older homes with one set of development rights, while the 99 percent of other homeowners are free to enjoy full property development rights.
We are in support of historical preservation, but it must include property owner’s consent in all cases. We have asked the council to reconsider the involuntary measures included in the draft ordinance. Homeowners must voice their opposition now or this will be rubber stamped at the February council meeting.
Rachel and TJ Judson
Manhattan Beach
Finance bucks stop here
Dear ER:
Last week Redondo Beach Councilman Steve Sammarco made an appeal to his colleagues to put campaign finance reform on the table. Surprisingly the suggestion was met with a thud, even though some people on the council had campaigned on this platform. Large contributions to politicians should be limited to avoid the stigma of impropriety and undue influence of a few large donors on public policy. Elected officials serve at the pleasure of all residents, not just a few with deep pockets. Please ask the mayor and city council to consider campaign finance reform.
Eugene Solomon
Redondo Beach
You don’t know what you’ve got
Dear ER:
A stroll down the International Boardwalk on the Redondo Beach pier these days shows that the City of Redondo Beach can get it right. Starting at the north end with the R10 Social House, an American original, we walk onto The Paddle House where brightly lit paddle boards make it an appealing stop. A few more steps finds you at A Basq Kitchen. ABK offers tapas-style dining in an outdoor setting. Relatively new to the Boardwalk are The Slip restaurant and The King Harbor Brewing Company. They are perfect fits and are usually crowded on weekends. Pia, a new Italian/Japanese fusion place, is very good and leads you to Quality Seafood and The Fun Factory. But the biggest improvement is the new skateboard park, replacing the old and deserted Beach Garden.
With so much time and money spent to improve it, it would be a real shame to tear down the International Boardwalk to build a theater or hotel. Let’s fix what needs fixing without reinventing the wheel.
Ross Yosnow
Redondo Beach
Sepulveda slow lane
Dear ER:
We’re asking for help on an issue that will affect anyone driving south on Sepulveda Boulevard, though Manhattan Beach. California State Highway 1, in front of the proposed Manhattan Beach Gelson’s Market, is the most dangerous stretch of Sepulveda/Pacific Coast Hwy. in the South Bay and has led to several fatalities. Gelson’s developer Paragon, in its recent plan, has indicated a willingness to install a southbound safety deceleration lane for safer entry and exit of delivery trucks, customer vehicles and traffic on fast flowing southbound Sepulveda, if so required. Manhattan Beach and CalTrans will define any such requirements. Please sign the petition that will be presented to the Manhattan Beach City Council and CalTrans to show the South Bay community’s support for a safety deceleration lane.
Mark Shoemaker
Manhattan Beach
Park the hotel idea
Dear ER:
I am under the impression that when Manhattan Beach Planning Commission presented the improvement plan for the Village Mall, the neighboring Parkview site was made a part of the parking plan for the mall. It is used for mall employee parking as well as parking for the sports field. This holiday, overflow and employee parking was a big part of that consideration.
Isn’t it against the law to use the the Parkview parking for other purposes?
How is it that the Manhattan Beach has already spent $55,000 for hotel studies when Council directed last August that a study for the land use be made by city staff? I understand that a hotel is proposed at Highland and Rosecrans. Does it make sense to build a boutique hotel behind the mall, a block from the Marriott, which by the way offers the use of a golf course and a swimming pool?
Studies showed a great traffic increase in our already impacted Rosecrans/Sepulveda area. Building on this site would increase traffic on Parkview, which carries overflow from Rosecrans.
Why is the City Council putting such effort into rushing this through the process? What is happening to the character that makes Manhattan Beach unique and appealing to residents?
I hope that the Planning Commission will remember they have the trust of residents to do the right thing to keep our City a great place to live and not allow it to become the congested ugliness that lies north of us.
Janet Murphy
Manhattan Beach
