Downtown Zone Change OKd

The Torrance City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to change the zoning of a block in the old downtown area, requiring a public hearing before any construction takes place on that block.

In a petition to the City Council, 16 residents of the 1000 block of Amapola Avenue had asked the city to help preserve the block by declaring it an historic overlay district. During the meeting Tuesday some residents said they feared that without the historic zoning, developers may tear down older homes and build large condominiums.

“We are the only block left (in the area) that is original,” said Mary Comon, a resident of Amapola Avenue. “We are one of the last unique blocks.”

The council opted against a historic overlay district because no such district exists in the city, and it would take city staff months to develop one. Instead the council voted to create a precise plan zone, which will require that each building application have a public hearing before the city Planning Commission. However, existing buildings could be demolished without a hearing.

In April, the City Council voted to downzone a 10-block downtown area, including the 1000 block of Amapola Avenue, to control density. The council also imposed a building moratorium until May 4, when the new zoning will become effective.

After the meeting, residents said they are not satisfied with the council action and fear that once the moratorium is lifted, developers will begin demolition of houses on the block.

“We don’t want condos next door,” said Amapola resident Donna Braly. “We don’t want all that density.”