The Bergamot Station area has been mired in controversy this year due to the controversial Hines Bergamot Transit Village. However, another project for the same area has also been in consideration, one that should provide far fewer fireworks.
Just two weeks after the City Council’s 4-3 vote in favor of the Hines project, the Council convened once again to vote on the Bergamot Arts Center on February 25th. The proposed project would include a hotel, creative office space, and new space for SMMOA and other arts groups located in the current development.
The main issue at hand was the choice between three development groups: 26Street TOD Partners, Bergamot Station LTD/Worthe Real Estate Group, and REthink Development/Kor Group. The night ended inconclusively; the Council unanimously voted to delay the decision until more information was available, despite city staff recommending the 26th Street Partners.
“The selection process is still underway,” writes Andy Agle, the director of housing and economic development for the city. “The public will have an opportunity to hear from the three finalists tomorrow night.”
This week’s featured event serves to highlight the differences in the three development groups’ plans in a public setting. A final decision is expected by the City Council later this summer.
Who: All three potential development groups will be present at the meeting. City staff from Economic Development, Planning and Community Development, Cultural Affairs, Public Works and Big Blue Bus will also be in attendance to help answer any questions that the public may have.
What: A public meeting to meet the three development teams who were invited to submit proposals in response to the City of Santa Monica’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the City-owned site located at 2525 Michigan Avenue, known as the “Bergamot Station Arts Center.”
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 (6 – 8:30 pm)
Where: Writers Boot Camp @ Bergamot Station Arts Center, 2525 Michigan
To RSVP, click here.
Other Events:
- Tuesday: Sustainable Works hosts a movie screening of Trashed at the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave.), beginning at 7:30 pm. This informative documentary takes viewers from landfills in Lebanon and China to the polluted northern Pacific Ocean to show the effect of billions of tons of waste produced annually. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion in which environmental experts will discuss various facets of the waste crisis. Tickets can be purchased here and are free to the first 100 Santa Monica residents who sign up.
- Wednesday: The Santa Monica Rent Control departments hosts a seminar specifically for tenants at the Santa Monica Public Library Main Branch from 6:30 to 9 pm. From the website: “This seminar is designed for tenants to learn what services are available through the Rent Control office such as how rent and amenities are defined, the eviction protections under the law, and what remedies are available for issues related to rents, amenities, and maintenance.”
- Wednesday: The Santa Monica Planning Commission hosts its weekly Wednesday meeting at the City Council Chambers (1685 Main St., Room 213), beginning at 7:00 pm. For the meeting’s agenda, click here.
- Thursday: The Santa Monica Rent Control Board hosts its regular board meeting at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers. Public attendance is highly encouraged, for it provides the Commissioners an opportunity to hear comments on proposed regulations and programs. Board agendas are posted outside the Rent Control office but can also be viewed here.
- Friday: “Why is Everything a Yoga Workshop, Workshop” is a workshop for “yoga teacher’s teachers” that will be led by master student Adam Schomer. It will take place at 4:30 pm on the Santa Monica Beach by the Annenberg Community Beach House.
