Comments submitted to HCHC during public comment period from May 8 through May 31, 2024 The parcel where this affordable housing project will be has 2 giant, beautiful and absolutely magnificent Ficus trees on it at the east end of the lot. Now I know that the construction of housing in California is absolutely paramount, and affordable housing even more so, however, and I'm pleading here - is there any way to save these trees, even in dramatically pruned down versions? Yes, the trunks and root systems are large, and I'm sure that would be a challenge. So, if they cannot be saved at this location, perhaps the City could have the canopy pruned down and moved to another location, such as Palisades Park, or to another location where everyone could enjoy their majesty. My neighbors and I feel quite strongly that the permanent loss of these incredible trees would be a terrible loss, to the City, to the people of Santa Monica, and to the ecosystem that these trees help protect. As all of us know, the loss of trees in this world is on a scale that may lead to catastrophe, and is already having an effect on the warming of our planet.
Thank you.
[name removed]
Santa Monica, CA
First, this is NOT "surplus land." The demands for this space have not been met. In fact it is in high demand.
My main concern is the loss of parking spaces. 16th Street serves the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, restaurants and businesses on Wilshire, Lincoln Middle School and residents. There is already a shortage of parking spaces. Due to the shortage, residents often resort to paying to park in Lot #8, the one you are taking away.
Do you plan to replace the loss of current spaces and charging station? If so can current resident use the spaces? The increase in cars on 16th Street and 16th Court. There needs to be a traffic light installed at the intersection with Wilshire as it is.
Where are La Condesa and Cafe Zelle going to park their large garbage bins? Currently their large garbage bins are in the lot. Where are the large garbage, recycling, and compost bins for proposed building going to be housed? The choice to declare the space as surplus and build a four story building feels like a totally disregard for the residents of 16th Street. It will completely and negatively change our lives. We had no say in the matter. People are less likely to buck your plans if you include them in the decision making.
Do the developers pay the city for land?
Who pays for the building?
Who owns the building?
Are my taxes involved?
Questions and concerns:
1. We believe that these projects have a significant effect on the environment. Were the environmental impact tests conducted? These are 3 major constructions of tall and large buildings within close proximity of each other, including 1217 Euclid and 1211-1217 14th street located within just one block of each other.
2. What permits construction beyond the height directed by the housing element?
3. For 1217 Euclid construction, what experience does developer have with large group of homeless people? If homeless people do drugs at the premises, what is the procedure for eviction?
4. For 1217 Euclid construction, the alley where the developer supposedly will run traffic to the parking is extremely narrow. There are multiple buildings that this alley already services for ingress and egress into the residential buildings. How is it even possible to have this alley overburden by the large 6 story building?
5. Are the 3 projects to be constructed simultaneously or consecutively?
6. What are construction hours for each of the major projects?
7. What timeline for completion of each building is?
8. What is the status of the projects with respect to the approval of the city council?
9. When is construction to begin?
'-pedestrian access from Euclid Court to Euclid Street as available today through Lot 7• -homeless services? Also re: two marijuana dispensaries recently approved/opening within a few blocks • -eligibility and process for applying for / entering into these new housing units I am concerned about reduction of parking spots on both Euclid and 14th St. considering that the streets are permit parking. I am also concerned about the traffic on 14th St. due to the fact that it is a major north south artery for Santa Monica. I would like to be reassured about the Safety and management of the buildings for the residence that currently live on 14th St.
And I would like to know if there will be a specific number for current residence to call if we have any concerns or problems that arise from the construction and the ultimate occupation of the buildings.
Three things:•
1) how is the city planning to address the lack of parking in the area around the hospital? It’s already hard enough to •nd parking there and now this project will be losing valuable parking spaces.• 2) how do you vet the residence of these places to make sure they’re actually Santa Monica residence who need a•ordable housing?• 3) i’d like to see some evidence of your track record in success of these types of projects. Do they actually end up helping low income and people who need affordable housing, or do they become hot beds for crime and trashy like a lot of housing projects do? Where is the lost parking going to be ?
I am concerned about losing the parking lot in Euclid St. as it is used constantly by those who do not have parking permits.
Concerned about height of buildings and how that impacts neighbors Hugely supportive of more affordable housing projects to address our dire need for more housing! As a resident at 14th and Arizona, however, this would be a huge influx of affordable-only units all at once within a very small radius of my house. Past studies have shown that concentrating all affordable housing in one small area leads to ghettoization (e.g. Regent Park in Toronto, Canada). Furthermore, 130 units is a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the housing crisis which estimates a 500,000 unit deficit for Los Angeles alone. I strongly advocate for building a much larger, taller, mixed-income development that preserves the 130 affordable units while also adding at least as many market-rate units to restore the income balance within our neighborhood. There are lots of case studies that can act as examples for responsible urban development and mixing affordable, subsidized, and transitional housing in a way that optimizes quality of life for everyone involved. Thanks for reading! What is the timeline for completion of the projects?
As a neighbor on Euclid, I feel the neighborhood was not consulted about the building's intended use. The website even hides the fact that the development team has already designated the Euclid location for supportive "homeless housing", as indicated in a council meeting presentation. This is very disingenuous, and the development team isn't seeking the neighborhood's feedback beyond the building's cosmetics.
