Developers and Local Residents Clash Over Southern California Development
All across Southern California, the battle over the size, location and scale of development continues.
Santa Monica
In 2004, Santa Monica residents blocked Macerich's plans for redeveloping the three-story, 570,000 square-foot Santa Monica Place Shopping Center and replacing it with three 21-story condominiums, retail, restaurants and offices. Macerich has recently scaled back plans for the center, providing for the same footprint as the original building, but with an open air center, a third floor dining deck overlooking the ocean and a more open, village-like feel to connect to the Third Street Promenade. In March, Macerich submitted this plan to the City of Santa Monica and has received relatively positive initial reaction from the community. The approval process is expected to continue through this summer.
Sherman Oaks
In the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles, Westfield has recently proposed expanding the 867,000 square foot Westfield Fashion Square by 280,000 square feet, adding 80 new stores, expanding and remodeling the food court, adding a 5-story parking garage and updating the exterior. Although many area residents dissatisfied with the out –of-date center are thrilled with idea, a significant opposition has formed, concerned with increases in traffic to the center, particularly on the weekends and holidays. The next step is an Environment Impact Report assessing the expansion and a public hearing where the local community may voice their concerns and/or support for the expansion.
