Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming Santa Monica City Council consent agendas. Consent agenda items are routinely passed by the City Council with little or no discussion from elected officials or the public. However, many of the items have been part of public discussion in the past.
CITY HALL — The City Council tonight is set to formally deny an appeal from a group of residents opposed to a condo project planned for 301 Ocean Ave., making official an earlier decision that will allow developer Trammell Crow to proceed with plans to replace an affordable apartment building with 20 high-end condos.
The move, which is included in the council’s consent agenda, brings to a close a nearly two-year struggle over the developer’s property rights at the site, which it purchased in 2007.
A group of residents opposed to the project had argued a full environmental impact report should have been produced, citing the loss of affordable units in Santa Monica. Opponents had also attempted to landmark the property but were unsuccessful.
Also tonight, the council is expected to accept a $374,000 grant from Southern California Edison to fund energy efficiency strategic planning activities.
The grant is Santa Monica’s share of $32 million the California Public Utilities Commission in April authorized SCE to distribute to local governments participating in its Energy Efficiency Partnership Program, according to a City Hall report.
The grant funds will be used for training and to launch other programs aimed at improving City Hall’s energy efficiency.
The council is also set to approve an additional $135,000 for U.S. Security Associates to provide security services for the Big Blue Bus. The contract amendment brings the firm’s total contract to $471,707. The contract is to provide service until a formal bid process is completed at the end of March.
nickt@www.smdp.com
