The Ocean Beach Planning Board takes up the 2-story mixed-use building proposed for 4870 Voltaire. And it’s to consider a proposed 4-way stop sign at Saratoga and Ebers.
Commercial Project at 4870 Voltaire
This is a Coastal Development Permit for the former Dover Plumbing property at 4870 Voltaire. It’s an application to demolish the one-story building and construct a 2-story, 7,430 square-foot, mixed-use building, which would consist of 2 dwelling units for rent and 2,380 square feet of commercial space. The dwelling units will have 2 and 3 bedrooms. The lot is next to the Jim Bell’s property.
The front of the building will be 16 feet high, and the unit above set back from the edge.
On December 19, the Project Review Committee voted 6 to 0 to recommend approval for the full Board. The Project Review Committee is a sub-committee and takes a first look at projects that come before the Board.
Mark Brencick, the owner-developer and civil-engineer, told the Project Review Board he plans to utilize the commercial space for his offices and rent one of the residential units out to his daughter. One of the main issues at the meeting was parking, and Brencick explained he’s putting in 9 spaces, 5 commercial and 4 residential, which includes the use of a parking lift.
Rear and side views of project.
4-Way Stop Sign
The other main issue of the Board’s agenda is a review of a citizens’ initiative to request the City to install 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Saratoga and Ebers. That block of Saratoga borders Ebers Street Park, a highly-utilized green space and playground mainly for toddlers and families.
Here’s the official agenda for the Wednesday night meeting, January 2, of the Ocean Beach Planning Board.
The Board meets at the OB Rec Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave., and meetings begin at 6pm.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
The best comment of the PRC meeting regarding this new development was that if this property ends up a short term rental, that “this might be the only development we’ve seen in a while that will be legal as a short term rental”-Kevin, VC of OBPB
I’m a fan of Kevin’s dry humor.
Me too, but at times the uninitiated miss it.
Btw. The city has a point system in place to determine if traffic stops are necessary. This one received 13 out of 15 points.
I know the city has its rules but the amount of community requests for this stop should account for a couple of points on that system.
This is where your local planning group can step in. They can make a case/request that hopefully will make the city pay attention.
Why would they need a four-way stop at Saratoga and Ebers when there is a four-way stop at Santa Monica and Ebers one block away. This push to put stop signs and crosswalks at every corner, because people can’t, or won’t, walk one block will make the streets impassable. They want to put a crosswalk at Froude and Voltaire even though there is a traffic light and a crosswalk one block away at Ebers and Voltaire. I gues one block is just too much to ask people to walk.
The convenience of motorists should always been first!
The convenience of everyone should be considered, pedestrians and motorists all live together here so why should one take precedence over another? Hey, here’s an idea, why don’t we try to be reasonable? Putting a four-way stop one block away from another four-way stop is not being reasonable.
Now this could be that “last mile problem” those Bird scooters could solve!
I think it is reasonable when that corner is next to a Kids Park.
I am in favor of 4 way Stop Signs (or lights) at all corners adjacent to schools and parks- or a least one of those flashing stop light setups like at SSC and Point Loma Ave.
Crossing at that intersection with kids in tow is nerve wracking to say the least.
For the same reasons they’ve installed stop signs at Niagara/Bacon and Saratoga/Bacon. Just because there’s a stop sign one block away doesn’t mean the next intersection isn’t in need of one.
Years ago, people used to stop when they saw someone waiting at a corner and were happy to stop and let you safely cross. Those days are gone it’s the me generation with the I need to get there first attitude-so stop signs are necessary. Also, elderly people walk slower and may not be able to walk the extra block more crossing walks may be warranted.
I am ok with putting stop signs at every corner since drivers need to be slowed down. Crossing safely is important.
The OB Rag couldn’t send anyone to cover the meeting. So? What happened? Anyone?
Voltaire: motion to approve project, 10 in favor, 1 opposed
4-way stop: motion to send a letter to the city in favor of adding stop signs , 9 in favor, 2 opposed
I Learned from one of the board members today that they approved the Voltaire project and they agreed to send a strong letter to the city in favor of the 4-way stop at Saratoga and Ebers.