"The Planning Commission is unable to recommend whether or not the development agreement is consistent with the general plan, because the commissioners hold the differing views regarding consistency with the general plan and were unable to reach a consensus."
"We delivered with the Waldorf Astoria everything we promised and more. The financial return exceeded the city's estimates," Alagem told the Commission.
One Beverly Hills will offer two hours free public parking and promises to never close the park for private events at the hotel.
The inspiration even extends to the logo for The Beverly Hills Estates, which features a cheery script reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel's emerald-green signage.
"I think that if we can at least meet or exceed the state standards, we will be demonstrating good faith to HCD in our efforts to accommodate to the overriding purpose of the Rena allocation," said Commissioner Thomas Hudnut.
The application also requested approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for modified vehicle loading spaces and use of an off-site parking garage. Oakshire also sought approval of a Historic Incentive Permit (HIP) to allow use of a hotel that directly abuts a residential zone.
The first three recipients of Golden Shield recognition plaques include the site of the Dona Maria Rita Valdez de Villa Homestead, located at Sunset Boulevard and Alpine Drive; the original location of Lawry's Restaurant on North La Cienega Boulevard; and the original Giorgio Beverly Hills
"When I see that our denial rate was 77 percent and our approval rate was 23 percent, that really is devastating in terms of percentages," said Councilmember Lili Bosse.
One listener posed a hypothetical question about what would happen if they lost their job, but then received more money in unemployment benefits than they made at their former job. Would they qualify for eviction protections?
"I don't see anything in your list of evaluation criteria that talks about how this is going to destroy the farmers market, a farmers market that many of us use every single week," said Janice Barquist, echoing the concern of others in the meeting.
