Mount Washington
ISSUES COMMITTEE MEETING
ARROYO SECO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

October 19, 2005

Proposed Project : 4,491 sf two-story Single Family Dwelling at 4274 Sea View Lane

Case No. DIR-2005-3879 –SPP

Appellants: Adel Mabe, Peter Lucey, Robin Scherr, Olga Walden
James and Marilyn De Long
Highland Park Heritage Trust

Status: Three appeals were submitted to the Department of Planning on October 17, 2005 objecting to the October 3, 2005 Determination Letter that the Proposed Project conforms, as modified, to the intent and purposes of the Mount Washington/Glassell Park Specific Plan Ordinance.

PURPOSE OF APPEAL

•  As public stewards of four City Historic-Cultural Monuments on Sea View Lane, we filed appeals to ensure that the proposed development does not degrade the Wolford Home and cultural landscape, Monument No. 614, and is appropriate to the density and character of neighboring mid-century modern homes (two designed by and three remodeled by noted architect, James De Long, AIA, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright).

PLANNING AND DESIGN ISSUES

•  Proposed Project site is not properly identified . The site analysis does not include the historic Wolford House and its cultural landscape at 4242 and 4260 Sea View Lane . The Proposed Project (i) takes land away from the Monument eliminating original gardens and a significant landscape feature; and (ii) obstructs one of three significant viewsheds.

•  No environmental review conducted to consider any adverse impacts to a City Historic-Cultural Monument . The project was issued a Notice of Exemption.

•  Property was not properly subdivided . The City Cultural Heritage Commission is required to review proposed exterior and interior alterations to Historic-Cultural Monuments. The lot line adjustment was approved by the Department of Planning without review by the Cultural Heritage Commission.

•  The Proposed Project does not conform to the Mt. Washington/Glassell Park Specific Plan in the areas of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Setbacks.

•  Other issues related to the Specific Plan. Height and massing are not compatible with neighboring homes. The Proposed Project is located on a ridgeline.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council:

•  Send a letter to the Cultural Heritage Commission requesting this body to review the Proposed Project; and

•  Send a letter to the East Los Angeles Planning Commission indicating support for the appeals.

Contact Information: Peter Lucey 225.6579 or Robin Scherr 225.1851