August 13, 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 EV Station Opens with 20 Hyper-Fast Chargers, Among Nation’s Most Powerful

August 13, 2025

August 13, 2025

The launch comes as the state continues to lead the nation in EV ownership, accounting for roughly half of all...

Councilwoman Unveils Palisades Rebuild Plan Prioritizing Victim Housing and Fire Safety

August 13, 2025

August 13, 2025

Developed through hundreds of conversations, town halls, and surveys, the plan addresses critical needs Councilwoman Traci Park unveiled a detailed...

Mar Vista Council to Address Fire Hazards Due to Vacant Properties on Venice Blvd

August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

Open flame incidents and structural risks from expired permits have been reported at the properties The Mar Vista Community Council...

Venice Shorts: Madness Returns To Marr & Washington

August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

The city’s best efforts to clean up this intersection of RV’s and encampments becomes ongoing, problematic and challenging  By Nick...

(Video) Popular Cyclist Shortcut in Marina del Rey Blocked Off by Cinderblock Wall

August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

The wall blocks access to the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, forcing riders onto busy Lincoln Blvd — with no bike...

Lake Shrine to Reopen Meditation Gardens, Aims to Fully Reopen Next Year

August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

The January wildfire, which devastated parts of the Pacific Palisades, left most of the Lake Shrine’s core structures intact. However,...

Santa Monica is Hiring a Housing and Human Services Operations Director. Here’s What the Qualifications Are

August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025

The city is looking for a candidate with substantial experience in affordable housing development, homelessness intervention, and human services. Beyond...

Red Bull Origin Returning to Venice Beach, Honoring Skateboarding’s Roots and Future

August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025

Running from September 5 to 7, the event will feature top skateboarders from around the world competing on recreations of...

Brand New Palisades Estate Designed by Ken Ungar Enters Market at $22.5M

August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025

The listing comes amid continued demand for ultra-luxury housing in Los Angeles’ Westside neighborhoods, where properties exceeding $20 million remain...

Entertainment Firm Extends Long-Term Commitment to Santa Monica Office Hub

August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025

The property underwent extensive renovations in recent months, including a full seismic upgrade, a redesigned main lobby The Swig Company...

Officials Confirms 26 Potential Dog Illness Cases Linked to Venice Canals; Toxin Warning Remains in Effect

August 10, 2025

August 10, 2025

The Venice Canals Association, which first raised alarm over the dog deaths, continues to collect data from residents and share...

10-Unit Venice Apartment Complex Steps from Oceanfront Lists for $4.6M

August 10, 2025

August 10, 2025

The property offers significant investment potential, with up to eight of the 10 units available vacant at close of escrow...

Santa Monica Public Library Announces September Events

August 9, 2025

August 9, 2025

Among the events is Puppets in the Library, classes on how to write engaging scenes, celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, and...

County Launches Mental Health Initiative for Veterans

August 9, 2025

August 9, 2025

The program is designed to eliminate barriers to mental health services by offering veterans direct access to free emotional support,...

Los Angeles Youth Orchestra to Hold Auditions for 25-26 Season

August 9, 2025

August 9, 2025

The orchestra’s upcoming season includes Fall and Spring concerts at venues such as Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium and Barnum Hall in...