The city council suggested during a meeting that the location should be used for affordable senior housing because of its unique proximity to medical facilities, pharmacies, and grocery stores. However, this recommendation seems to be ignored, just like the neighborhood. I don't want this location to be used for supportive homeless housing. I support affordable senior housing because it's a population that needs significant assistance, and this location is uniquely situated near essential services.
In terms of design, the building is massive and towers over the neighborhood buildings. The current proposed design doesn't blend in and won't age well. Nothing about this proposal takes the neighborhood into account.
I learned about the May 22-23 meetings only after they had happened. I am quite upset, since I live at 1128 Euclid street, which is just about across the street from the development. I feel you should have given more publicity to this hearing. I see further meetings are scheduled for July 8 and 10. I will do my best to inform neighbors, but I feel you should do more to spread the word - pamphlets and posters in nearby shops should not be too expensive to produce and distribute.
Thank you for building a•ordable housing.•
WE NEED IT!•
I am a single family home owner and I SUPPORT BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING• I don't care about parking.
Yes. I am a member of HangOutDoGood. ANd a big supporter of this project. HODG does a lot of work in affordable housing, and from our experience we have found that the most effective builder of new affordable housing is Sam Prater from Room + Board. I think that's partly because Sam doesn't have these meetings, which really are just an invitation for people to bitch. Instead he just starts them. By the time the neighborhood realizes what]s happening -- which they usually don't -- the building is up and the programming has started and they are cool wiht it. The anticipation is the worst part. Most folks who live near affordable housing projects like this, don't even know they do. So that's my comment. Jusst build it! I propose to swap the assigned building types on Euclid street with the 14th street ones.• Moving the supportive homeless housing to 14th Street near UCLA's medical facility sounds like a smart move. Being close to UCLA means easier access to medical care, which could really make a difference for folks who need it. Plus, if we focus on building low-income family units on Euclid Street, we're helping families in need while still making sure they're near community resources. It's all about finding the best balance to support everyone in the neighborhood.
As a member of Westside 4 Everyone and Abundant Housing LA, I’d like to voice my support for the project! I think adding housing is necessary for our community but this building as proposed is too large for the neighborhood and does not provide enough parking in a residential area already heavily impacted by the adjacent commercial district.
Hello,•
•
I heard that the supportive homeless housing is going to be farther from UCLA. That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. You can walk from the alley behind 14th street through UCLA’s open parking lot to the ER in about one minute. I’m guessing the walk from euclid is more like five or more minutes. I think family housing should be on Euclid because it’s on a way less busy street, and the population with higher medical needs should be closer to UCLA. Also, it looks like the supportive housing has a lot more units, so a lot more people will be coming and going. The 14th street alley is just a parking lot, while on Euclid, it’s surrounded by housing. I wish you had spent more time understanding the different locations.
It’s pretty obvious that Euclid is a more family-suitable street—dramatically quieter and safer. Just look at the accidents reported through Santa Monica government. You will •nd data that supports that Euclid is much safer for kids compared to 14th.• •
Please switch these two proposals. Put the family housing on the more friendly, less trafficked street, and put the residents who will need more care closer to UCLA. That seems like the way it should’ve been designed from the beginning. Euclid street has no tra•ic and is safer for kids. The other street is very busy and closer to medical help and services.• •
Also, is there a way to make the back parts less like huge boxes? It’s a shame people are going to lose sunlight and be towered over. The buildings from the side are pretty forbidding. And please consider color choices that will look good not only today because they’re trendy but also into the future. Nothing around has those kinds of colors.• •
Thanks.
I am writing to express my opposition to the new homeless housing development planned for Euclid St. in Santa Monica, CA. I believe that the proposed location is not suitable for such a facility, given the neighborhood's focus on safety and family-friendly atmosphere.• •
I propose that the supportive homeless housing be considered for 14th Street, closer to the UCLA medical facility. This location would provide better access to resources and support services for the homeless residents due to its proximity to essential facilities.• •
As an alternative, the plan for the development on Euclid St. to be dedicated to low-income families makes much more sense. With the homeless housing comprising 65 units, there is a need to prioritize housing solutions for low-income families as well, considering that the low-income family plan consists of only 45 units.• •
I have two small children and we walk through the whole neighborhood. From groceries to restaurants, play and school. We worry that a homeless housing solution can add to an already worsening safety situation. • •
•
Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter.
I did not receive anything in the mail regarding last nights meeting nor did my neighbors. The sign posted in the lot is not visible to the street and is also bent in half not allowing people to be clearly advised. This lot is also used daily for people at the hospital and there is insufficient parking for neighbors as you have taken away parking for the amount of residents living & shopping nearby. This lot is also used as a thoroughfare for residents on 15th St as you took away all residential parking in the 1200 block of 15th St. The size of the building proposed is oversized and unnecessary and will cause much congestion for students walking to the nearby school and elderly to the hospital . If you plan to build on this lot you will need more parking and less residents. Please consider as I am very familiar with all areas in Santa Monica.
