1 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Arden <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 6:49 PM
To: Phil Brock; [email protected]; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; David Martin; councilmtgitems Subject: Item 10-A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
October 21, 2024
Hon. Members of the City Council,
I am Lisa Arden, the long-time owner of the Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market.
We operate our popular open-air market at the Santa Monica Airport on the first and fourth Sundays of each month. We’re proud to have earned the reputation as a destination for decorators, designers, boutique owners, families and collectors of all ages, and have been featured in national media.
Tomorrow night, I urge you to approve the proposed amendments allowing open-air markets to operate in office campus districts and other locations set forth in the Staff Report.
When adopted, these changes will allow us to identify and secure an alternative location for the three months that the Frieze art show is conducted at the Airport space we use.
Last year’s temporary closure during the art show – January, February and March – was very difficult for our vendors. Some of them reported losses of almost 25% of their annual revenues due to the threemonth displacement. The vendors’ losses, and the unavailability of our popular market to customers, are reasons we regard the adoption of the proposed amendments as an urgent matter.
We believe that the Antique & Vintage Market could operate beautifully in under-utilized surface parking in the Office Campus district. A large parking lot could accommodate vendors’ booths and on-site customer parking.
We’re extremely excited by the prospect of operating year-round within the City of Santa Monica.
I truly appreciate your consideration of the interim ordinance and hope you will adopt it on Tuesday night.
Thanks very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lisa Arden - Owner & Producer; MarketPlace Productions
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
October 22, 2024
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street, Room 250
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Subject: Support for Emergency Ordinance Amending the Sign Code to Increase Flexibility for Signage in the Bayside Conservation District and the Third Street Promenade Area
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
We at three6ixty would like to express our support for the proposed Emergency Ordinance that would amend the sign code to increase flexibility for signage on Third Street Promenade. As a land use consulting firm that has represented hundreds of small businesses, including quick-serve restaurants, we believe that updating the sign code will help to revitalize the Promenade and foster economic growth.
Currently, the existing sign code is restrictive and has been an impediment to small businesses by placing limitations on how they can effectively market themselves.
This has hindered the ability of both new and established businesses to attract foot traffic, particularly in an era where e-commerce and delivery apps have increasingly drawn consumers away from brick-and-mortar businesses. Relaxing these provisions will allow businesses more creative freedom to design signage that better reflects their brand, draws attention to their storefronts, and contributes to the vibrancy of the Promenade.
We believe these changes will not only benefit individual businesses, but also enhance the overall appeal of Third Street Promenade. Thoughtfully designed, attractive signage will contribute to placemaking and the economic vitality of the Promenade. Increased foot traffic and visibility for businesses will result in a stronger local economy, more job opportunities, and an enriched public experience for residents and tourists alike.
Given the ongoing challenges current and potential tenants are facing with the current sign code, we urge the City Council to adopt this Emergency Ordinance. The elimination of outdated signage provisions is a positive move for existing and new businesses that have been negatively impacted by vacancies since the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Santa Monica’s economic health depends on its ability to adapt and support local businesses in their effects to recover and/or grow.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope you will support this Emergency Ordinance and continue working to ensure that the Third Street Promenade remains a vibrant, thriving center of commerce for years to come.
Sincerely,
three6ixty
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Myca Tran <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 11:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Written Public Comment for Item 10.A. - Support for the Emergency Ordinance Amending the Sign Code
Attachments: City Council Meeting - 360 Public Comment 10222024.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
Attached is our letter of support for the Emergency Ordinance amending the Sign Code to increase flexibility for signage in the Bayside Conservation District and the Third Street Promenade Area.
Thank you.
Best,
Myca
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jill Evans <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 1:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 10A - Support
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
My name is Jill Evans. I am writing to express my strong support for the draft interim zoning ordinance, described in Item 10A on your agendas, which will allow open-air markets and other outdoor events in the Downtown area and the Office Campus District.
If I may, I will focus this email on the Santa Monica Antique and Vintage Market, which has operated for many years, twice a month, at the Santa Monica airport. The Market provides a wonderful outdoor shopping experience in a friendly and creative atmosphere.
