Santa Monica : Construction Ban Extended

The City Council this week voted unanimously to extend for 45 days a construction moratorium on 11th Street so the city can continue to study whether bungalows there should become part of a historic district.

But at the same time, the council essentially cleared the way for the destruction of one bungalow in the area. The council voted 5 to 1 to allow the construction of a six-unit condominium project at 1226 11th Street if its styling gets approval from the Planning Commission. Councilman Robert T. Holbrook was the dissenting vote. Councilman Herb Katz abstained.

The project was first approved before the original moratorium was approved on Feb. 26.

The Planning Commission this week asked for more time before it decides on creating a historic district in the 11th Street area, bounded by Wilshire Boulevard to the north and Arizona Avenue to the south. A recent report, written by a private consultant hired by the city, recommends against giving the street landmark status, “except as the last remaining cluster of homes from the period in the neighborhood.”

The commission is scheduled to make a decision on the district during its May 13 meeting.