Yes- you’re taking away our already limited parking lots that we need, those going to the hospital, the surrounding businesses will have no parking and you’re increasing the density in an already crowded neighborhood. We need those parking lots— they are almost full every day. And you cannot guarantee safety and security for those living near this new housing project.
I have many concerns. Too many to list here
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed development for affordable rental housing. I appreciate the city's efforts to address this important issue. However, I have concerns about the suitability of the proposed location at Euclid/Wilshire. The current lot provides essential public parking in an area where parking is already a significant challenge, serving not only residents but also visitors and local businesses. Removing this lot will exacerbate parking difficulties, impacting residents who rely on permit-only street parking and visitors to the area. Additionally, the availability of parking is crucial for local businesses to thrive, and losing these parking spots could deter customers and negatively affect business operations. Instead of converting the lot into a rental housing structure, consider enhancing its utility as a public parking space. Adding EV charging stations could generate additional revenue for the city and support the growing need for sustainable infrastructure. While the need for affordable housing is undeniable, this particular location may not be the best choice. Other sites might offer better integration with existing infrastructure and less disruption to the community. In conclusion, I urge the Development Team to reconsider the use of the Euclid/Wilshire lot. Maintaining and enhancing it as a public parking facility would better serve the community's immediate needs while still exploring other viable locations for affordable housing. Thank you for your consideration.
I understand the importance of balancing the needs of all residents and ensuring the best possible environment for everyone. With that in mind, I would like to propose a change that I believe would greatly bene•t both the families and the individuals in the supportive housing.• •
Moving the homeless supportive housing closer to the UCLA medical facilities (14th) makes practical sense, as these residents are likely to need more frequent access to medical services compared to young families. Additionally, placing family housing on Euclid Street, which is much quieter and safer for children, would provide a more suitable environment for families.•
•
Euclid is a quiet neighborhood street with no traffic lights at Arizona or Santa Monica Blvd, making it a safer area for children to play and families to gather. The occasional block party get-togethers among neighbors create a sense of community that would be ideal for families. In contrast, 14th Street is a much busier, cut-through street that people use to get to the highway, and having children step out onto such a street poses safety concerns.• •
It appears that the buildings at Euclid and 14th are nearly identical, and this change would be very easy to make with many positive outcomes.• •
Thank you for considering this suggestion. I believe this change would create a better living situation for all residents and help meet their respective needs more effectively.
Who will own this complex?•
Who decided on the density?•
What neighborhood circumstances were considered when this was decided? Not at this time.
We represent community members of Homeowners Associations (HOA) located on the 1200 Block of 14th Street and Euclid, between Wilshire and Arizona, including the HOA on Arizona Ave. Our members have invested their life savings in these properties, which have historically seen stability and increased value, providing valuable retirement and lifelong assets.
We understand the acute housing problem faced by many in our City. We want to •nd a mutually acceptable path forward to contribute to the a•ordable housing solution while minimizing the impact on our members and property owners.• •
We have signi•cant concerns and open questions about the proposed development in our neighborhood, speci•cally at 1217 Euclid St. • •
We respectfully request that the Santa Monica City Council and the contracted developer engage with us to address the following points:• •
Building Height: We understand that Santa Monica Civic Codes for Zone R3 specify a height limit of 30 feet. We kindly ask for clari•cation on whether the proposed development will adhere to this restriction to maintain the character and aesthetic of our neighborhood.• Community Integration, Safety, and Health: We appreciate that the facility aims to provide housing for individuals with mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. We want to work together to create a safe, integrated, and supportive community for all residents. We propose forming a neighborhood advisory committee to collaborate with the city and developer on strategies to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.• Traffic and Safety: With the proposed 65 units, we anticipate increased vehicle traffic in Euclid Court. We request that the developer and the city collaborate with us to create a comprehensive traffic management plan that ensures the safety of pedestrians and residents while mitigating congestion. We are open to exploring various solutions, such as placing the garage entrance and exit on Euclid Street.•
Parking: The proposed development may impact parking availability for current residents and guests. We ask that the developer and the city collaborate with us to •nd a viable solution that addresses the parking needs of both the new development and the existing community.• •
We are committed to engaging in open and constructive dialogue to find mutually beneficial solutions. Our goal is to balance the needs of our community with the imperative of enabling housing for vulnerable groups. By working together collaboratively, we can ensure that the proposed development aligns with the best interests of our neighborhood and the broader Santa Monica community.
I am very concerned about this development. This will negatively a•ect tra•ic on the road, as well as parking. • Also, I would like to know what are the requirements for getting the affordable housing? Is it for homeless? Will it be free? Do they have to have a job? Is it nightly/weekly/yearly leasing, or is it purchase only? etc.
What additional safety measures are going to be taken to protect and keep safe the hundreds of residents on this block and surrounding blocks? The unhoused community often times have mental health issues and drug/alcohol issues that cause them to behave in a dangerous and threatening way. There are many children, women, elderly and everyone that live in this neighborhood that already are threatened by this subset of the unhoused without the lure of attracting more to the area. With this development I believe more unsafe situations will occur in this area. What is the city and the owners of this property doing specifically to enhance the safety of the residents in the area? I hope you can make the recording available after the event.
