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By Jonathan Friedman
Lookout Staff
November 20 -- A large medical complex with retail
and housing elements proposed for the Olympic Boulevard and
Bundy Drive intersection just outside Santa Monica has drawn
criticism from many in the surrounding areas, including Santa
Monica City officials.
Called the Bundy Village and Medical Park, the project calls
for 385,000 square feet of medical offices, 120,000 square
feet of commercial and retail space and 385 condominium units
(mostly for seniors) spread across three structures. Some
adjustments to the current proposal could be made.
Criticism of the project has focused on traffic. The Final
EIR, which was released last month, estimates the complex
will create 20,000 car trips per day.
Santa Monica Planning and Community Development Director Eileen
Fogarty submitted a letter to the City of Los Angeles in June
stating the project would impact 15 intersections in Santa
Monica.
“The City of Santa Monica is deeply concerned about
the impacts of the project on Santa Monica streets,”
Fogarty wrote. |
The Brentwood Homeowners Association
and the Brentwood Community Council have also criticized the
proposal. One opponent recently launched a Web site called “Stop
Bundy Village.”
Planning Commissioner Jay Johnson spoke about the proposal at
Wednesday’s commission meeting, stating it is one “we
should be watching very closely” because “the project
may have a major negative impact on our border traffic issues.”
Adding to Johnson’s concern is talk from that Martin Cadillac
officials, which is located next to the project property, that
they intend to expand their facility.
Commissioner Jim Ries said Santa Monica residents will use the
proposed medical complex facility, including its retail features.
“There are a lot of big retailers who want to get
into Santa Monica, but can’t get into Santa Monica,”
Ries said. “So they are populating our borders. So a lot
of those trips come from Santa Monica residents who want to
spend their money at those stores too.” |
