Local News in Brief : Summa’s Project to Get ‘Fresh Look’

A Santa Monica-based development company, known for its ability to win government approval for its projects, will attempt to resolve the controversies surrounding the $1-billion Playa Vista project south of Marina del Rey.

Playa Vista, a massive planned community proposed for a 957-acre parcel owned by Summa Corp., has been mired in controversy over its density and threat to nearby wetlands.

An official of Maguire Thomas Partners, which acquired an interest in Playa Vista for an undisclosed amount and will step in as managing general partner, said the firm will take a “fresh look” at the project to see how community concerns can be addressed.

Los Angeles Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, whose 6th District includes Playa Vista, won election in part because of her opposition to the project. Last August, she called for a 40% reduction in the amount of office space in the project, for expansion of the wetlands and for a new environmental impact report.

The city and the state Coastal Commission in 1986 approved plans allowing Summa to build up to 8,837 housing units, 5.9-million square feet of office and research space, 970,000 square feet of retail space, 2,400 hotel rooms and a 40-acre marina with 700 to 900 boat slips.