How much parking will be provided? My understanding is that this would not need required parking, under AB 2097, since it is close to transit, so I would hope parking that drives up housing costs and promotes driving would be minimized.
Proposed housing structures to replace current parking to cause more traffic congestion in the neighborhood 14th Street between Wilshire and Arizona also on Euclid same cross streets. Making it harder for patrons of these businesses to find parking-causing more businesses on Wilshire to close down.
I want to make sure that people with housing vouchers have a fair opportunity to get apartments in this development.
Do you accept a Santa Monica Section 8 Housing Voucher? Too much of the new construction in Santa Monica excludes families, adult children who need to take care of their parents/multi-generational families by only providing units with one or two bedrooms. Will there be units with 3+ bedrooms? Also, what will be the impact on public EV charging stations during and after construction? Seems like a really great project
Having three large developments in just a couple of blocks feels inappropriately concentrated for a residential area. The building's use, scale, and design don't consider the surrounding neighborhood. The development team's website is misleading; the design page shows the smallest of the three buildings for scale and includes examples of three-story structures, but these buildings are disproportionately larger. Without knowing much about this development team, it feels like their primary goal is to bait and switch or hope people don't notice that this is being built without regard to the surrounding area.• •
The design is very unattractive—dare I say lazy and ugly? The scale is towering. I don't see any consideration given to this neighborhood, not even to avoid blocking the sun for the two-story homes nearby. A courtyard for the old movie theater building? Who cares. This project is poorly designed and unsuitable. It's being forced into a neighborhood without respect for the existing community. Thanks for cramming this giant mess into our neighborhood as if we don't matter and as if only homeless housing matters at all costs.
What are the requirements for housing? Thank you so much. • I’m 71 and currently in a Section 8 Apt. in Mar Vista and have lived here for over ten years. I’m in the last Section 8 apartment in the building. The landlord thinks of me as a good tenant, however, she would love for me to leave because she wants to raise the rent. I’ve been extremely unhappy here due to many reasons(many regarding my physical and mental wellbeing). Previously, I was homeless for three years, awaiting housing. BTW, I lived in a lovely triplex in Santa Monica for 4-5 years. Excellent references and good credit rating.
No
How many units? How many studios, 1 bdr, 2 bdr, and 3 bdr units? How many at each site? Will there be parking for all of the units at each site? These are all small lots. Will there be any open space? There are no parks near these sites. Each of these sites is next to low rise or single story houses. What will the transition be? A friend of mine lives in the 17-story City of Santa Monica low-income housing building at 7th and Colorado. He is delighted to be paying ~$550/month instead of ~2,500/month in rent. He hasn't complained that the building is a simple tall box with an "unfriendly double-loaded corridor" down the middle of every •oor.• •
My question: How many units could you build on these three sites if you went up to 17 stories (or more) and used a maximally efficient "unfriendly double-loaded corridor" design? Your current design will provide 127 affordable units. We need thousands of units. How many units are we losing through your lovely, creative designs? we live one block north of euclid project. It is crucial for underground parking to be included in the project. Parking details, estimated need, etc not included in design details. Parking will be a problem with Wilshire, Vons and adjoining residential streets already at capacity. Underground parking to accommodate residents is crucial to the project and the neighborhood. thank you.
Date:5/24/2024
To:
From:[name removed]
Subject:Wilshire Blvd. and 14th Street Zoom Community Meeting (please disregard the cap lock, (visual issues)
GREETINGS, I ATTENDED THE ZOOM MEETING 5/23/2024 REGARDING THE 14TH ST. PROPOSED NEW BUILDINGS. I KNOW I AM WASTING MY TIME, AS THIS COMMENT OPPORTUNITY IS JUST A FORMALITY THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT AS PART OF THE PROCESS.
YOU ARE NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN OUR COMMENTS AS YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE YOUR MINDS UP AND THE PROCESS OF BULIDING THESE OVER SIZED UGLY BUILDINGS BEGAN A LONG TIME AGO YOU ARE ALWAYS TOUTING DIVERSITY, BUT THIS AND ALL PRIOR CITY COUNCILS MEMEBERS HAVE BEEN THE LEAST DIVERSE AS YOU ALL HAVE THE SAME MIND SET, WHICH IS, YOU WILL ACCEPT AND LIKE ANY THING WE WANT TO BUILD, WE WILL NOT CHANGE OUR MINDS AS WE KNOW BETTER HOW TO RUN THE CITY THAN YOU, DON’T QUESTION OR
OBJECT TO OUR GENIUS
WHAT WENT ON DURING COVID AND AFTER WHERE THE STATE AND CITY JOINED INTO SOME KIND OF ALLIANCE WHERE YOU NOW CAN BUILD THESE MAMOUTH 20+ STORY BUILDINGS ANYWHERE YOU WANT? GOOD BYE TO WHAT SANTA MONICA USED TO BE.
