In response to the current release of the Hayden Tract Specific Plan, there are challenges that need to be considered closely. The city’s website states: “The Specific Plan will guide the evolution of the Hayden Tract into a distinctive mixed use district that blends innovative architecture, creative commercial, modern housing and extraordinary public spaces – where active streets and green connections foster a walkable, inclusive, and resilient community.”
Regarding the planning layout, my position is that this proposal is neither a balanced nor sustainable solution and that much of the state-mandated housing density is being forced up against the creek. The proposed 110 foot tall 10 story, contiguous building zone is taking away a creek-side, prime location for natural, open space, (as reference the Shay Hotel & condominiums/apartments are less than 80 feet tall).
Human and nature-centered solutions:
-Along the creek would have very low density development, high ratio of trees, dedicated permeable soil areas, and robust lush deep buffer zones between the creek edge and any new taller buildings. Taller buildings means more night sky lighting, more human interaction is less inviting to wildlife, and creates more windows that birds will crash into.
-Consider running an introduced natural run-off swale along the top of the creek with interactive green spaces for human engagement as well as remote, inaccessible areas for local wildlife as well.
-Create a natural marsh zone with elevated walking paths; provide migratory birds space to rest, drink/eat and shelter.
-Taking some queues from the LA River would entail embracing the waters’ edge and having a terraced design solution with a percentage of lower buildings set away from the creek and taller buildings yet further from the creek than indicated in this proposal. Open land along the creek could be designated as public land, (vs. privately owned), and offer a low-density mix of 1 and 2-story light commercial use zones of studios, dining, and quiet outdoor entertainment spaces – think of fun afternoons or evenings spent at the Los Angeles State Historic Park DTLA or other urban parks that are between development and natural space.
The Hayden Tract Specific plan is the easy way out for the state-mandated housing but the hard work still needs to happen. While the proposed greater bike infrastructure and bridges to the Scenic Overlook are positive improvements, this plan falls short by ignoring much-needed lower programmed nature-based spaces for Culver City residents of all ages.
Comments are open until September 27th to submit comments to: advance.planning@culvercity.org
Industrial Area Near E Line Slated for Major Mixed-Use Overhaulwestsidecurrent.com
Deborah Gregory, president
Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR)
Connecting Creek and Community
Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR) is an all-volunteer environmental 501c3 that “Cleans, Greens, Educates, Advocates & Beautifies the watershed area of Ballona Creek”. For over 25 years we have brought our community into the creek to bring awareness to this beautiful, mis-understood concrete channel we call a creek.
Deborah Gregory has served on BCR’s board for over 10 years and as president for over 5 years. With her years of experience running an architecture and interior design studio and recently becoming certified in native California landscape design, she approaches environmental issues with a project-based sense.
