There was some lively discussion at the Parcel B Discussion Workshop held at City Hall on Nov. 9, along with some misconceptions regarding the current consideration of proposals for the use of the empty lot next to the Culver Studios and The Culver Hotel.
Without a doubt, Parcel B is the centerpiece, the jewel in the crown of Culver City's downtown district. It is important that this property be brought to its fullest potential use, that it becomes the showcase of what cooperation can be with input from the citizens, businesses and development community.
Last week’s newspapers carried letters complaining that “using the existing entitlements” for the property calls for “unnecessary” office space and the limited scope of what could be creatively done with Parcel B, without conducting a publicly judged “design competition.”
I wish to point out a possible misunderstanding these concerns may have regarding the land-use classification of Parcel B. Currently it is codified as “commercial mixed-use.” By definition, this permits office-use OR retail-use OR even a combination of both.
Whereas the previous proposal called for 65 percent office space with 35 percent retail space, it is now still possible to provide 100 percent of the space constructed as retail/store space while adhering to the “entitlements given.”
As a member of the “development community,” I’ve been studying the market demand in and around Culver City. I can assuredly say it does not make economic sense at the present to turn Parcel B into the “office complex” that was feared it could become in one of your letters-to-the-editor. I have been trying for the past few months to stimulate the right development firm to contribute to the process of determining how to maximize the potential of Parcel B.
With that in mind, I have been seeking input from community activists such as Meghan Sahli-Wells, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Assn., as well as the city Planning staff and city government on how to meet — and hopefully exceed — expectations of everyone concerned.
We applaud the city in its effort to use the “request for proposal” (RFP) process to tap into the experience and creativity of the professional development community, thereby seeking exposure to the different approaches and paradigms for a 21st century, new urbanist downtown “anchor” development that we hope to propose.
To take full advantage of the creative process, we would like to emphasize and recommend that your RFP be as unrestricted and flexible as possible, including critical mass, parking and open space considerations. In this manner, the evolutionary process you are embarking upon will not be stifled by pre-conceived notions or prejudices.
Many in Culver City already have likened developing Parcel B as an opportunity to “create a masterpiece from a blank canvas.” We need to conduct a process that is wide open to all those interested in creativity and creation of value in order to create something sustainable to inure to the benefit and enjoyment of all Culver City for decades to come.
For example, at the last public workshop, someone thought having “green space” was very important. One of my associates has suggested a “rooftop garden” as a creative alternative to having just a park on Parcel B.
We implore you, please do not put roadblocks in the way of your process for proposal solicitation, evaluation and selection. The fewer the restrictions in the RFP, the more creative ideas the concept will yield from developers. Also, be mindful that the less delay there is, the more you will gain from any developer capable of already having pre-lease negotiations with quality retailers for Parcel B.
We are seeking further input and ideas from community activists, businesses and all other interested parties, as to what they would like to see happen to Parcel B. Do not hesitate to email us at parcelbforum@yahoo.com
Mr. Stark may be contacted at bradleydstark@gmail.com