YOU KNOW YOU WILL ALWAYS GET YOUR WAY EVEN IF THE CITAZEN DON’T WANT YOUR IDEAS. EXAMPLE: GOOD BYE TO AVAILABLE PARKING, GOOD BYE TO SANTA MONICA AIRPORT / THE MIRA MAR BEAST / SANTA MONICA BLVD GEARY TOWER / THE LITE RAIL / 17TH STREET BIKE MAZE / GELSONS MONSTROSITY PARKING: THE 14TH ST. & EUCLID OPEN LOTS HAVE SUPPORTED THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR DECAIDS, THEY ARE ALWAYS BUSY AND FULL. UCLA HOSPITAL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS AS WELL AS LOCAL BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WHO PARK THERE FOR THE DAY, FAMILY, FRIENDS, YOU ARE DISTROYING (49) PARKING SPOTS @1217 EUCLID AND (49) PARKING SPOTS @1211 14THST. THE BULIDING WILL HAVE 65 HOUSES WITH ONLY 43 AVAILABLE PARKING AND 14TH ST. WILL HAVE AT LEAST EQUAL PARKING (45) HOUSES TO (43) PARKING. TOTAL OF (98) LOST PARKING SPOTS. WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE SUPPOSE TO GO? NO NOT ON THE E-BIKES, THERE IS
ALREADY NO ROOM ON THE STREETS TO PARK NOW
SHADE: HAVING LISTENED TO THE PRESENTATION. THE ARCHETECH MINIMIZED THE BUILDING SHADE ISSUE, WELL IF YOU PUT A 6 STORY BUILDING IN FRONT OF A 2 STORY AND 4 STORY DWELLING, FACEING WEST, YOU HAVE BUILT YET ANOTHER DARK CANYON OF BUILDINGS THAT ARE UGLY AND RESEMBLE CARGO CONTAINERS. ONCE THERE WAS LIGHT
AND NOW THERE WILL BE DARKNESS
BUILDING UTILIZATION AND COORDINATION WITH UCLA:
SUGGESTION SWAP THE EUCLID PROPERTY WITH THE 14TH STREET PROPERTY. IT MAKES MORE SENSE TO HAVE THE EUCLID PROPERTY THAT NEEDS RESOURCES TO BE IN CLOSE PROXCINITY TO ULCA MEDICAL CENTER THAT HAS RESOURCES AND BOTH FACILITIES CAN LEVERAGE AND INTERGRATE RESOURCES. THE FOOT PRINT IS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME SIZE, SO NO BIG DEAL TO SWAP PROJECTS.
THE 14TH STREET PROPERTY WOULD FIT BETTER INTO THE EXISTING EUCLID NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE EUCLID PROPERTY WOULD BETTER INTERGRATE INTO THE UCLA CAMPUS RESOURCES AND LIASION TOGETHER.
WITH THE SWITCH OF THE BUILDING THERE IS LESS EXISTING RESIDENT DISRUPTION. THERE ARE ONLY A FEW RESIDENTS ON 14TH STREET VS. EUCLID HAS AT LEAST 12 RESIDENTS AFFECTED.
SECURITY: THE GROUND LEVEL SPACE IS NICE BUT I DON’T THINK YOU HAVE ADDRESSED THE NEED FOR SECURITY GATES, DON’T FORGET SANTA MONICA IS HOME OF THE HOMELESS.
LASTLY, DON’T FORGET TO GIVE YOURSELFVES THOSE PHONY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS.
YOU STILL HAVE A PARKING ISSUE TO RESOLVE, CARS WILL NOT GO AWAY NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY.
Please send me a reminder of the meetings
As a mom with two young kids who lives on Euclid, I’m puzzled by the current proposal to place families on the very busy 14th and the homeless support housing farther from the hospital. I walk the neighborhoods every day with a stroller and avoid 14th because it’s so busy in the morning and evening. I can’t imagine my kids going outside on their own on 14th. The two buildings are identical, so it would be much safer and more practical to switch the family housing to Euclid, which has very little traffic, and the homeless support housing to 14th, closer to the hospital. This proposal doesn’t make common sense. Additionally, both buildings’ designs don’t seem to blend well into the neighborhood. I kindly ask that you make an effort to better understand the communities you are working with.
Thank you, [name removed]
I've reviewed the plans and I respectfully request a consideration to move the supportive homeless housing currently showing on Euclid to 14th Street which is closer to the UCLA medical facility. 14th street as a cross cutting corridor could accommodate the activity this would bring. Euclid Street has more residents with children and families and would cause unnecessary safety considerations on that street. I appreciate the consideration. Thank you Hello,
I'm AHLA's affordable housing advocate in Santa Monica. Please let me know how I can assist with your community outreach sessions, or if your need a letter of support from AHLA. [name removed]
Hello,
As a mom with two young kids who lives on Euclid, I’m puzzled by the current proposal to place families on the very busy 14th and the homeless support housing farther from the hospital. I walk the neighborhoods every day with a stroller and avoid 14th because it’s so busy in the morning and evening. I can’t imagine my kids going outside on their own on 14th. The two buildings are identical, so it would be much safer and more practical to switch the family housing to Euclid, which has very little traffic, and the homeless support housing to 14th, closer to the hospital. This proposal doesn’t make common sense. Additionally, both buildings’ designs don’t seem to blend well into the neighborhood. I kindly ask that you make an effort to better understand the communities you are working with.
