Poll: Santa Monica Voters Strongly Oppose Miramar Expansion, Say Too Much Development in the City

A recent poll by Lake Research Partners reveals that most Santa Monica residents believe there is too much development in the city and strongly oppose changing the current height and density limits. 

Voters also solidly rejected the Fairmont Miramar’s expansion plans, including a 21-story condominium tower along Ocean Avenue.

According to the poll, residents cite significant concerns including traffic congestion and inadequate parking. Fifty-two percent of voters favor less development while only 15 percent favor more1, according to the telephone survey of 404 likely voters in Santa Monica taken between Sept. 10 and Sept. 15 by nationally-recognized polling firm Lake Research Partners. 

In addition, when voters were asked whether they favor or oppose changing height and density requirements to allow more high-rise and higher density buildings in Santa Monica, 69 percent opposed changing the requirements, with only 26 percent favoring changing the height and density requirements2.  Similarly, when asked their opinion about the Fairmont Miramar expansion, 57 percent of voters opposed the plans3. 

The Miramar’s plan would create the tallest building in the City; significantly exceeding the City’s zoning standards for height and density.  The developers are requesting building heights that are ten times above the base height limit in the LUCE (Land Use and Circulation Element), and the project is inconsistent with the LUCE’s stated intention that the Miramar site provide a transition from the City’s Downtown Core to adjacent residential neighborhoods.

The poll questions were as follows:

1 In general, do you favor more development in Santa Monica, less development in Santa Monica or is the amount of development in Santa Monica happening in Santa Monica about right?

2 Do you favor or oppose changing height and density requirements to allow more high rise and higher density buildings in Santa Monica?

3 As you may know, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel on Ocean Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard has proposed a redevelopment of the current property that would turn the current hotel into a mixed-use hotel and condominium residence, 320 feet high with 21 stories, with up to 120 market-rate condominiums and between 12 and 40 affordable housing units, 280 hotel guest rooms, underground parking, food and beverage facilities, retail space, spa, meeting and event facilities, and open space areas on site.  From what you’ve heard, would you favor or oppose this redevelopment?

What do you think of the poll? What are your thoughts on City development and on the Miramar project in particular?