MINUTES

 

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Monday, August 13, 2001

City Council Chambers

7:00 p.m.

1685 Main Street, Room 213

 

CALL TO ORDER                  7:05 p.m.

 

1.   ROLL CALL:                     Present:                   Commissioner Genser

                                                                                    Commissioner Lehrer

                                                                                    Commissioner Posek

                                                                                    Commissioner Schnitzler

                                                                                    Chair Pro Tem Bolton

                                                                                    Chairperson Alofsin

                                                   Also Present:          Kimberly Christensen, Sr. Planner

                                                                                    Liz Bar-El, Staff Liaison

                                                                                    Arlene Johnson, Staff Assistant III

 

2.   INDUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER: BARBARA SCHNITZLER   

 

3.   SELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002

Commissioner Lehrer nominated Chairperson Alofsin for another term.  Commissioner Posek seconded and the motion passed by the following vote.

 

Ayes:        Genser, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler, Bolton

Nayes:      None

Abstain:    Alofsin

 

Commissioner Genser motioned that the Commission nominate a new Chair Pro Tem for fiscal year 2001-2002.  Chair Pro Tem Bolton seconded and the motion passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:        Genser, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler, Bolton, Alofsin

Nayes:      None

Abstain:    None

 

Commissioner Bolton nominated Commissioner Lehrer for Chair Pro Tem.  Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:        Genser Posek, Schnitzler, Bolton, Alofsin

Nayes:      None

Abstain:    Lehrer

 

4.   REPORT FROM STAFF:

Staff liaison, Kim Christensen stated the following:

·        Commissioner Genser had been appointed as the new Commission Historian, as of July 24, 2001.  He replaced Commissioner Schmidt. 

·        She introduced the seven new staff members of the City Planning division to the Commission. 

·        The City Clerk’s office has posted a notice for the remaining vacancy for the Landmarks Commission.  The application deadline is September 6th. 

·        The City Council expects to make a selection at the September 11th meeting. The application is also available on-line. 

·        The appeal of 1333 Ocean Avenue is going to the City Council meeting on August 14th. 

·        Ms. Christensen also mentioned that she would be on vacation the following month, and Amanda Schachter would staff the September 10th meeting. 

·        Ms. Christensen stated that the Historic Preservation Element will be scheduled before the City Council in late fall.

 

5.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

      Public Input Permitted

     

A.     July 9, 2001

 

Commissioner Lehrer moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote.

 

6.   CONSENT CALENDAR: None

      Public Input Permitted

 

7.   PUBLIC HEARINGS:  None

      Public Input Permitted

 

8.   OLD BUSINESS: 

      Public Input Permitted

 

A.  Certificate of Appropriateness Application No. LC-01-CA-003, 380 Santa Monica Pier, to allow the following work at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier:  Installation of a 48-foot wide by 11-foot high mural painted on plywood (entitled “Year of the Ocean” painted by the marine life artist Wyland) to be located on the north and west facing walls of the restroom building, adjacent to the Pier’s promenade.

 

Ms. Christensen stated that upon consulting with the Cultural Affairs division, the Arts Commission has no jurisdiction over privately owned property, which is where the mural is located.  She also stated that the mural was recently installed.

 

Jerry Rubin, member of the public, stated that he was invited to the unveiling of the mural and says it is a great addition to the Pier.  Stated the artist of the mural is a wonderful recognized artist.  He also stated that every building is on City property, whether private or public, and hopes the City would want to have some input in future  endeavors. 

 

Ms. Christensen stated that the Arts Commission is charged with making decisions regarding public art.  The Pier is owned by the City, however, Pacific Park and the buildings that encompass Pacific Park are not.  This is per the City’s rules and regulations.

 

Chair Alofsin suggested sending a copy of the action to the Pier Restoration Corporation. 

 

Commissioner Lehrer moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with a comment that the Commission regrets that the mural was installed without the Certificate in advance from the Landmarks Commission.  Commissioner Genser seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote with Chairperson Alofsin voting against.

 

9.   DISCUSSION ITEMS:

      Public Input Permitted

 

A.     Demolition Permits

 

1.         921 Berkeley Street (PC012056)

            R1/Single Family Residential

            Single Family Dwelling w/Garage

            Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

2.         2114 Hill Street (PC012042)

            R1/Single Family Residential

One-story Single Family Residence

            Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

3.                  745 20th Street (PC012014)

R1/Single Family Residential

Single Family Residence

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

            4.         1522 6th Street (PC012000)

 C3/Downtown Commercial District

             2-Story Apartment Building

 Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

5.            1536 6th Street (PC011999)

C3/Downtown Commercial District

                        10 Unit, 2-story Apartment Building

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

           

            6.         1540 6th Street (PC011996)

                        C3/Downtown Commercial District

                        10 Unit, 2-story Apartment Building

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

            7.         1544 6th Street (PC011997)

                        C3/Downtown Commercial District

                        2-Story Commercial Office Building

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

            8.         608 Pico Place (PC011975)

                        OP2/Low Multiple Residential

                        400 S.F. Building w/ 2 Rooms and 1 Bathroom

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

9.                  224 18th Street (PC011949)

R1/Single Family Residential

Single Family Residence and Garage

Structure Identified in Historic Resources Inventory (5D)

 

               Carol Flint, member of the public, asked that the Commission delay the demolition on this property.  She stated that there were 74 homes on 18th Street that were listed on the historic inventory.  14 have already been demolished.  Stated she and her husband seek to get the neighbors involved in possibly creating a historic district on 18th Street.  She asked the Commission to delay or deny the demolition until they could educate their neighbors about historic preservation.

