Letters to the Editor 3-13-25

There goes the height limit

Dear ER:

For decades the residential height limit in Hermosa Beach has been 30 feet.

Next Tuesday, the Planning Commission will consider a proposal for the first 50-foot residential development in the city’s history. The proposed five-story complex on Palm Drive in North Hermosa, would be 20 feet taller than any other residential building in the city. Sadly, there may be little residents can do about it.

Because of a provision in the State’s housing law, a developer can ignore local zoning and planning rules. It’s called the Builder’s Remedy and allows developers extraordinary leeway if the city has not received state certification for its Housing Element by the time the plans are submitted.

It’s important to pay attention to this planning process because Hermosa is already one of the most densely populated cities in the state. If approved, this project could set a precedent and dramatically change our city in ways we can’t control. Maybe it’s time for Hermosa to take a stand so we can have a say in our city’s future.

Elka Worner

Hermosa Beach

There goes the height limit, again

Dear ER:

In recent weeks, several residents have weighed in on the State-mandated housing element and its potential impact on Manhattan Beach’s low-profile community. While most of my neighbors support affordable housing, they question the wisdom of trying to achieve the State-mandated objective at the expense of our residential neighborhoods and small-scale commercial along the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor, where the long-standing height limit is 36 feet. They do not want to sacrifice the character of our community if it means multi-story residential complexes and mixed-use projects that dwarf the adjacent properties. Manhattan’s General Plan Housing Element allows developments with affordable housing certain “waivers and concessions,” one of which is a height waiver. Moreover, under the program 

• The City is not required to notify neighboring property owners about projects;
• There is no public input – public hearings are not allowed;
• projects are exempt from traffic studies and environmental impact reports; 
• The City’s discretionary authority is restricted to enforcement of local building and fire codes. 

 Developers have submitted applications for three Manhattan Beach properties along the west side of N. Sepulveda:

• 2301 N. Sepulveda: 7-story, 38 apartment units. 
• 2705 N. Sepulveda: 18-story, 48 condo units. 
• 2905 – 2909 N. Sepulveda: 8-story, 70 units, mixed use.

     Unfortunately, these are just the beginning of changes that will forever alter the landscape of what was once a community with a small-town atmosphere. 

     We need reasonable development guidelines with restrictions on height, traffic and infrastructure impacts before it is too late. Residents, speak out.

Stephen Alexander

Manhattan Beach

Dog on it

Dear ER:

First and foremost, let me assure you that I am not a bad dog. I simply make unfortunate choices, like the times I decide to engage with other dogs, or that time at the coffee house when I took a nibble out of that human. I’m confident you understand bad choices — it’s akin to you dragging me out into the public when my anxiety clearly signals a preference for staying home. The solace of my familiar space eases my nerves, sparing me the need to confront humans and their canine companions. While our evening walks are delightful, can we please skip the coffee shops and restaurants? I’m pretty sure that’s against the rules and the laws of you humans, and I’d rather avoid any legal entanglements. These are your bad choices.

More about our walks: Your enthusiasm for providing me freedom is heartwarming, but a 20-foot retractable leash is excessive. I don’t need it. Plus, when your AirPods are in, you’re oblivious to the mischief I can get into. A 6-foot leash and your full attention is what is needed most of all.

About my poop — let’s address the elephant in the room (or on The Strand, as it were). It’s humiliating for me to witness one of your fellow humans stepping in it or cycling through it. Pick up after me, please. If you can’t handle my business properly, perhaps you are not deserving of the love and loyalty I generously offer.

In summary, you’re a human, and I’m a dog. Care for me and our South Bay community. 

Your best friend,

Proverbial Fido

Investment party property

Dear ER:

The expulsion of Hermosa Beach Councilmember Michael Keegan from a hearing of a resident’s appeal of a short term vacation fine has been blown out of proportion (“Councilmember Keegan ordered out of Council chambers,” ER February 27, 2025). But Hermosa does need to address the unbelievable number of empty residential properties and why it has allowed multi millionaires to use our little beach town as a pocket investment area. Traffic congestion, noise pollution and not knowing who’s moved in next door all are areas of concern. City leaders should prohibit the use of homes for full time holiday rentals. When a person buys a home in Hermosa, it should be for a family, not for a corporate investment. It’s the city’s fault for letting it get this out of hand. The neighbor’s eight bedroom property next door to me is constantly being booked by party goers seeking “the beach experience.” Keep Hermosa for Hermosa families.

Baker Dave

Hermosa Beach