Council upholds planning commission, clears controversial Pacific Place self‑storage project after lengthy hearing

The City Council on Aug. 13 denied appeals and approved the entitlements for a proposed self‑storage, RV parking and tenant‑only car wash project at 3701 Pacific Place, by upholding the Planning Commission’s June 5 approval and certifying a new environmental impact report (EIR).

The item drew the largest public turnout of the evening. Appellants — represented by the Riverpark Coalition and Los Angeles Waterkeeper — argued the project site, adjacent to the Los Angeles River and near the 405 and 710 freeways, should be preserved as open space and that the EIR understates air‑quality, biological and land‑use conflicts, and failed to analyze feasible park alternatives and cumulative traffic impacts. Riverpark Coalition attorney Sanjana Sue Baker said the site sits in a disadvantaged community and argued the EIR shortchanged park equity and the potential for park acquisition.

Los Angeles Waterkeeper attorney Benjamin Harris urged council to prioritize river revitalization and to reject the development near the river channel, saying the project would “double down” on past mistakes that built more infrastructure and industry along the river and reduced habitat and green space. Appellants sought recirculation of the EIR and additional…