 

               Commissioner Posek stated the property could qualify for a structure of merit.  Stated it appears to be in tact and it would be very simply to add onto in the back to increase living space.  Stated he would like to consider it as a structure of merit.

 

               Commissioner Lehrer concurred.  She stated the building is a fine work of architecture and easy to expand.  Stated the groupings on 18th Street  include a lot of wonderful older houses with charm and character and she would like to nominate this building as a structure of merit.

 

               Commissioner Bolton stated he supports the idea of structure of merit, however he would like to see neighborhood support.

 

               Commissioner Posek moved to begin the Structure of Merit designation.  Commissioner Lehrer seconded and the motion passed by the following vote.

 

      Ayes:              Genser, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler, Bolton, Alofsin

      Nayes:            None

      Abstain:          None

 

               10.    1027 10th Street (PC012076)

                        R2NW/Low Density Multiple Residential

                        Four, One-story units

Structure Identified in Historic Resources Inventory (5S3)

 

               Mojdeh Memarzadeh, applicant, stated that there is no record of an architect or builder nor is it in a historic neighborhood.  She also stated that the building is a 4-unit with one illegally converted to a studio.  There are better examples of this kind of building in Santa Monica.

 

               Commissioner Bolton stated that according to the Rent Control letter, the Commission really has no authority.

 

               Ms. Christensen clarified that the letter stated that Rent Control would not sign off until the Landmarks Commission reviewed the demolition application and all City approvals for a replacement project have been granted.

 

               Commissioner Lehrer stated that this property is in an area that has high redevelopment with lots of condominium buildings and is not worthy of merit.

 

               Commissioner Posek stated that the building is a single isolated example.

 

               Commissioner Schnitzler stated that the building is not worthy of merit.

 

               There was no action taken on this property after a motion to landmark the building failed with a 2-4 vote moved by Commissioner Genser and seconded by Chairperson Alofsin.

 

      B.     Civic Auditorium as a Potential Landmark

 

               Andy Agle, Deputy Director, presented a brief slide show and update on the Civic Center meeting held on July 1, 2001.  He also presented three schematic alternatives for the Civic Center Plan

 

 

 

               Jerry Rubin, member of the public, thanked everyone for realizing that the Civic Auditorium is a gem that just needs some polishing.  He sees it adding to the educational, musical, cultural and integrity of this community.  Stated the City has the means to make this all come together.

 

               Alan Lieb, member of the public, spoke on the history of the Civic Auditorium and also, of the architect, Welton Becket.  He stated that Becket was an important and influential force in modern architecture.  He stated the Civic Auditorium marks a highlight of Becket’s jet-aged design and technological innovation.  Stated the unique tilting hydraulic floor is a landmark in adaptive technology. Stated the Civic Auditorium deserves the highest possible landmark status and also deserves national register consideration.  Also stated it is a civic treasure and a source of local and national pride, and asked the Commission to protect it for future generations to enjoy. 

 

               Trudi Sandmeier, member of the public, stated the City Hall building is a wonderful treasure.  Also stated, that if the Civic Auditorium is designated, it does not put any restrictions on the uses of the building.  The hydraulic floor is a character defining feature.  The changes that would be made to that system would affect its overall criterion.  It’s not just the exterior façade of the building that makes it an important place, but the building in its entirety.   Stated it is important that this building have CEQA protection.

 

               There was discussion regarding the Landmarks Commission’s jurisdiction over the interior of a building. 

 

               Commissioner Lehrer stated the timing is now.  The historic value must be protected.  Stated it warrants local status and is national eligible.

 

               Commissioner Lehrer moved to file an application to designate the Civic Auditorium a landmark and pursue national register status.  Chair Pro Tem Bolton seconded and the motion passed by the following vote.

 

      Ayes:              Genser, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler, Bolton, Alofsin

      Nayes:            None

      Abstain:          None

 

      This item will be brought back to the Commission in October, 2001.

 

      C.     Selection of Sub-committee to review the placement of Landmark plaques on Landmark properties.

 

               Commissioner Schnitzler and Chairperson Alofsin volunteered as sub-committee members

 

      D.     Planning Commission Case List (Information Only)

 

10.    COMMUNICATIONS: 

 

                    Chairperson Alofsin passed around various items for review.

 

11.     FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:  (Requests from Commissioners to add items to upcoming agendas)

·        Discussion of designating the Lido Hotel, located at 1455 4th Street.

·        Notification of demolition team be placed on all future agendas.

·        Have additional planning staff attend a Landmark meeting to discuss enhancing the current law regarding the 40-year rule notification.

·        Discussion of ways to expand community outreach to educate realtors.

·        Discussion of other Historic Preservation tools such as the Earthquake Recovery Act.

 

12.    NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, September 10, 2001

 

13.    PUBLIC INPUT: (On items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission)

 

Brett Svatek, member of the public, stated he has lived at the Lido Hotel for 7 years.  Stated there are 15 original apartments left from the recent construction, and would like the Commission’s help in trying to designate the building in order to save the remaining units. 

 

Zeljka Ulan, member of the public, stated that she is the president of the Lido Apartment Association.  Stated the owner has plans to destroy the lobby and has already destroyed the rear of the building.  In addition, he is also advertising the building as a luxury hotel.  The owner is Howard Jacobs.

 

After brief discussion, Commissioner Lehrer moved to add this to next month’s agenda as a discussion item.  Chairperson Alofsin seconded and the motion passed by the following vote.

 

   Ayes:     Genser, Lehrer, Posek, Schnitzler, Bolton, Alofsin

   Nayes:   None

   Abstain: None

 

14.    ADJOURNMENT:  9:30 p.m.