Brennan’s Irish Pub on Lincoln and home of the turtle races will reopen Tuesday. Brennan’s has been around since the mid 70’s.
People lined up to speak on PSH Ordinance at City Hall
By Angela McGregor
The Los Angeles City Planning Commission passed the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Ordinance December 14th.
There were upwards of 90 public speakers both in favor of and opposed to the Ordinance. Members of both the Oxford Triangle Association and Venice Vision were present to express their opposition to the measure. Most of those favoring the measure spoke in favor of Permanent Supportive Housing generally. Speakers included Becky Dennison, from Venice Community Housing Corporation, who stated that the Ordinance would not apply to either the Venice & Dell Project or the Thatcher Yard Project; Linda Lucks, who introduced herself as a former President of the Venice Neighborhood Council and stated her approval of the ordinance; two representatives of the League of Women Voters, who demanded that PSH be built “as soon as possible”.
Comments of those opposed to the measure generally pointed out that thorough CEQA review and public input with regard to density and parking (which this ordinance would limit or eliminate) are essential to good public planning and the long term success of any development.
Because there were so many speakers present, the Planning Commission waived the use of speaker cards and instead went with a first-come, first-serve format, giving each speaker 1 minute. Public Commentary lasted almost two hours.
Planning Staff then spoke in rebuttal to the comments. They stated that 72 percent of public comments favored the ordinance, and made no mention of the written comments that had been submitted, which according to the Staff Report numbered in the hundreds and were overwhelmingly opposed to the measure. In response to the many Venice residents who spoke against the measure, Planning Staff stated that neither of the projects could “utilize the PSH Ordinance” in order to increase density or eliminate parking.
The Planning Commission’s questions and comments to staff primarily focussed on whether or not, under the ordinance, projects could be even more dense — 450 sf units as opposed to 500 sf. They also praised the staff for what they felt was a “careful” and “well thought out” ordinance, which they ultimately approved.
The ordinance will now go to the City Council for final approval.
Rendering of entrance to Thomas Safran Associates’ Thatcher Yard Project that will have both senior (69) and family housing (29) for a total of 98 units with 50 percent being permanent supportive housing.
TSA (Thomas Safran Associates) was shy a couple units for a full R1.5 zone with two 35 percent density bonuses when associates and Thomas Safran discussed their proposed project to the members of the Oxford Triangle Association (OTA) Monday night in the Woods at Playa Vista.
TSA proposed 98 units. The Venice Update had an article 15 August 2016 showing the number that could be put on the 93,000 square foot lot when rezoned to R1.5. The number was 104 – 106. Councilman Mike Bonin said no way would he let that happen. Thomas Safran said he was told by Bonin to work it out with the OTA. Mark Shockley, president of the Oxford Triangle Association made the statement that TSA started with 150 units and he had asked TSA for less than a hundred.
TSA complied by two less of a hundred at 98 and a little less than what could have been with two 35 percent bonuses totally implemented at 104 – 106.
The Oxford Triangle single-family area consists of approximately 350 single-family homes so an increase of 100 would be almost a 30 percent increase.
Vehicles will be restricted access into the Triangle but pedestrian access will be allowed. Vehicle ingress/egress will be via Marina Point Drive.
The project will be for seniors and families. How the PSH will be divided is not known.
It will consist of 98 units, 50 percent of which will be permanent supportive housing (PSH). People who qualify for PSH have a disability as well as are homeless. It was asked if being a senior constituted having a disability and a social worker said it did. A senior is one 62-1/2 years old and older. Safran further defined the tenant housing makeup as 69 for seniors and 29 for families.
A coordinated entry system (CES) implemented by County, City, Community (C3) will be used at least for the PSH selection. Selection is supposedly based on worst case first and this writer was not familiar with selection by category, such as a senior.
Breakdowns for the senior building bedrooms and the family building bedrooms are shown in photo.
Many residents wanted the density reduced but that was never discussed in detail and they wanted more parking. Safran said he had complied with parking and that these people did not have vehicles. One resident mentioned that many were sleeping in cars.
One resident brought up the fact that Coeur d’Alene school was just maxed out. He asked if taxes for schools from the project could be directed directly to the Coeur d’ Alene system. TSA said they would look into that.
Security was mentioned and Safran explained he would have lighting and many cameras and then he added spinklers.
One resident wanted both pedestrians and vehicles restricted from the single-family homes as are the five high-rise buildings on the southern tip of the Triangle. TSA said that was impossible and most homeowners wanted their exercise path. One said he would like to have the pedestrian turnstiles that are used for the Jefferson-Marina apartments repeated in the project; otherwise, motorcycles could enter the Triangle.
Many wanted the project fenced and wrought-iron fencing was mentioned. One asked how high but a figure was not presented. One brought up the fact that there was insufficient setback from the sidewalk to put up a fence.
