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Contentious condo project gets council's thumbs up
by Jason Dietrich
A three-unit Avenue F condo project that will block views and absorb street parking spaces got the City Council's green light despite an appeal of the planning department's approval by area residents.
The council voted 4-1 to support the planning commission's decision to approve the project at 1401 South Catalina at the corner of Avenue F, with District 4 Councilman Bob Pinzler dissenting.
The denial of the neighbors' appeal followed meetings between neighbors and the developer, mediated by Councilman John Parsons (District 5) and Councilman Gerard Bisignano (District 1).
Neighbors opposed an exception the planning department was making that allowed the project to built closer to adjoining property than normal. Lots in the area that are more than 50 feet wide require a six-foot setback from the property line, instead of the typical five feet. Planning department designers said the lot, which measures less than an inch over 50 feet, was close enough to the line not to fall within the restrictions.
Curb cuts for driveways would also reduce the available parking on the street. Neighbors would rather alleyways be used for an entrance to the project.
South Bay realtor Robert Schumann, the building's developer, agreed to split the difference and reduce the building's size by six inches along two fronts, and added additional on-site parking.
"As a result of working with the councilmen and the neighbors, we've come up with the best possible compromise," Schumann said.
But neighbors said that rules are rules, and the project shouldn't be given any breaks.
"I think the zoning ordinance is clear. The fact that the planning department has been rounding off has been a mistake," said Tom Faia, who has owned a property adjacent to the development site since 1985.
Councilmen said that the building will block some views, but acknowledged that the owners had a right to develop their properties within city ordinances. They also said the concessions that were worked out would leave everyone getting part of what they wanted.
"These units are really pressing the envelope," Parsons said. "This is a better solution. It's not perfect but it's better," said John Parsons, Councilman for District 5.
"I hate to say this in an election year," said Bisignano, "But do you feel better off than you were 2 weeks ago?"ER