Biltmore Hotel Site Subject of 2 Nov. 7 Ballot Proposals

Once again, the question is being put to Hermosa Beach voters: What should the city do with the old Biltmore Hotel site?

The issue has been a familiar refrain in city elections since 1972, seven years after a hotel on the beachfront property was condemned and razed. Voters have rejected seven proposals, including various plans for hotel developments at the .84-acre site, most recently in November, 1988.

On Nov. 7, voters will be asked to consider the latest incarnations of the Biltmore issue, propositions C and D.

Proposition C, a citizens’ initiative, proposes dedicating the entire area, between 13th and 15th streets on the Strand, as a beachfront public park. The initiative was approved for the ballot in March after a petition drive spearheaded by community activist Parker Herriott.

Proposition D is a proposed compromise that the City Council voted to put on the ballot last May, based on recommendations from an 11-member advisory committee appointed by the council.

Under Proposition D, 59% of the parcel--the area facing the Strand--would be developed as an urban beachfront park; 25% of the lot would be commercially developed for use as a restaurant, and 16% would be sold for high-density residential development for an amount estimated at $1 million by the proposition’s supporters.

They argue that Proposition D is a balanced compromise that addresses concerns of open space advocates and also could bring the city funds to build the plaza and buy land for parks elsewhere in the city.

Proponents of the park plan, however, call the city’s proposal a “concrete urban plaza jungle,” and argue that any development on the site would add to existing parking and congestion problems. A “yes” vote on Proposition C would provide a three-block expanse of green space near the ocean and the city would retain much-needed open space, supporters say.

But some residents have urged a “no” vote on both measures, saying this would allow the city to sell and develop the entire site for residential use. Such a move would raise more than $8 million to buy excess school property and the Santa Fe Railroad right of way, they argue, and would allow the city to repeal the 4% utility tax being used to help purchase the right of way.