April 10, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Shorts: VNC Poised to Oppose Auxiliary Pumping Plant, LUPC Already Opposes Proposal

Council to consider Tuesday evening a controversial project that seemingly lacks any sustaining neighborhood support

By Nick Antonicello 

In a protracted battle for community input into a project also before the California Coastal Commission, the Venice Neighborhood Council (www.venicenc.org) will consider a motion opposing the current construction proposal of an additional processing plant adjacent to the existing facility. 

Armed with unanimous support from the VNC’S Land Use & Planning Committee (LUPC), as well as a letter of endorsement from the organization, Defend Ballona Wetlands, the VNC is expected to pass the resolution in response to the community’s concerns. 

The motion calls for the VNC to oppose the auxiliary pumping plant, more commonly referred to as VAPP, which currently allows Los Angeles to obtain a GPA or “General Plan Amendment,”  as well as a zoning change located at 133 Hurricane Street in the Marina.

The current conditions call for “the construction, use, and maintenance of a public parking area in a residential zone (CU2), for the empty lots located at 128 Hurricane St/3913 Esplanade–unless LA Public Works (LAPW) materially and in good faith addresses the community’s serious issues with this project.” 

The motion goes into great detail with community and neighborhood concerns: 

  • Conformance to the certified Venice LUP (Policies I.A.5, I.C.1, I.C.6, and I.D.1).
  • Adherence to court-mandated ESHA protections in the surrounding lagoon area. 
  • Mitigation of EIR issues related to loss of species and habitat, groundwater impact, and potentially significant methane gas release.
  • Mitigation of “significant and unavoidable” issues including ground-borne vibration, which could result in residential building damage, and construction noise that exceeds LA CEQA threshold guidelines. 
  • Improvement of inadequate emergency access during construction activities. 
  • Change to a five day/week construction instead of proposed six days/week. 
  • Elimination of the proposed parking lot at 128 Hurricane St. for which parking requirements can be fulfilled via restricted street parking around the current Venice Pumping Plant (VPP), for an estimated savings of $2.5 million to city coffers. 
  • Modification of project design so that it is compatible with a residentially zoned neighborhood. 
  • Protection of residential properties from dirt, dust and other construction impacts. 
  • Upgrade of deficient maintenance plan for both the new and existing facilities. 

The motion calls for a letter to be sent to LA Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11), LA City Council President Paul Krekorian, LA DONE General Manager Carmen Chang, LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto, all members of the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the LA City Engineer (Head of Bureau of Engineering) and Coastal Commission Staff. 

Sources tell Yo! Venice that Councilwoman Park, who represents the neighborhood is supportive of these recommendations and is already sympathetic to local community opinion and input. 

Since assuming office some two years ago, Park’s constituent services and outreach has been a marked improvement to her predecessor, former councilmember Mike Bonin. In particular, Venice Deputy Sean Silva has been diligent in his efforts to respond to a plethora of neighborhood challenges, especially in the area of homeless encampments and illegal RV parking.

Park is an attorney by profession and a resident of Venice. 

“The difference between Park and Bonin is like night and day. Having someone who lives in Venice is a great advantage to residents. Traci Park has our back,” offered one local when asked to comment off the record.  

The meeting is scheduled for September 17thbeginning at 6:30 pm at the Westminster Elementary School located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard and all Venetians are welcome to attend. 

Nick Antonicello is a thirty-one year resident of the neighborhood and covers extensively the actions and deliberations of the VNC. Have a take or a tip all things Venice? Contact him via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com

in Hard, News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Councilmember Clarifies Position on Fairview Library Amid Public Outcry

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The statement came during a packed City Council meeting April 8, where dozens of residents—many holding signs reading “Save the...

Hal Frederick, Beloved Venice Restaurateur Who Helped Name Abbot Kinney Blvd., Dies at 91

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

In 1987, he opened Hal’s Bar & Grill on what was then still called West Washington Boulevard—a street Frederick helped...

Palisades Recovery Coalition to Present Rebuilding Draft Plan

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Described as a “structured, methodical approach” to post-disaster recovery, the plan aims to streamline materials management, workforce deployment, and legislative...

Venice Shorts: Popular Venice Beach Brewery Calls it Quits After 15 Years

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

It’s Over and Out For This Ale House By Nick Antonicello  The Venice Ale House, one of the beach’s most...

Art Museum Opens Photo Exhibit Honoring First Responders of LA Wildfires

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

The exhibition includes photographs of firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and volunteers working during the height of the crisis A...

Man Attempts to Steal Route 66 Sign, No Arrest Made

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Police said the man left the area without further incident A man was detained Sunday afternoon after police found him...

Caruso to Address Palisades Residents in Upcoming Webinar on Rebuilding Efforts

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Caruso has remained vocal in recent months about the slow pace of recovery in the region and has criticized city...

Marina del Rey Marks 60 Years with Harbor Tours, Nostalgic Parties, and Deals Around Town

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Around town, restaurants and businesses are marking the milestone with promotions tied to the year of the marina’s dedication Marina...

Venice Shorts: Grand Blvd, Windward Plaza Cleaned & Cleared

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

United Response by LAPD, la City Sanitation Brings Joy to the Neighborhood By Nick Antonicello  A quick and rapid response...

New Santa Monica Place Management Aims to Restore Mall as “Heart and Soul” of Community

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

The firm plans to attract new retailers and restaurants in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics Commercial real estate firm Prism...

Asbestos Being Stored at Temescal Gateway Park by USACE

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

The park, a well-trafficked entrance to the Topanga State Park system, has been closed to the public since the cleanup...

(Video) Makeshift Memorial Created at Dog Park for Venice Shooting Victim

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Zachary Melton, Known by Locals as “Turtle”, Was Protecting a Woman in an Altercation with the Suspected Gunman Zachary Melton,...

Venice Man With Alzheimer’s Reported Missing; Police Seek Public’s Help

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Richard Hunter, 79, Disappeared After Leaving His Home Saturday Morning Authorities and family members are seeking the public’s help in...

Community Rally Planned to Save Santa Monica’s Fairview Library

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Supporters Urge Santa Monica City Council to Keep the Library Open By Judith Meister, Chair, Santa Monica Library Board A...

Petition Urges City to Waive Rebuild Permit Fees After January Fires

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

The petition argues that survivors of the fires are being unfairly burdened with permitting fees—often amounting to tens of thousands...