Thank you,
[name removed]
Date:5/24/2024
To:HCHC
From:[name removed]
Subject:Wilshire Blvd. and 14th Street Zoom Community Meeting (please disregard the cap lock, (visual issues)
GREETINGS, I ATTENDED THE ZOOM MEETING 5/23/2024 REGARDING THE 14TH ST. PROPOSED NEW BUILDINGS. I KNOW I AM WASTING MY TIME, AS THIS COMMENT OPPORTUNITY IS JUST A FORMALITY THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT AS PART OF THE PROCESS.
YOU ARE NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN OUR COMMENTS AS YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE YOUR MINDS UP AND THE PROCESS OF BULIDING THESE OVER SIZED UGLY BUILDINGS BEGAN A LONG TIME AGO YOU ARE ALWAYS TOUTING DIVERSITY, BUT THIS AND ALL PRIOR CITY COUNCILS MEMEBERS HAVE BEEN THE LEAST DIVERSE AS YOU ALL HAVE THE SAME MIND SET, WHICH IS, YOU WILL ACCEPT AND LIKE ANY THING WE WANT TO BUILD, WE WILL NOT CHANGE OUR MINDS AS WE KNOW BETTER HOW TO RUN THE CITY THAN YOU, DON’T QUESTION OR OBJECT
TO OUR GENIUS
WHAT WENT ON DURING COVID AND AFTER WHERE THE STATE AND CITY JOINED INTO SOME KIND OF ALLIANCE WHERE YOU NOW CAN BUILD THESE MAMOUTH 20+ STORY BUILDINGS ANYWHERE YOU WANT? GOOD BYE TO WHAT SANTA MONICA USED TO BE.
YOU KNOW YOU WILL ALWAYS GET YOUR WAY EVEN IF THE CITAZEN DON’T WANT YOUR IDEAS. EXAMPLE: GOOD BYE TO AVAILABLE PARKING, GOOD BYE TO SANTA MONICA AIRPORT / THE MIRA MAR BEAST / SANTA MONICA BLVD GEARY TOWER / THE LITE RAIL / 17TH STREET BIKE MAZE / GELSONS MONSTROSITY PARKING: THE 14TH ST. & EUCLID OPEN LOTS HAVE SUPPORTED THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR DECAIDS, THEY ARE ALWAYS BUSY AND FULL. UCLA HOSPITAL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS AS WELL AS LOCAL BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WHO PARK THERE FOR THE DAY, FAMILY, FRIENDS, YOU ARE DISTROYING (49) PARKING SPOTS @1217 EUCLID AND (49) PARKING SPOTS @1211 14THST. THE BULIDING WILL HAVE 65 HOUSES WITH ONLY 43 AVAILABLE PARKING AND 14TH ST. WILL HAVE AT LEAST EQUAL PARKING (45) HOUSES TO (43) PARKING. TOTAL OF (98) LOST PARKING SPOTS. WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE SUPPOSE TO GO? NO NOT ON THE E-BIKES, THERE IS
ALREADY NO ROOM ON THE STREETS TO PARK NOW
SHADE: HAVING LISTENED TO THE PRESENTATION. THE ARCHETECH MINIMIZED THE BUILDING SHADE ISSUE, WELL IF YOU PUT A 6 STORY BUILDING IN FRONT OF A 2 STORY AND 4 STORY DWELLING, FACEING WEST, YOU HAVE BUILT YET ANOTHER DARK CANYON OF BUILDINGS THAT ARE UGLY AND RESEMBLE CARGO CONTAINERS. ONCE THERE WAS LIGHT
AND NOW THERE WILL BE DARKNESS
BUILDING UTILIZATION AND COORDINATION WITH UCLA:
SUGGESTION SWAP THE EUCLID PROPERTY WITH THE 14TH STREET PROPERTY. IT MAKES MORE SENSE TO HAVE THE EUCLID PROPERTY THAT NEEDS RESOURCES TO BE IN CLOSE PROXCINITY TO ULCA MEDICAL CENTER THAT HAS RESOURCES AND BOTH FACILITIES CAN LEVERAGE AND INTERGRATE RESOURCES. THE FOOT PRINT IS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME SIZE, SO NO BIG DEAL TO SWAP PROJECTS.
THE 14TH STREET PROPERTY WOULD FIT BETTER INTO THE EXISTING EUCLID NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE EUCLID PROPERTY WOULD BETTER INTERGRATE INTO THE UCLA CAMPUS RESOURCES AND LIASION TOGETHER.
WITH THE SWITCH OF THE BUILDING THERE IS LESS EXISTING RESIDENT DISRUPTION. THERE ARE ONLY A FEW RESIDENTS ON 14TH STREET VS. EUCLID HAS AT LEAST 12 RESIDENTS AFFECTED.
SECURITY: THE GROUND LEVEL SPACE IS NICE BUT I DON’T THINK YOU HAVE ADDRESSED THE NEED FOR SECURITY GATES, DON’T FORGET SANTA MONICA IS HOME OF THE HOMELESS.
