MINUTES

 

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, April 2, 2002

Santa Monica Main Library Auditorium

6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

1343 Sixth Street, Santa Monica

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

1.     ROLL CALL    

 

2       REPORT FROM STAFF:

 

            Ms. Bar-El gave a brief introduction.

 

3.      DISCUSSION ITEMS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.     Historic Resources Inventory Update (North of Montana area): Report and Presentation by City’s Consultant, Historic Resources Group.

 

Christy McAvoy and Steve Moga gave their presentation on the North of Montana Historic Resources Inventory.  They also took questions from the public. 

 

Chairperson Alofsin informed the members of the public that this meeting was a study session only, and no actions would be taken tonight.

 

The following members of the public spoke in opposition to historic districts North of Montana:  Michael Berger, David Shoenfeld, Kent Cullom, Adrienne Erickson, John Bohn, Tom Larmore, Greg Poirier, Archie Arzooyan, Steve Corry, Chuck Allord, Rose Kaufman, Jim Brewer, Steve Swire and Amparo and Swire.

 

The following members of the public spoke in support of historic districts: Shari Buhan and Jerry Rubin.

 

Chairperson Alofsin thanked the community and also reiterated that this meeting was for information purposes only.

 

Chair Pro Tempore Lehrer stated she felt that it was unfortunate that the speakers thought their neighborhood lacked character or value.  She asked the consultants to briefly address their concerns.

 

Commissioner Posek stated that his understanding is that this was a study session only, and reiterated that no decisions were being made this evening.  He stated that if the citizens didn’t want a historic district, it wouldn’t work.  He also stated that the information was one sided and we need balance on both sides.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that the loss from the previous inventory and replacement by new construction, means that we are losing a lot of history.  She also stated that people need to be aware of the purpose and advantages of preservation, and that the Commission should come up with a fair and productive way to get the information out. 

 

Commissioner Genser asked if the survey encompassed the southern part of Montana Avenue, and asked for clarification regarding 18th Street and Gillette Regent Square’s development.  He also stated that he would not be attending the April 8th meeting.  He thanked the consultants, and stated that hopefully we are all going away with some useful information.  He doesn’t want to see this issue being taken over by speculators.  All of the neighborhoods are great, and we should have a sense of history about our city.

 

Staff clarified that the south side of Montana Avenue was outside the boundaries of the update scoped work.

 

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

        

         Jerry Rubin spoke regarding support of the Landmark Commission.

 

5.      NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, April 8, 2002 (Regular Meeting)

 

6.      ADJOURNMENT: 8:45 p.m.