Santa Monica : Kramer to Unveil Revised Plans

Auto dealer Robert Kramer will unveil redesigned plans for his controversial Honda dealership project at an open house for area residents today.

In answer to residents’ objections to earlier plans, the new design features one floor underground to confine service traffic within the building. It provides increased setbacks and locates the main entrance in the middle of the building, away from residential neighborhoods.

Kramer said the new plan leaves the 54-foot height of the four-story building unchanged, with the total area to be slightly less than the originally planned 60,804 square feet.

Santa Monicans for Reasonable Growth have opposed the project because they fear it would adversely affect residential neighborhoods adjacent to the project site at 18th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Kramer said he is “extremely hopeful” that the new plan answers community concerns and will be approved by the city. “We have done everything that could be asked,” he said.

Jack Rubens, a spokesman for Santa Monicans for Reasonable Growth, said he would not comment until he sees the plan at today’s open house.

The event is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Kramer’s Volvo dealership, 1719 Santa Monica Blvd., across the street from the proposed Honda project.

The plans are to be heard by the Planning Commission on Nov. 18.