One mentioned that some agenda he had did not list another meeting prior to going to planning for this project. Thomas Safran said there would be other community meetings.
Unit Breakdown
Complex from Thatcher.
Complex at corner of Princeton (west) and Oxford.
Plot plan view.
Photo with blue tent shows homeless living in the median between the east and westbound lanes of the 90 freeway, west of Culver and east of Marina Nursery.
The reason this is mentioned is because homeless wearing black and riding bikes without lights are on the freeway entrance and exit roads trying to get to the median. Be cautious.
When the lights go out at night and particularly just before dawn, one spots homeless dressed in dark clothing with hoodies riding bikes without lights or reflectors throughout Venice. Homeless love to cross the boulevards taunting the drivers. One was seen doing a wheelie riding down the middle of Lincoln Blvd before dawn. They are also walking, crossing streets against the lights unexpectedly.
It is a time to be exceedingly cautious.
Below are the LAPD Santa Sleigh stops. Remember Santa will arrive with a siren blasting. Let everyone know all is well. The times are given but allow for 15- to 30-minute lapse in time. Santa will pose for pictures.
Monday, 4 December
3:45 PM – Playa Del Rey Lagoon (Pacific Ave at Convoy Ave)
4:30 PM – 8030 Fordham Ave
6:00 PM – West 85th Pl, west of McConnell Ave
6:45 PM – 8040 El Manor Ave
7:30 PM – 7407 Agnew Ave
Tuesday, 5 December
4:00 PM- 5962 W 75th Street
4:45 PM – 7414 MidfieldAve
5:30 PM- 63rd Ave and S. Fairfax Ave (North West Corner)
6:45 PM- 8880 Earhart Ave
7:45 PM- 8937 Fleetwing Ave
Monday, 11 December
3:00 PM – Short Ave Elementary School
4:00 PM – Braddock Elementary School
5:00 PM – Mar Vista Gardens Boys and Girls Club
6:00 PM – Slauson Park / Mar Vista Family Center
7:00 PM – Mesmer/Beatrice Garden (Northwest corner)
8:00 PM – North Park between Marcasel Ave and East Blvd
Tuesday, 12 December
3:30 PM – Penmar Park (Lake west of Walgrove)
4:15 PM – 2103 Walnut Ave
5:00 PM – St. Andrew’s Church (National Blvd and Federal Avenue)
5:45 PM – 3236 Purdue Ave
6:30 PM – 3270 Granville (Between Indianapolis and Rose)
7:15 PM – 11900 Victoria Avenue (Mid-Block)
8:00 PM – 3412 Keeshan Dr
Wednesday, 13 December
4:00 PM – Grandview Blvd at Mitchell Ave (Grandview Elementary School)
5:30 PM – Playa Vista (Concert Park on Runway Rd)
7:30 PM – Oxford Triangle (Thatcher Ave at Howard St)
8:00 PM – Kenyon Ave and Louise Ave
Thursday, 14 December
3:30 PM – Oakwood Recreation Center (767 California)
4:30 PM – Frey at Olive St (At the Corner)
5:15 PM -Shell Ave at Superba Ave (At the Circle)
6:00 PM -517 Indiana Ave
7:30 PM – 3600 Wade St (Mid-Block)
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) announces the opening of the 2017-2018 Winter Shelter Program. Below is a list of shelter locations and transportation schedules.
Date: Dec. 1, 2017 – Feb. 28, 2018
Select shelters may operate until March 31. Please call shelters directly to verify.
Time: 5:00PM – 7:00AM (times may vary)
Winter Shelter Hotline: 1-800-548-6047 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm, except Holidays)
Storage Restrictions: Only 1 small bag per client
Winter shelters provide shelter, warmth, food and comfort to homeless individuals during the cold and wet weather season. In addition to temporary emergency shelter, each program location provides access to supportive services and housing assistance. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority coordinates the Winter Shelter Program in partnership with the California National Guard, the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles.
About the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is a joint powers authority of the City and County of Los Angeles, created in 1993 to address the problems of homelessness in Los Angeles County. LAHSA is the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care, and coordinates and manages over $243 million annually in federal, state, county and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing and services to homeless people.
Venice Sign Lighting Party Saturday 2 December, 6 pm Windward Ave. It will be a surprise celebrity again.
Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) members invite all to “come join your NC officers as they bring Santa to the 6th Annual Holiday Lighting of the Venice Sign on December 2nd at Windward Ave and Pacific. Stop by the Venice NC table and enjoy a cup of cocoa or cider with us and have your child’s picture snapped with jolly ol’ Kris Kringle himself!
There will not be a VNC Christmas party this year at the Oakwood Recreation Center.
Venice Blvd “Great Street” in Mar Vista is still hurting businesses, slowing traffic, and causing serious delays for emergency vehicles. Two businesses are out of business.