Santa Monica, Preservationists Lose Playa Vista Battle

By Lookout Staff

January 12 -- A Superior Court Judge on Tuesday rejected an effort by the City of Santa Monica and preservationist groups to block the final phase of the massive Playa Vista development three miles south of the city.

In a 50-page ruling, Judge William F. Highberger upheld the City of Los Angeles' decision to approve the second phase of the project, which would add 2,600 housing units, a neighborhood retail center and new public parks to the development that is now home to some 4,000 people.

In one of more than a dozen suits filed to stop construction, the plaintiff’s argued that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) approved by the LA City Council in September 2004 downplayed the impact of increased wastewater and traffic congestion.

The plaintiff’s also argued that the new construction -- scheduled to be completed in 2010 -- would likely unearth part of a Native American burial ground uncovered during the project's initial phase.

In his ruling, Judge Highberger said Playa Vista developers "followed the law and the EIR provided the public and the decision-makers with all the relevant information, allowing the decision-makers to make an informed decision."

Playa Vista President Steve Soboroff said the “victory supports Playa Vista's vision as a model community.”

"This isn't just a great victory for Playa Vista," Soboroff said. "It's a victory for the people who want to reduce their commutes and live closer to their jobs on the Westside. The jobs-housing imbalance on the Westside is severe, and we're helping to solve that problem by providing quality housing people can afford."

But Santa Monica officials fear the new construction will create more gridlock in Santa Monica, which has direct access to the project via Lincoln Boulevard. One week after the LA City Council voted to approve the second phase, the Santa Monica City Council voted 4 to 0 to join the legal battle.

“The EIR was clearly inadequate and the project is an environmental and land use disaster that should not go ahead,” said former mayor Michael Feinstein, who voted to mount the legal challenge.

An attorney for conservation and tribal groups said Tuesday that the decision would be appealed. The Santa Monica City Council must decide whether to join the appeal.

Wire reports contributed to this story