South Bay Echo for Sept 30
The new Galleria, impacts of SB 9, Esperanza Cocina and MB Hometown Fair
Hello friends… Welcome to the fifth edition of South Bay Echo, your source of local hometown news with a real estate angle. For more on what this is all about please read my welcome post here.
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South Bay Social, the new Galleria
Revitalization plans for the new South Bay Galleria – to possibly change names to South Bay Social – are getting kick-started after developers shared their latest expectations recently with at least one city council member and the mayor of Redondo Beach. Plans to transform the outdated mall into a modern urban hub with retail, dining, residential and office space were approved by the Redondo Beach City Council in January 2019. But since then, the project has sat dormant.
Representatives for the development partners led now by L. Catterton recently met with Councilman Zein Obagi and Mayor Bill Brand, Obagi reported in a newsletter this week. Few details were offered, aside from updated renderings. At this point, the plan can move forward because there will be no changes to the environmental review documents, according to a project representative who shared the latest renderings.
Resident Doug Boswell, whose detailed appeal of the project resulted in a City Council review and subsequent revisions, said it was not completely clear what changes were made in this latest iteration. Based on a map of the project he obtained and shared with South Bay Echo, Boswell questioned whether the skatepark and performance stage would remain, same with underground parking and fine dining restaurants.
I think everyone can agree that improvements to the site could not come soon enough. Construction is expected to begin in 12 months.
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Want to know effects of SB9? Look at Redondo Beach
Just two days after Gov. Gavin Newsom defeated the recall election, he did something extremely unpopular by many supporters when he signed Senate Bill 9, essentially ending single-family zoning in California. Don’t imagine for a second the timing was a coincidence.
The bill comes with many caveats and restrictions. (You can read a summary of the bill here.) Combined with accessory dwelling units — already mandated for approval by the state — the possibility now exists on many lots to develop up to four residential units where there was once a single-family home.
A good example of the impact this law will have on the South Bay can be found in Redondo Beach where single-family zoning was eliminated in much of the city decades ago. The nickname Re-Condo Beach originated in the 70s and 80s when developers took advantage of local zoning laws that permitted multi-family dwellings, transforming a city of beach cottages and oversized backyards into one of the most densely populated areas in the country.
The results were homes with little to no outdoor space built as close to the lot line as possible; porches became a thing of the past and so did interacting with neighbors for the most part. And in the end, housing prices still increased unabated. So it’s hard to imagine any scenario where the region could build its way to affordable housing. California will always be a desirable place to live and the population is only increasing. For that reason, I don’t see home prices taking a hit from this.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home soon please contact me today at 310-529-8790.
Esperanza Cocina the perfect touch
I had the pleasure this week to dine at Esperanza Cocina de la Playa, the newest addition to the ever-more classy nightlife scene in Manhattan Beach. The atmosphere and decor here are exquisite while still maintaining a laid back beachy vibe. And it’s not incredibly expensive either.
The developers transformed the former Sharks Cove beer bar into a feast for the senses both on the eyes and taste buds. The grand facade with its swoosh design and under-lighting welcomes visitors as if they are entering a palace. A cluster of chandeliers in the main dining area brings elegance and charm. Upstairs is another bar, outdoor patio, and even a bed for those who really want to sit back and relax. Rumor has it the bed and bathroom shower were installed on conditions to utilize this upstairs space.
An assortment of margaritas did not fail to disappoint. Neither did the fish ceviche and taquitos. The main attraction for me were the street tacos made with homemade corn tortillas… just to die for. This is the way Mexican food was meant to be enjoyed. For more visit EsperanzaMB.com.
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
Don’t forget this weekend the 49th Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair takes place, bringing back a sense of community after a hiatus last year due to the pandemic. Beginning Thursday, the city will shutdown Valley Drive from 15th Street to 21st Street to through traffic, reopening the thoroughfare on Monday. The MB Hometown Fair has been a tradition going back since 1972. This year it includes more than 200 arts and craft exhibits, three live music stages, silent auction, a community talent show, delicious food, beer and win garden and games for the whole family. For more visit MBFair.org.
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading and see you next week.
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