Save The Gardens

Teresa Gianos Redondo Beach Planning Department            The landscaping on the Sweetser House site is considered as contributing to the historic character of the site. Although it may look worn, the overall layout, fabric, organization of spaces, etc. are important. This site is on the National Register of Historic Places, is Local Landmark #2, and was often discussed as significant because of its gardens. There is precedence for saving the garden, with multiple decisions by various commissions and councils.       The zoning ordinance has a historic variance procedure that was specifically created for the Sweetser House. It has since been used to preserve other properties, but the initial reason for adoption of that provision was to save the gardens by reducing parking requirements. Staff encouraged the applicant to get further advice on understanding historic standards, by offering a list of historic preservation consultants. We also directed Mr. Leonard to several websites that explain and give examples for implementing the standards. (look at the sections on Rehabilitation and "site")       Standards For Rehabilitation       National Park Service       The Preservation Commission, in making their decision, did not feel the landscape plan would retain the essential elements that make the resource significant. The proposed landscape plan does not meet historic standards and the commission was not able to make the findings required by the code, and environmental review. The Commission did endorse an acceptable alternative, and gave staff the authority to work with the applicant on meeting the ADA needs, balanced with the historic preservation needs. The Council can: Deny the appeal of the applicant, and affirm the Commission's decision Review the Initial Environmental Study and adopt the mitigation proposed Ask for further revisions/alternatives to the plan Ask for an EIR to be prepared, given significant impacts Grant the appeal and approve the project without conditions       Editor's Note: Landmark de-listing would be a difficult procedure. The city would need to find that no alternatives to demolition exist and that new projects would outweigh the loss. The owner would need a certificate of appropriateness to demolish, along with an EIR.       Breaking the Mills Act contract would result in a significant financial impact. At 12.5% of the appraised value, the penalty could reach $250,000 plus the loss of an annual tax relief of around $13,000. Back to Sweetser House Page