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Planning commission approves conditional use permit for indoor batting cage at 13008 Halledale Ave.
Summary
The Gardena Environmental Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a conditional use permit allowing a 5,677-square-foot warehouse at 13008 Halledale Avenue to operate as an indoor batting cage and athletic facility, subject to conditions and a filed notice of CEQA exemption.
The Gardena Environmental Planning Commission on May 6 approved a conditional use permit to convert a 5,677-square-foot warehouse at 13008 Halledale Avenue into an indoor batting cage and athletic facility. The commission voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution PC 6-25 subject to conditions and directed staff to file a notice of exemption under CEQA.
The project applicant, Peter Gergis, owner and founder of Maximize Selective Performance (MAP), told the commission his program focuses on expanding access to baseball and softball training in underserved communities. “MAP was founded in 2020, and it was created with the goal to critically fulfill the gaps of access to sports training, specifically in underserved and under resourced communities,” Gergis said.
Staff presentation said the two-tenant industrial property fronts Halledale Avenue near West 130th Street, is zoned M-1 and includes two industrial buildings. The proposal would convert one 5,677-square-foot tenant space into a facility with three batting cages, a dedicated coaching gym, and upgraded restrooms to comply with the ADA. Staff said the facility would be staffed by two employees and operate daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with most training scheduled by appointment.
The staff report noted the site currently has 14 parking stalls; restriping to meet dimensional standards will reduce that to 13. Using comparable parking standards for office, gym, and a standard of one space per batting lane, staff’s parking study concluded the proposed facility requires 10 spaces; the other tenant requires seven, creating a projected on-site shortfall of four spaces. The study identified 14 off-street parking spaces within 1,500 feet of the site and nine on-street spaces along Halledale Avenue that can be counted under Gardena Municipal Code section 18.40.080(b)(3).
Staff advised the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 (existing facilities) and recommended the commission open the public hearing, receive testimony and approve Resolution PC 6-25. The staff presenter also said five written letters had been received by the city regarding the project.
Two members of the public and an organization representative addressed the commission in support. Rajae Branch, founder and CEO of Branchify Consulting, cited youth mental health and the social benefits of sports: “I do believe that you all have the opportunity to make a decision to invest in the wellness and the health of our young people today,” Branch said. Christina Thomas, who said she has worked with MAP since before 2020, described the program’s positive impact on local children.
After public comment, a commissioner moved to adopt Resolution PC 6-25 subject to conditions and to file the notice of exemption; the motion was seconded and passed on a 5-0 roll call (Commissioner Langley: yes; Vice Chair Reitschher: yes; Commissioner Sherman: yes; Commissioner Khan: yes; Chair Henderson: yes). Staff announced a 10-day appeal period to the City Council; if appealed, the matter would be forwarded to the next City Council meeting for review.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed with required building permits and site improvements consistent with the conditions of approval; the permit remains subject to the city’s standard permit compliance processes and any appeals filed within the 10-day window.
