Developer Busted
By John
Davis
The Beachhead has learned that
one of the largest developments in Venice, at 602-670 Main Street, is proceeding
without a required Coastal Development Permit (CDP). The developer is Robert
D’Elia, doing business as Dogtown LLC. D’Elia is also attempting to
develop the MTA lot across the street (see pages 1 and 4).
It is the City’s responsibility to
ensure that developers obtain these permits before development begins so the
potential impacts such as traffic, parking, and other effects on the environment
can be addressed at a public
meeting.
Not only does a CDP consider
California Coastal Act issues, it must also demonstrate that a development is
compliant with the California Environmental Quality Act.
It is quite clear the City was aware
no CDP existed when it issued the other permits necessary to begin construction.
This development is not just a minor
development such as an extra room or garage being built on a small home, it is
already three stories underground and nobody knows how high it will be.
When the City does issue a CDP it can
be appealed to the State Coastal Commission to ensure the conditions are
valid.
In this case no public hearings
for a CDP were held and no appeal period was begun according to Chuck Posner,
the Coastal Commission Planner for Venice. This means the development is
illegal.
Stephanie Zarro of Councilman
Rosendahl’s office was very helpful in searching for a CDP that did not
exist. Now, Mark Grant, Venice Deputy to Rosendahl has asked Planning Deputy
Greig Asher to see what can be
done.
The bigger issue is how did this
happen? What entity at the City is responsible? How many other illegal
developments has the City approved? Will the City Attorney act to uphold the
law? Public participation in the Coastal Development Process ensures that
excessive traffic and pollution do not ruin fragile resources in Venice.
Posted: Wed - March 1, 2006 at 04:48 PM