Nine-story homeless tower rejected by council in shock vote
LOS ANGELES: A nine-level tower which would have provided accommodation for the homeless has been sensationally rejected by councillors, in a surprise split vote.
The private development project would create 109 rooms for students and workers along with those on welfare with an around-the-clock meal service on a site at Miami near the light rail.
Councillor Nick Marshall was supported by five councillors at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday after he sought a refusal on planning grounds.
The City received 190 objections and only two submissions in support, with opponents concerned about “rooming accommodation” and how it would impact on their suburb’s character, building height and carparking.
City planners had recommended approval with conditions, but were only backed by City planning chair Mark Hammel and experienced councillor Peter Young.
Mr Hammel is concerned the City will face a legal challenge for a refusal.
He also supported the project because it would provide temporary overnight accommodation to help in emergency cases.
He said he remains hopeful that the application, with changed conditions, will be supported by majority councillors at the next full council meeting.
After the vote at the planning committee, Mr Marshall admitted he was in a difficult position
“I’m not heartless. Definitely build accommodation like this, but not at nine storey levels with not enough carparking,” he said.
During the debate, he said councillors on numerous occasions had discussed the merits of a 50 per cent uplift on height for developments which met certain criteria.
“Let’s be clear. This is a 300 per cent uplift on the code accessible height for this area,” he told councillors.
“We’ve heard that the even the officers felt that the height was greater than anticipated and that it would be a stark contrast to the two story suburban houses surrounding this area.”
He questioned an officer report which suggested the high rise tower did not pose a risk to the suburb’s character, being located on the western side of the highway.
“There is not a building above four stories and we are proposing nine storeys,” he said.
“For almost one and a half kilometres north or south — there is no gentle transition and there is no similar building,” he said.
“As a result for the 109 apartments, there are now only 57 car parks. We have recently resolved to create time restricted three hour parking along the entire light rail corridor.”
Officers said the maximum building height of nine storeys and 31.1 metres exceeded the code assessable building height of two storeys and 9.5 metres.
While they acknowledged concerns about height, the development represented a medium rise building in accordance with the City Plan.
The need for rooming accommodation in a well-connected urban area was consistent with both local and state planning objectives for housing diversity and affordability.
“On balance, the social and economic benefits of the development, particularly in addressing the City’s need for affordable housing options, are considered to outweigh any potential impacts associated with building height warranting support,” officers said.
