March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City Of Santa Monica Files Notice Of Preparation For Downtown Specific Plan:

City officials filed on Sept. 19 a Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Santa Monica Downtown Specific Plan (DSP), informing relevant parties and the general public of pertinent information applicable to the proposed zoning update.

In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, the official Notice of Preparation was sent to the State Clearinghouse, responsible agencies, trustee agencies, organizations, and interested parties, according to the Sept. 19 memorandum on Santa Monica letterhead.

The seven-page Notice of Preparation for the DSP’s Draft EIR outlined the Plan’s location, boundaries, description, and “probable environmental effects.”

With the “probable environmental effect” section, the Notice of Preparation listed 18 areas the DSP would impact if implemented in its current form.

For example, one area of impact listed was aesthetics and visual resources.

“The EIR will present a general discussion of potential changes in aesthetic character,” the Notice of Preparation reads. “The EIR will consider potential impacts to scenic resources (including removal of mature trees in the urban forest), obstruction of public scenic views, and increased nighttime lighting.”

Another area of impact is air quality.

City officials stated while the DSP intends to implement a proactive goal of congestion management and “no net new p.m. peak hour trips,” the EIR “will evaluate potential for air pollutant emissions changes both locally and regionally.”

With the possible arrival of high-rise buildings along Ocean Avenue, shadows were listed as an area of impact.

“The draft (DSP) incorporates building form, massing, setback and stepback standards as well as design guidelines for new projects to encourage pedestrian orientations, design compatibility, and conservation of the physical character of the Downtown,” the Notice of Preparation reads. “The EIR will evaluate potential shading impacts on sensitive uses (such as residential uses and open space areas).”

The Notice of Preparation also listed transportation and traffic as an impact area.

Through the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) and the DSP’s Draft EIR, City Hall hopes to strengthen multimodal transportation options in the Downtown area while also increasing development near mass transit and managing vehicular congestion.

Other areas of impact include climate change, construction effects, cultural resources, geology, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, noise, population and housing, and public services and recreation.

According to CEQA guidelines, the Notice of Preparation must be circulated for review for 30 days.

A public scoping meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 3 to update residents and stakeholders of the DSP and its environmental review process. The meeting will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium’s East Wing (1855 Main Street).

Nearly 9,000 notices were sent out this past week to inform residents and other interested parties of the Oct. 3 meeting, according to City Hall.

Comments about the environmental review process may be submitted through Oct. 21 to Rachel Kwok of the Strategic and Transportation Planning Division. Her email address is Rachel.Kwok@smgov.net.

City Hall created a website specifically for the DSP, where anyone interested may find out more about the Plan. The website is www.smgov.net/pcd/plans/downtown-specific-plan/.

According to the Notice of Preparation, the DSP covers about 0.5 square feet of land at the western edge of Santa Monica. The DSP applies to the area bordered by Wilshire Boulevard to the north, Lincoln Boulevard to the east, the Santa Monica Freeway on its south, and Ocean Avenue along the western edge.

in News
Related Posts

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...