As you may know, the Market is unable to operate consistently at the airport property due to the presence of an art show at the Market’s customary site. I understand that the 3-month displacement of the Market causes considerable hardship for the vendors and eliminates a memorable shopping experience for community members and visitors. This could be solved through the adoption of the interim ordinance.
The interim ordinance will enable the Market to operate on Sundays in parking lot space at the Santa Monica Business Park (BXP) on 28th Street, which is only a mile and a half from the Market’s usual airport location. It is very easy to get to and will provide sufficient space for parking and shopping.
I ask you to adopt the Ordinance on Tuesday night and create retail opportunities for the Market and other outdoor activities in the districts that the Staff identifies in its report.
Sincerely,
Jill Evans
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Kathleen Matson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 10:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 10A -SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
October 20, 2024
Santa Monica City Council
Via email
City Council Members,
On Tuesday evening you have an opportunity to promote economic recovery in Santa Monica’s Downtown, including the Third Street Promenade area, and in the Office Campus District. I urge you to adopt the Interim Zoning Regulations.
The Office Campus piece of the interim ordinance is of great interest to me. Driving past the Santa Monica Business Park on a Saturday or Sunday makes me wonder why there is nothing going on in the spacious and well-maintained parking lots. They are virtually empty.
I heard from a friend of mine who owns and operates the Antique and Vintage Market at the airport, that the entire Market operation must pull up stakes in January through March 2025 because a large art show books the same airport site that the Market uses.
The Market is virtually out of business for the first quarter of the year. This pause negatively impacts the Market’s vendors, many of whom depend on their Market receipts to make a living. It also removes from the community a fun and well-operated shopping experience.
January 2025 is just around the corner. I’m concerned about the Antique and Vintage Market’s wellbeing during those down months. But I’m also eager to see new open-air events fill under-utilized spaces.
I hope that Council Members don’t miss a chance to activate other areas called out in the Staff Report – perhaps by the winter holidays – and vote on Tuesday night to realize the Amendments to the Interim Regulations.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Matson
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: shelley zellman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 10:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Suppport Item 10.A
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’d like to voice my support for City Staff’s recommendation outlined in Item 10-A.
This practical and forward-looking proposal will allow the operation of open air markets downtown and in the office campus districts.
The proposed changes will allow the much-loved Santa Monica Antique Market to operate at an alternative location during the Frieze art show, which occupies the market’s usual location at the SM Airport during January, February and March.
I think that the empty parking lots at the SM Business Park would be an ideal alternative location. On Sundays, there is space to sell and space to park.
Adopting those changes would be great news for the market’s diverse and hardworking vendors, who have seen their profits plunge during the three-month downtime.
The public will welcome the opportunity to browse and shop in the open air.
People bring unoccupied spaces to life.
That vitality is key to promoting Santa Monica’s recovery and maintaining an optimistic civic culture.
Thank you for considering my input on this matter.
Best regards,
Shelley Zelman
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Thomas <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 8:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis
Cc: David White; David Martin; Jennifer Taylor
Subject: RE: Council Agenda Item 10A: Interim Zoning Ordinance to Promenade Economic Recovery
Attachments: DTSM Inc IZO Support Letter 10.21.24.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Honorable Council Members, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) fully supports the City of Santa Monica staff's recommendation to update the interim zoning ordinance to promote economic recovery by increasing flexibility and streamlining approvals in the Downtown area. Additionally, we support the adoption of an emergency ordinance amending the sign code to increase flexibility for signage within the Bayside Conservation District and the Third Street Promenade.
At its October 10, 2024, meeting, the DTSM, Inc. Board of Directors unanimously agreed to endorse these updates as part of our ongoing commitment to making Downtown Santa Monica as business friendly as possible. These updates include provisions for Promenade-facing animated signs, removal of limitations on permitted static signs, an extended timeframe for temporary signage, and expanded flexibility in land use and alcohol service exemptions.
Specifically, these updates would provide:
Flexibility in Land Use
Elimination of public hearing requirements for certain land uses in the Bayside Commercial District.
Continuation of the existing prohibited uses.
Simplified reviews for commercial entertainment and recreational uses. Larger restaurants, up to 7,500 square feet, would be permitted without the need for public hearings, provided they meet specific conditions.
