Culver City Planning Panel Approves 3-Story Hotel Project

The Culver City Planning Commission has approved plans for a three-story hotel/motel over the objections of a city official who said the facility would increase traffic and use of a nearby city park.

The commission Thursday approved site and architectural plans submitted by Jay Patel & Associates. The company wants to build 9 hotel units, 42 motel units and a manager’s unit on property now occupied by an office building and parking lot at 3930 Sepulveda Blvd.

But Syd Kronenthal, director of the Department of Human Services, said in a memo to commission staff that the hotel would affect traffic on Sepulveda Boulevard near on- and off-ramps of the San Diego Freeway. Kronenthal also said hotel patrons probably would use Tellefson Park, a two-acre facility heavily used by residents.

‘Dramatic Density Changes’

The project, Kronenthal said, “is typical of the dramatic density changes that are occurring in Culver City, which, in my opinion, will affect the quality of life for its residential community.”

Kronenthal said in an interview, however, that he would not fight the project. The proposed development must be approved by the City Council.

In approving the project, the commission required that residency at the hotel/motel be limited to 30 days and that the owner provide a parking space for each room and for employees.