Hearing on Big House Continued

The Palos Verdes Estates Planning Commission has continued until Dec. 5 a public hearing on a proposal to build a 30,000-square-foot home on a bluff with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

The proposal raises several issues under city ordinances. The Planning Commission intended to hold a hearing on all the issues Tuesday but continued it when told that some residents opposed to the construction did not attend.

The residents had apparently been confused by the notice for the hearing, thinking that there would be a separate hearing on whether the project complies with the city’s neighborhood compatibility ordinance.

Tei-fu Chen, who owns the property on Via Visalia, was in the audience but did not address the commission. He plans to tear down the 6,000-square-foot mansion he bought for $4.3 million in June and build the 30,000-square-foot “dream home” in its place.

Two people spoke against the proposal Tuesday, while William Seers, who lives next door to the property, supported it. “I think it’s a very pretty house,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to bother anyone’s view. I think it will be much better than what we have on that property.”

Ruth MacFarlane, a Via Visalia resident who opposed the construction, said it “goes against the ethos of our community, and I would be very distressed if this project went ahead.”