Game arcades would be allowed without having to meet overly burdensome zoning requirements. o Note: "Barcades" would now fall under existing classifications such as Commercial Entertainment & Recreation or Bars.
Alcohol Exemptions
The proposed updates would extend alcohol service allowances across the entire Bayside Conservation Zone, including:
Restaurants and food halls
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
4 Bars, nightclubs, and lounges
Convenience markets and liquor stores
Cultural facilities and instructional services
Outdoor rooftop commercial uses
Commercial entertainment and recreation
Retail sales
Signage Updates
Non-Animated Signs: Promenade-facing signs would have no restrictions on size, while nonPromenade facing signs would remain subject to the regular Sign Code. Prohibited signs, such as roof signs, would remain unchanged.
Temporary Signs: The updates would allow temporary signs for up to one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension. These signs would be exempt from the Sign Code if authorized by a City lease or Temporary Use Permit.
Animated Signs: Animated signs would be allowed, subject to certain illumination standards, but only if they face the Promenade. Placement and size of the signs would be regulated, ensuring they do not cover windows or exceed the area designated between the storefront and the secondfloor window sill.
These changes represent a critical step in supporting the economic recovery of small businesses within Downtown Santa Monica. By removing unnecessary barriers and providing new opportunities for businesses to thrive, these updates will help create a more dynamic, engaging environment for both locals and visitors.
We greatly appreciate your consideration of these important initiatives and thank you for your continued support in revitalizing and strengthening the Downtown Santa Monica community.
Respectfully,
Andrew Thomas, LPM
Chief Executive Officer
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
1351 Third Street Promenade, Ste. 201
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.393.8355 (Office)
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Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
1351 Third Street Promenade, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA I 310.393.8355 I [email protected] Santa Monica City Council
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
October 21, 2024
RE: Council Agenda Item 10A: Interim Zoning Ordinance to Promenade Economic Recovery Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Honorable Council Members, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) fully supports the City of Santa Monica staff's recommendation to update the interim zoning ordinance to promote economic recovery by increasing flexibility and streamlining approvals in the Downtown area. Additionally, we support the adoption of an emergency ordinance amending the sign code to increase flexibility for signage within the Bayside Conservation District and the Third Street Promenade.
At its October 10, 2024, meeting, the DTSM, Inc. Board of Directors unanimously agreed to endorse these updates as part of our ongoing commitment to making Downtown Santa Monica as business friendly as possible. These updates include provisions for Promenade-facing animated signs, removal of limitations on permitted static signs, an extended timeframe for temporary signage, and expanded flexibility in land use and alcohol service exemptions.
Specifically, these updates would provide:
Flexibility in Land Use
• Elimination of public hearing requirements for certain land uses in the Bayside Commercial District.
• Continuation of the existing prohibited uses.
• Simplified reviews for commercial entertainment and recreational uses. • Larger restaurants, up to 7,500 square feet, would be permitted without the need for public hearings, provided they meet specific conditions. • Game arcades would be allowed without having to meet overly burdensome zoning requirements.
o Note: "Barcades" would now fall under existing classifications such as Commercial Entertainment & Recreation or Bars.
Alcohol Exemptions
The proposed updates would extend alcohol service allowances across the entire Bayside Conservation Zone, including:
• Restaurants and food halls
• Bars, nightclubs, and lounges
• Convenience markets and liquor stores
• Cultural facilities and instructional services
• Outdoor rooftop commercial uses
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
1351 Third Street Promenade, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA I 310.393.8355 I [email protected] • Commercial entertainment and recreation
• Retail sales
Signage Updates
• Non-Animated Signs: Promenade-facing signs would have no restrictions on size, while non-Promenade facing signs would remain subject to the regular Sign Code. Prohibited signs, such as roof signs, would remain unchanged.
• Temporary Signs: The updates would allow temporary signs for up to one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension. These signs would be exempt from the Sign Code if authorized by a City lease or Temporary Use Permit.
• Animated Signs: Animated signs would be allowed, subject to certain illumination standards, but only if they face the Promenade. Placement and size of the signs would be regulated, ensuring they do not cover windows or exceed the area designated between the storefront and the second-floor window sill.
These changes represent a critical step in supporting the economic recovery of small businesses within Downtown Santa Monica. By removing unnecessary barriers and providing new opportunities for businesses to thrive, these updates will help create a more dynamic, engaging environment for both locals and visitors.
