September 30 – October 27, 2022
Coastal Commission Extends Review Period for Venice Median Project Project would bring 141 units of affordable housing to Canals By Dolores Quintana The California Coastal Commission has approved an extension for the review period for the 103,957 square foot Venice Median Project that would bring 141 units of affordable housing to the Venice Canals. The Venice Dell Affordable Housing development has long been in the works. It was in December of 2016 when the City approved the Venice-Dell-Pacific site to be included in its Affordable Housing Opportunity Sites Program. The City then approved Venice Community Housing (VCH) and Hollywood Community Housing Corp. (HCHC) to pursue an affordable and permanent supportive housing development on the site. On July 8, 2022, the City of Los Angeles submitted a request to amend its certified Venice Land Use Plan (LUP) for the Venice Dell Project to the California Coastal Commission for approval. Under normal
circumstances, The CCC has 90 days to complete the filing of the request according to Section 30512 of the Coastal Act. The amendment to the project is described in the filing and says, “The LUP would be amended to establish a new subarea with modified development standards for 40 lots located between Pacific Avenue, Dell Avenue, North Venice Boulevard, and South Venice Boulevard in Venice. The proposed amendment will allow the parcels to be developed with the Venice Dell Community Project, a mixed-use, affordable housing development.” The CCC returned the application to the developers last month citing the need for more information about 20 items in the application that were deemed critical issues. Those items included the issues of groundwater use, access for the public, issues of parking, sea level rise and more detail about the financial agreements between the two developers. On August 18, the CCC staff recommended that the deadline for the LUP amendment be extended. The CCC is allowed to ask for an extension for good cause. The 90-day period would expire on November 15 of 2022 and this request asks that the period be extended to November 15 of 2023. The extension filing explains the need for a delay and says, “Due to the coastal development permit application and local action CDP appeal associated with the
Credit: Eric Owen Moss Architects A rendering of the proposed Venice Median Project.
amendment (i.e. the Venice Dell Community Project), a time extension is necessary to allow staff to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the proposed project and any potential impacts to coastal resources resulting from a change to development standards. Thus, the staff recommends that the Commission extend the time limit for review of LCP Amendment.” The CCC staff recommendation includes the
admission that it is far more likely that their review will be completed in advance of the extended due date in 2023 but that they may not know the full extent of the time that will be needed to complete the review. On Thursday, September 8, following their staff recommendation, California Coastal Commission (CCC) granted the extension to the Venice Dell Project.
Hollywood’s NeueHouse Opening Venice Beach Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Market Street space set to open this fall By Dolores Quintana Hollywood’s NeueHouse will be opening a new restaurant and bar in Venice Beach as reported by What Now Los Angeles. The NeueHouse site describes the restaurant as being within a new cultural and co-working space in Venice and the restaurant and bar is dubbed Reunion at 73 Market Street. The NeueHouse website describes the restaurant and bar and says, “Something new is coming to the Venice scene. Perched on the second-floor rooftop, Reunion is our new restaurant and bar offering a special destination for members and locals alike to
gather and connect. With indoor and outdoor seating, a crescent bar, and views of Venice as the backdrop, Reunion will offer exceptional food, creative recharges, cocktails, and so much more.” Neuehouse requires membership, so you do have to become a member to join in the fun. The website also talks about the historical significance of the site and says, “In the mid-70s, Academy Award-winning director/ producer Tony Bill purchased 73 Market, where he created a haven for artists, writers, filmmakers, and creators of all kinds to come together, collaborate, and collide. This colorful, inventive tradition is the inspiration and backdrop for NeueHouse Venice Beach.” This new space is slated to open sometime in the fall of this year.
Rendering: Official