Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association

SMCCA Board Studies Canyon Development Trends

Mar 22, 2004

What will Santa Monica Canyon look like in 7 years? In 20? As older, smaller homes are sold and torn down, they?’re replaced by new and grand versions of themselves. Unfortunately, some homes are so grand there?’s little greenscape left around them.
Lately, the Board of Directors has been discussing development in our canyon and what it means for the canyon?’s future. Let?’s be clear that we?’re not ?“anti-development;?” we recognize the positive impact that new and remodeled homes have on the neighborhood and our lot values. We?’re aware that people live in larger homes now than they did 50 years ago, and so larger houses may continue to replace smaller ones. Nor is this a discussion of architectural styles.
What concerns us is the loss of nature that may occur when homes are built to the maximum permitted size. Larger homes may block sunlight and take out trees. Our greenscape - the lush tree canopy and landscaping - is what makes this canyon a magical place.
In recent years, some houses have gone up that are bigger than some would like. So far, these homes are a small minority, and don?’t affect the overall spirit of the canyon. But if you take a close look, and imagine all the houses on your street doubled and tripled in size, the question becomes more complex.
Because it?’s easier and more effective to prevent than to repair, we?’re looking at this issue now. We?’re interested in your thoughts. Should we continue the discussion or move on to other things? Please let us know by completing and returning the following brief questionnaire
CANYON QUESTIONNAIRE. The Board of Directors of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association is assessing ongoing development in the canyon and how it affects our quality of life. As we are in a preliminary discussion stage, and have reached no conclusions, your thoughts are extremely important to us. We would like to hear your thoughts. Please take the time to answer the below questions and return them to PO Box 3441, Santa Monica, CA 90408-3441, or fax them to 310 230 4131. Many thanks!

1. Are you concerned with potential ?“mansionizing?” of the canyon? YES_______ NO________

2. Are there homes in your neighborhood that you feel are out of scale? YES_______ NO________

3. Do you think the current balance of greenscape to buildings should be preserved? YES_______ NO________

4. Would you prefer unsightly utility lines to be underground? YES_______ NO________

5. How do you envision our canyon looking in 10 years? 20 years?


Please use a separate sheet of paper to add anything else. And again, thanks!