We greatly appreciate your consideration of these important initiatives and thank you for your continued support in revitalizing and strengthening the Downtown Santa Monica community.
Respectfully,
Andrew Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
CC: City Manager David White
Community Development Director David Martin
Economic Development Manager Jennifer Taylor
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, October 20, 2024 4:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 10-A
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members:
We would like to express our strong support for City Staff’s recommendation to make amendments to the interim zoning regulations which will promote economic recovery in the Promenade area and Office Campus District.
As regular visitors to the Santa Monica Antique Market, we especially appreciate the inclusion of the office campus area in the ordinance. The market currently operates at the Santa Monica Airport on the first and fourth Sundays of the month.
It is a well-run and successful operation, which provides a unique shopping experience for community shoppers, collectors, and design professionals. However, the operation of the market is hindered by the Frieze art show’s use of the airport space. As we understand it, the market operator has been seeking an alternative site, and the Santa Monica Business Park has been identified as an excellent location.
Permitting the market to operate at the business park would be a win for the community. The market would be located within a short drive of its current site, and would activate the business park’s parking lot space, which largely goes unused on Sundays.
Your approval of this ordinance on Tuesday night will help bring down obstacles to the business activity that Santa Monica badly needs.
We urge you to adopt the ordinance.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Ken and Joy Abbott
1745 Sunset Avenue
Santa Monica CA 90405
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: AT&T MAIL POLICY‣◹ <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, October 20, 2024 11:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 10A - support
EXTERNAL
Santa Monica Council Members:
Please approve the proposed zoning regulations allowing open-air markets in the office campus district.
These changes will allow the popular Santa Monica Antique Market, which currently operates two Sundays a month at the airport, to operate at the Santa Monica Business Park.
I appreciate your consideration.
Thank you,
Roger Hoffheimer
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Emily Hillgren <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2024 12:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 10-A - 10.22.24 Agenda - Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica Council Members,
I’m writing to ask you to you adopt the new ordinance described in item 10A on your Tuesday evening agenda.
I support this ordinance.
As I understand it, the new ordinance will help create an opportunity for the Santa Monica Antique and Vintage Market, which is open two Sundays every month, to move its operation from the SM airport to the Office Campus District.
I think the SM Business Park on Ocean Avenue is the perfect spot for the Market.
On non-business days, there is plenty of surface parking for market patrons and vendors at the office park.
As a regular at the Antique Market, I know how important it is to have outdoor spaces where friends and family can meet up and shop for clothes, furniture, kitchen equipment, and other unique pre-used and new items.
I really hope to see it thrive in another location under this temporary ordinance.
I hope you will adopt it on Tuesday night.
Thank you for considering my point of view.
Best regards,
Emily Hillgren
Emily Rice Hillgren
Founder, Indigo Projects
[email protected]
Office: 310.299.6089
Cell: 949.307.5759
www.indigoprjcts.com
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Muna Deriane <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2024 12:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 10-A - 10-22-24 agenda, Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Council Members,
I am a regular visitor to the popular Santa Monica Antique & Vintage Market, which has operated out of the Santa Monica Airport for many years. The Market is a popular attraction for community members young and old, as well as for design professionals.
Unfortunately, the Market is regularly displaced by the Frieze art market and is unable to operate on the airport property during that time. This negatively impacts the vendors and deprives the public of a great place to shop, meet friends, and enjoy the local open-air experience.
Therefore, I urge you to approve the economic recovery regulations that will allow the Santa Monica Antique Market to operate in the office campus district, which is a mere mile and a half away from the airport.
I appreciate your attention.
Sincerely,
Muna Deriane, DPPD, MBA
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: Alex Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 2:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete
Cc: David White; David Martin; Tony Kim; Judy Kruger (Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce)
Subject: LOS for Staff Recommended Interim Zoning Regulation Amendments (Agenda Item 10a)
Attachments: LOS October 22.pdf
EXTERNAL
Hello City Council,
Please see attached for a Letter of Support from the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce for the interim zoning item 10a on next week's City Council meeting agenda.
Thank you,
Alex
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024
Item 10-A
October 22, 2024