RPV Planning Commission to Reconsider “Event Garden” Decision

The Rancho Palos Verdes Planning Commission voted on Tuesday night to have another public hearing regarding the proposed “Event Garden” on Jim York’s property near Portuguese Bend. After a roomful of local residents told the Planning Commissiners that they did not have an opportunity to be heard at the Planning Commission meeting earlier this month, where it was voted to allow Mr. York to apply for a permit, the Planning Commission voted to schedule another hearing on the matter for Sept. 22nd.

Planning Commssioners reminded those in attendance that the previous public meeting was well publicized. Before the Aug. 11 vote, York’s plans and the related commission item were the subject of a front-page Daily Breeze story, a notice in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News and an e-mail to residents on one of the city’s listservs. Several of the Commissioners were concerned that approving a new hearing would set a bad precedent,

“We had a hearing, an open hearing, two weeks ago. All of you were invited. It was a properly noticed public hearing,” Commissioner Edward Ruttenberg said, causing murmurs from audience members that they had not been notified.”To simply now come in and say that, `We don’t think we were heard’ – are we going to to have to re-hear every meeting?” Ruttenberg added.

Mr. York has stated that he is confident that the local residents concerns can be addressed and mitigated. Some residents may not be aware that Mr. York is planning to have access to the “Event Garden” limited to a private road with direct access off of Palos Verdes Drive South. Access will not be through the private Portuguese Bend gates or private roads. He has also stated that the parking and garden area are well away from any neighbors, and that previous private events he has held there have not resulted in any noise issues.

If noise and access issues can be addressed , do you believe that Mr. York should be able to hold public events on his property? I welcome your comments.