by Garth Meyer
AES owner Leo Pustilnikov’s preliminary application to build 2,320 housing units, an office complex, parking garage, hotel and grocery store on the 54-acre site has drawn reactions ranging from qualified support to outraged opposition.
The proposal includes 22 acres of open space, and a seven-story apartment building on the S.E.A lab site, on Harbor Drive, across the street.
AES’s 90-foot tall, concrete main building would be joined by a neighboring 95-foot tall, eight-wing apartment compound, 200-foot residential tower, a 197-foot office building and 159-foot hotel.
“The drawing is absurd,” said Redondo Beach Mayor Pro-Tem Nils Nehrenheim. “He doesn’t have the zoning. He doesn’t have anything to execute this. It’s another example of a special interest coming to our city and telling us what we want so that they can walk away with profit.”
The seven-story, mostly residential “Ten21 Harbor” project at the S.E.A. Lab would not encroach on the adjacent boat yard or Hopkins Way on the ocean side of the site.
Pustilnikov’s proposals for the AES site would mark a major shift on the Redondo Beach waterfront.
Mayor Bill Brand and other city leaders have championed a policy of less development.
“The council and particularly the mayor have made it clear they prefer blight and don’t mind spending the city’s money to preserve it as we have been watching this unfold for years” said Pustilnikov.
The AES proposal comes at a time when a slow-development council member faces a recall election.
District Four Councilman Zein Obagi, Jr., the subject of the recall effort, has faced criticism for his stance against putting housing at the AES site, while supporting new housing in his North Redondo.
“(These proposals) show the guy’s looking for money. (Pustinikov’s) not interested in the well-being of Redondo Beach,” said Obagi, Jr. “This is a money grab, to enrich himself.”
Obagi favors AES to predominantly become a grand, central park, with some commercial uses which generate city revenue.
“We don’t want something to block the view of the ocean, we want something to open up a view of the ocean,” he said.
Obagi’s challenger, Tonya McKenzie, has another view. She would take his place if voters decide to recall him on Oct. 19.
“This is a yes for me,” said McKenzie, of Pustilnikov’s plans. “If we can open that space up, we can have equity in our city, though I think (the project’s) too dense. I’m for it, but not all of it. Maybe a thousand (homes). Maybe less, but some.”
McKenzie speculated that Pustilnikov may see an opportunity in her campaign.
“He may be thinking if I wind up on council, he has a chance,” McKenzie said.
Particulars notwithstanding, her support is there to build housing on the site.
“Absolutely, that’s what my constituents want,” McKenzie said.
City Attorney Mike Webb is reviewing whether Pustilnikov’s proposal requires a public vote to change the zoning to conform with the plan.
“All I can say is if there’s an election, I hope it’s on a general election ballot rather than a local one to let the most number of Redondo residents opine on the project,” Pustilnikov said. “I think the majority of the citizenry would support it over the loud but vocal few.”
Most of the Redondo Beach city council opposes it.
“Being consistent with what we’ve been shooting for, I think it’s way too much,” said District Three Councilman Christian Horvath.
Pustilnikov has suggested that State Bill 330 prohibits a local vote in this case on zoning.
“He’s going through the state, trying to circumvent the city,” Horvath said. “It’s kind of uncharted territory.”
The Coastal Commission would also have to approve the proposal.
“Leo’s got hurdles to go through and it’s not just the city,” said Horvath.
Mayor Pro-Tem Nehrenheim sees little chance for this project to move forward.
“Redondo Beach does not owe him anything for buying a polluted park with a conditional use for a utility,” Nehrenheim said. “He’s essentially a high-risk speculator. SB330 does not override our zoning.”
Nehrenheim points to previous public (advisory) votes that have established the land should be a park.
Pustilnikov says this is misleading because the three previous votes on the subject were low-turnout municipal, rather than higher-turnout general elections.
Pustilnikov also disputes the councilmembers’ zoning contentions.
“The zoning they cite assumes the site is Public or Institutional. Measure G which created the ‘P-GP’ (General Plant) zoning, however, never changes the land use to ‘P.’ In fact, the site is designated Generating Plant and not Public or Institutional so the P-GP zoning refers to something that doesn’t exist.”
For now, the project’s legalities are center stage.
“Redondo knows one thing better than going to the ballot box, and that’s going to court,” Pustilnikov said. “And unfortunately while the politicians lead them astray, the city and its residents continue to suffer.”
Obagi compares Pustilnikov to Elliot Lewis, the Long Beach cannabis initiative proponent who has largely financed Obagi’s recall petition.
“(Pustilnikov) and Elliot Lewis belong together,” said Obagi. “Each pursues their own interests. regardless of the community.” ER
