February 10, 2014

 

Dear Supporter of SMCLC,

 

Last Tuesday, four Santa Monica Councilmembers told residents that the traffic created by developers is our problem, not theirs.

 

These four Councilmembers voted to approve a massive project which, even the developer says, will create an additional 7,000 new car trips per day. This seven-acre behemoth on 26th and Olympic (euphemistically called "Bergamot Transit Village") would add thousands of cars to one of the most congested areas of our city; an area that can't even handle its current traffic!

 

According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, one Councilwoman told residents: "Well, traffic's never going away," before proceeding to cast her vote to add still more traffic!

 

Councilmembers O'Connor, O'Day, Davis, and Holbrook's message to Santa Monicans: More cars and gridlock are coming; if you don't like it, tough.

Three Councilmembers stood with residents against this powerful, moneyed developer. Kevin McKeown, Tony Vasquez and Ted Winterer all voted "no."

 

This isn't over.

 

A local group called "Residocracy" is seeking to place a referendum on the ballot, so Santa Monicans can vote on whether this massive project should proceed.

 

The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City supports this referendum and will be helping with the campaign.

 

The referendum will require 6,100 valid signatures (S.M. registered voters) and we have only 30 days to collect them. It will require a lot of work from a lot of residents. Those wanting to help should attend a meeting this Wednesday, Feb 12, at 7:00pm, at the SGI auditorium at 606 Wilshire Blvd. Or visit the Residocracy website at Residocracy.org.

 

This development is simply too big, has too much traffic-generating commercial space, too little affordable housing, and a fatally flawed Environmental Impact Report. But rather than heed the call of over 300 residents who attended a rally against this project, and every resident group in the city, including Santa Monicans for Renters Rights (SMRR), the Santa Monica Democratic Club, and six neighborhood organizations, four City Councilmembers turned a deaf ear.

 

In spite of what these four Councilmembers would have us believe, Santa Monica does not belong to powerful developers. We will keep fighting this project, and keep fighting to protect our city from developers who control our current City Council. We have no choice. This is our home.

Victor, Diana, Sherrill, Jeff