Planning Commission Tackles Housing and Development Issues

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Last week, the West Hollywood Planning Commission convened for its first meeting of the year, addressing housing developments, neighborhood concerns, and expanded public engagement policies.

Fire Recovery Efforts and Community Support

The meeting opened with an acknowledgment of the recent devastating wildfires affecting nearby communities. The Director of Community Development, Nick Maricich, provided an update on the city’s efforts, emphasizing the work of first responders and encouraging residents to contribute to relief and recovery efforts. Maricich also highlighted mental health resources available for those impacted by the fires.

Housing and Condominium Conversions

The commission approved the subdivision of two existing apartment buildings on Huntley Drive into condominiums, a move that sparked public concerns about the project’s effects on the neighborhood. The properties at 649 and 723 North Huntley Drive, originally developed as rental units, will now be sold as individual condominium units.

During the discussion, local property owner Rochelle Abramson raised concerns about drainage issues and the encroachment of tree roots from one of the properties onto her adjacent lot. The developer’s representative acknowledged the concerns and committed to investigating and resolving any outstanding issues. The commission moved forward with approval but emphasized the importance of ongoing compliance with city regulations and property maintenance standards.

A third condominium conversion project at 1011 North Ogden Drive, currently under construction, also received approval. This project had initially been approved in 2018 but required a new subdivision permit due to the expiration of the prior approval.

Expanding Public Engagement in Development Agreements

In an effort to increase transparency and community involvement in major development projects, the commission discussed a proposed zoning text amendment that would require additional public outreach for projects involving development agreements.

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Key provisions of the proposal include:

  • Mandatory neighborhood meetings for all projects with a development agreement, to be held at least 60 days before a public hearing.
  • Expanded public noticing radius for development agreements, increasing from 500 feet to 1,000 feet to ensure more residents are informed.

While commissioners largely supported the expanded public engagement efforts, they debated the timing of neighborhood meetings. Some commissioners expressed concerns that requiring meetings only 60 days before a Planning Commission hearing would limit meaningful community input, particularly if the project had already undergone design review. The commission discussed the possibility of requiring neighborhood meetings earlier in the process to allow public feedback to shape the design phase.

Looking Ahead

The Planning Commission’s recommendations on expanded public engagement will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Additionally, ongoing community concerns regarding housing conversions and property maintenance will be monitored to ensure compliance with city regulations.

As West Hollywood continues to address housing needs and urban development challenges, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to balancing growth with neighborhood interests and community feedback.

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Project Manager for hire
Project Manager for hire
16 days ago

How about tackling some of the projects that are STILL going on ; 1264 N. Harper, started in 2018. After covid the completion time was 2023. Here we are 2025 with no estimated completion. Then there is 1250 that has been a disaster since the first rains it endured 14 ( i could be off) years ago. The GIGANTIC blue tarp is at least gone for now. At least the former Taxco is making progress, it has only been since 2016. WeHo Planning, oh the irony.

Todd
Todd
15 days ago

Can we add the Melrose Triangle, French Market and Arts Club projects (just to name a few) to that list? At least the City finally (after many years) paved over the corner of SMB and Crescent Heights to make a parking lot. Too bad the 4 EV charging spots are still using the outdated charging standard and too bad there are only 4!

Anonymous
Anonymous
18 days ago

I would like to see the commission tackle all the stalled or cancelled developments that removed thriving businesses before they were shovel ready.

Including the public in the development process would be a great decision to include us in the process