LASTLY, DON’T FORGET TO GIVE YOURSELFVES THOSE PHONY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS.
YOU STILL HAVE A PARKING ISSUE TO RESOLVE, CARS WILL NOT GO AWAY NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY.
Please email me back so that I know you have received my comments.
Thanks,
Date: 5/24/2024
To: HCHC
From: [name removed]
Subject: Wilshire Blvd. and 14th Street Zoom Community Meeting (please disregard the cap lock, (visual issues)
GREETINGS, I ATTENDED THE ZOOM MEETING 5/23/2024 REGARDING THE 14TH ST. PROPOSED NEW BUILDINGS. I KNOW I AM WASTING MY TIME, AS THIS COMMENT OPPORTUNITY IS JUST A FORMALITY THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT AS PART OF THE PROCESS.
YOU ARE NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN OUR COMMENTS AS YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE YOUR MINDS UP AND THE PROCESS OF BULIDING THESE OVER SIZED UGLY BUILDINGS BEGAN A LONG TIME AGO YOU ARE ALWAYS TOUTING DIVERSITY, BUT THIS AND ALL PRIOR CITY COUNCILS MEMEBERS HAVE BEEN THE LEAST DIVERSE AS YOU ALL HAVE THE SAME MIND SET, WHICH IS, YOU WILL ACCEPT AND LIKE ANY THING WE WANT TO BUILD, WE WILL NOT CHANGE OUR MINDS AS WE KNOW BETTER HOW TO RUN THE CITY THAN YOU, DON’T QUESTION OR OBJECT
TO OUR GENIUS
WHAT WENT ON DURING COVID AND AFTER WHERE THE STATE AND CITY JOINED INTO SOME KIND OF ALLIANCE WHERE YOU NOW CAN BUILD THESE MAMOUTH 20+ STORY BUILDINGS ANYWHERE YOU WANT? GOOD BYE TO WHAT SANTA MONICA USED TO BE.
YOU KNOW YOU WILL ALWAYS GET YOUR WAY EVEN IF THE CITAZEN DON’T WANT YOUR IDEAS. EXAMPLE: GOOD BYE TO AVAILABLE PARKING, GOOD BYE TO SANTA MONICA AIRPORT / THE MIRA MAR BEAST / SANTA MONICA BLVD GEARY TOWER / THE LITE RAIL / 17TH STREET BIKE MAZE / GELSONS MONSTROSITY PARKING: THE 14TH ST. & EUCLID OPEN LOTS HAVE SUPPORTED THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR DECAIDS, THEY ARE ALWAYS BUSY AND FULL. UCLA HOSPITAL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS AS WELL AS LOCAL BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WHO PARK THERE FOR THE DAY, FAMILY, FRIENDS, YOU ARE DISTROYING (49) PARKING SPOTS @1217 EUCLID AND (49) PARKING SPOTS @1211 14THST. THE BULIDING WILL HAVE 65 HOUSES WITH ONLY 43 AVAILABLE PARKING AND 14TH ST. WILL HAVE AT LEAST EQUAL PARKING (45) HOUSES TO (43) PARKING. TOTAL OF (98) LOST PARKING SPOTS. WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE SUPPOSE TO GO? NO NOT ON THE E-BIKES, THERE IS
ALREADY NO ROOM ON THE STREETS TO PARK NOW
SHADE: HAVING LISTENED TO THE PRESENTATION. THE ARCHETECH MINIMIZED THE BUILDING SHADE ISSUE, WELL IF YOU PUT A 6 STORY BUILDING IN FRONT OF A 2 STORY AND 4 STORY DWELLING, FACEING WEST, YOU HAVE BUILT YET ANOTHER DARK CANYON OF BUILDINGS THAT ARE UGLY AND RESEMBLE CARGO CONTAINERS. ONCE THERE WAS LIGHT
AND NOW THERE WILL BE DARKNESS
BUILDING UTILIZATION AND COORDINATION WITH UCLA:
SUGGESTION SWAP THE EUCLID PROPERTY WITH THE 14TH STREET PROPERTY. IT MAKES MORE SENSE TO HAVE THE EUCLID PROPERTY THAT NEEDS RESOURCES TO BE IN CLOSE PROXCINITY TO ULCA MEDICAL CENTER THAT HAS RESOURCES AND BOTH FACILITIES CAN LEVERAGE AND INTERGRATE RESOURCES. THE FOOT PRINT IS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME SIZE, SO NO BIG DEAL TO SWAP PROJECTS.
THE 14TH STREET PROPERTY WOULD FIT BETTER INTO THE EXISTING EUCLID NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE EUCLID PROPERTY WOULD BETTER INTERGRATE INTO THE UCLA CAMPUS RESOURCES AND LIASION TOGETHER.
WITH THE SWITCH OF THE BUILDING THERE IS LESS EXISTING RESIDENT DISRUPTION. THERE ARE ONLY A FEW RESIDENTS ON 14TH STREET VS. EUCLID HAS AT LEAST 12 RESIDENTS AFFECTED.
