Design Review Commission grants 2‑year extension for 205 East Valley Boulevard mixed‑use project

The San Gabriel Design Review Commission voted 3–0 on May 27 to grant a two‑year time extension for the precise plan of design for a four‑story mixed‑use project at 205 East Valley Boulevard.

Staff said the project — previously approved as planning case PPD21‑005 and now subject to the time extension request (PPD25‑003) — combines two parcels on the northwest corner of East Valley Boulevard and Palm Avenue into about 30,000 square feet. The approved design calls for commercial uses at ground level and residential floors above, with at‑grade and subterranean parking. Staff told the commission that because the extension does not alter the approved plans or development standards, no additional environmental review under CEQA was required.

Applicant testimony said the project team has completed about 90% of construction documents but is delaying permit pull because high interest rates and financing constraints have made construction lending difficult. "Since 02/2023 the interest rate has been raised very high…it's made it tough to get the financing for the project," project manager Xin Tao Ye said, adding the team is pursuing partners and value‑engineering options to reduce costs without lowering quality. A written comment from Wanda Chan, general manager of the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel, urged the commission to grant time for the developer to resolve funding and said the proposal would improve the Valley Boulevard corridor.

Commissioners said they supported the extension while pressing the applicant to maintain the site and pursue plan check promptly. Commissioners asked whether plan review for building and safety had been submitted; staff said plan check is a separate process subject to building department timelines and that the tentative subdivision map is processed through the planning commission. Staff also reminded the commission that if the project remains inactive past the extended expiration, the approvals would lapse and the applicant would need to seek new entitlements.

Commissioner Chang moved to approve the two‑year extension; Commissioner Tu seconded. Roll call: Chang — yes; Tu — yes; Chair Romo — yes. The motion passed 3–0.

The extension applies only to the precise plan of design approval being considered by the Design Review Commission. The commission record and staff report note that any separate map extensions or building‑permit timelines are handled by other city departments and commissions. The commission advised the applicant to coordinate with city staff on plan‑check fees and to maintain the site so it does not degrade adjacent properties while work is delayed.