1 Vernice Hankins
From: ROGER GENSER <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2022 11:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7-E
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Members of the Council:
Regarding item 7‐E concerning the extension of Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance as it relates to the Landmarks Commission demolition review process:
It is recognized that that the City and planning staff have experienced unprecedented fiscal challenges due to the Covid‐ 19 crises.
The staff report and resolution reaffirms the importance of historic preservation as a continuing “Community Value” One of the fundamental roles of the Landmarks Commission as outlined in the Landmarks Ordinance is the review of demolition permits of buildings over 40 years of age.
The suspension of that role, as adopted in the various Interim Emergency Zoning Ordinances was intended to be both Interim and TEMPORARY.
This is reiterated in the staff report on 6 and serves as justification that the changes in the IZO do not impact CEQA.
The Commission’s role is fundamental in this process. It is recognized for its expertise in the field with four specific seats of expertise required in the Ordinance.
Although the number of demolition applications has not increased during the pandemic, the heavy burden of monitoring the ongoing and certain future increases of demolition applications is left to the public.
At the end of this series of Interim Ordinances that proposes to conclude on November 13, 2023, please return that fundamental role to the Commission. That role dates back to the unanimous adoption of original 1975 Landmarks Ordinance.
Thank you for your and consideration.
Roger Genser
Chair, Santa Monica Landmarks Commission For identification purposes Sent from my iPhone