SECURITY: THE GROUND LEVEL SPACE IS NICE BUT I DON’T THINK YOU HAVE ADDRESSED THE NEED FOR SECURITY GATES, DON’T FORGET SANTA MONICA IS HOME OF THE HOMELESS.
LASTLY, DON’T FORGET TO GIVE YOURSELFVES THOSE PHONY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS.YOU STILL HAVE A PARKING ISSUE TO RESOLVE, CARS WILL NOT GO AWAY NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY.
Hello,
I hope this finds you well. I am inquiring whether the agendas for the community meetings which are to be held on July 8 and July 10 will be the same as the meetings on May 22 and May 23? That is, will the topics of those meetings include discussion around the 1217 Euclid Street project? Thank you so very much,
[name removed]
Hello again,
Last week, you so kindly called me back to explain the purpose of the 4 meetings, and I'm so appreciative of your assistance in that regard! I thought that there would be someone from my family who would be able to attend either of the first two meetings, but alas, they weren't able to attend either. Might there be a recording of the May 23 meeting that could be viewed? And/or a summary of what was discussed?
Thank you so very much and wishing you all the best,
[name removed]
Hello,
I just wanted to follow up on my previous email. Given today is the last day to provide comments, it would be very helpful to ascertain (if at all possible) some of the comments that have already been given.
Thank you so very much,
[name removed]
Dear Developer and City Council:
Among other significant concerns regarding above referenced projects, please take notice of the following major issues:
Environmental tests showing no significant impact on the environment:
As developer promised at the May 23 zoom meeting, please provide a copy of environmental tests showing no significant impact on the environment specific to these projects.
Please note our position that the 6th Cycle Housing Element Environment Impact Report is insufficient because it was performed before these projects came into sight.
If not tests specific to these projects were performed, we request that they be performed before commencement of the projects.
These 3 projects are so extensive and intrusive into environment that these tests must be done. If the developer will not do them, this email serves as notice of significant risk of personal injuries that are likely to result from toxic and environmental torts that may be committed via performance of these projects. (Large scale includes construction of over 7 years, large 3 construction sites within a block from each other, loss of parking resulting in high congestion due to cars cruising and trying to find parking, etc.).
Euclid project - problem with using the alley for ingress and egress for the new proposed building.
During the meeting, the developer characterized the alley as a two way alley. However, it is not a two way alley. It only can provide ingress and egress for one car at a time. All residential buildings located on 14th street - and there are at least six residential apartment complexes - use this one car alley to enter and exit their own parking garages.
We do not believe this alley can possibly support another 40+ cars for ingress and egress. At a minimum, as part of this extensive project, the developer should develop and significantly improve the alley, including widening and repaving it, prior to commencement of the Euclid construction. Otherwise, current residents lose access to their own parking.
Euclid and 14th Parking. As part of request for proposal, the developer was under an obligation to propose and develop parking for the general public given that the projects take all major public parking in the area. The developer failed to do so. Removing the parking lots on Euclid and 14th has a significant adverse effect on small businesses on Wilshire, and also on those tenants who rent rooms/apartments at the nearby residential buildings and do not have parking and use Euclid lot to park as their permanent parking. Having tenants to walk to their residences 2-3 blocks(provided they even find parking elsewhere) increases dangers.
While the developer provided parking alternatives, they are completely inadequate and include vague statements like “We will consider and evaluate additional options to provide district parking and EV charging, like acquiring parcels adjacent to the development sites to be developed as freestanding, independently ?nanced parking solutions.” This solution is inadequate because we all know the developer will not "acquire any parcels." In fact, the developer is not even buying the parking lots for the fair market value and is getting a lease for $1/per year for 65 year for the city. The community, including residents and small businesses, will struggle tremendously.
Permanent support housing. Homeless tenants will have very limited 8 am - 4pm supervision during weekdays only. During the meetings, it was made clear that this is not a sober house and that those tenants who use drugs and have various crime-related violations will be housed. Developer was unable to answer a question as to what they would do if residents of nearby buildings are attacked by these tenants.
Developer lacks experience with handling 40 units of permanent support housing. In response to request for proposal, they stated that they only have 100 homeless tenants in 10 different buildings, this is 10 tenants per building. The lack of experience is evident from the minimal supervision that the developer will provide to the 40 units of homeless tenants.
Why is Developer receiving these parking lots as a gift? "Hi, my name is [name removed], and you graciously returned a previous message that I sent concerningmeeting attendance.I was wondering, though, if there is a way to either watch a recording of the Zoom orif there are any notes publicly or notes on those two meetings will become publicly availableprior to the next set of meetings on July 8th and July 9th.If so, that would be great to know about and to be able to access.I can be reached at [phone number removed] or via email at [email removed].Thank you so much.Bye." Thank you so much. I appreciate your response and the attached materials.
All best,
[name removed]
We hereby object to the gift of land city is giving the Developer:
This is valuable land and the city should receive fair market value for it, especially since it is removing it from use by the general public.
In sum, all of the above major issues must be resolved before commencement of the construction. We request that the developer and/or City Council respond to this email by June 14, 2024, with the explanation of how they plan to deal with all of the issues showing that the projects will currently create more problems than they will solve.
Thank you in advance for your attention to these matters. --
[name removed]