With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
A fight over density in Santa Monica's future
Listen
• 0:44
A summer day at Santa Monica Pier.
(
Phil Scoville/flickr Creative Commons
)
Zoning in Santa Monica has become so contentious that it's the center of a city council meeting that will span two days, starting Tuesday.
The city is updating its zoning rules, last revised in 1984, to bring it in line with its vision for infrastructure, land use and transportation in future decades.
That's where a fight is brewing.
The proposed rules would allow for denser growth in parts of the city, especially major boulevards in Santa Monica's downtown. Future housing developments there would help address the region's housing shortage since more people could live on a single piece of land.
Support for LAist comes from
Buildings along Wilshire, for example, could grow to four or five stories high.
But that's much too tall for opponents of the proposal, like architect Mario Fonda-Bonardi.
"We're a beach-oriented community," he says. "We're a place where its essential character is low-rise. Not mid-rise and certainly not high-rise."
Fonda-Bonardi argues that large developments could dwarf smaller dwellings and single-family homes nearby.
Community activists have already been successful in shutting down nearby developments such as Bergamot Transit Village.
The City Council meets tonight to get input from the community. On Wednesday council members will publicly discuss the issue.
The final ordinance will come up for a vote on May 5.
Support for LAist comes from
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist