Should a FIve-Story Building Be Built at the Corner of Washington Place and Sawtelle Blvd in Culver City?

Friend of CCT Jay Garacochea brings us this chilling news:

"I would like to invite you all to a developer's community meeting at Vet's Auditorium on June 21st at 7pm regarding a new project being proposed at 11281 Washington Place, at the intersection of Washington Place and Sawtelle Blvd.

"I have been working with a number of local residents that live around the proposed project.

It is a long time coming, considering that the property has been vacant for more than 20 years. But we are watching it very closely because we would like to have a development that is fitting to our neighborhood. The development proposed plans show that it will be five stories in height with retail stores on the ground floor. Do not be mistaken, we want the property to be developed, but we also would like it to fit the neighborhood. There are no buildings of this magnitude anywhere around, and a five-story building will completely dwarf other buildings in the area.

"In addition to the size, we are also concerned about the parking situation. There will be a lower-level parking garage for the residents of the building, two parking stalls per unit (tandem). Allowing retail stores will have a negative impact on the streets surrounding the project. There are a few streets left in the area that do not have permit parking, but if the developer is allowed retail space, those remaining areas will all have to become permitted. The developer has proposed 14 parking spaces for the businesses and visitors, but they did not account for the employees.

"There have been a number of new developments between the 3900-4100 blocks of Sepulveda Blvd. The projects are welcomed additions of restaurants and services, however, the impact has been felt by the surrounding neighborhoods. The employees are having to park three-to-five blocks away. Allowing another development with retail in the area will only make the matter worse.

"I am hoping that you will be able to attend the meeting and learn about the project for yourself, as always if time permits.

"If you would like to be added to our email list please contact me at: Jayforculvercity@gmail.com

"Thank you in advanced for your interest in this project."

Jay Garacochea

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Comment by Evlynne Braithwaite Householder on June 16, 2016 at 2:36pm: At first glance, I don't like the idea of a 5 story building on that corner. As I think about it more and read Jay Garochea's views, I like the idea even less.

here's my take: The Low Income Housing Construction Project is in the same area. Multi-unit dwellings, as I understand.

Retail stores, Who does retail anymore? Brick and Mortar stores are de classe. Online shopping is what is shutting down Macy's and Nordstrom's and others. I realize a department store is not scheduled for that site but what chance does a mom and pop or a small store have in today's economy?

Look at the retail space that has NOT been leased on Washington and Huron, they have been vacant for

years. I see the same scenario on Pico and 26th St. Across from the 99 Cents store in Santa Monica. One

space leased.

Perhaps the plan is for food venues. Hello! Culver Crossroads! Do we need more restaurants considering you can travel west to Centinela and they are bountiful from there until Costco. Due to Culver Crossroads the residents on Commonwealth Avenue between Washington Blvd and Culver Roadway North paid a high price for 3 years with parking, noise and extra trash on the block before what seems to be a permanent solution was put forth.

5 stories high, huh? Hmmm This reminds me of driving to Home Depot last spring and turning onto Jefferson from Centinela and the sky disappeared. Playa Vista is too big; I'm used to it now and glad it's not Culver City.

Development and progress is great but Culver City is a "special place". It's why I moved here almost 20 years ago. A place that would put a five story building in downtown Culver City, not in a residential area. This morning I had my coffee in my backyard. I heard birds chirping and singing and an owl hooting it was so peaceful and lovely. Five story buildings do not attract nature, it pushes it away.

Of course The City wants the revenue that retail stores would bring in but there are no guarantees, in this slow growth economy that retails stores would stick.

What about a small park? Or Parklet? That's more in keeping with Culver City and it's Mayberry scenario. It won't bring The City $$$ but it would continue to make Culver City the "special place" that it is, and that's why people want to move here because we are "special." We don't lose "the special." We hold fast to "the special."

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