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Neighbors raise safety concerns about 210 Howard SB 9 application near Beach Elementary
Summary
Multiple residents urged the council to scrutinize a proposed SB 9 application for 210 Howard Avenue, citing steep topography, narrow driveway access, proximity to Beach Elementary, prior denials and multiple requested waivers. City staff said SB 9 ministerial approvals do not come before the council but staff will accept written concerns.
A group of neighborhood residents used public forum to voice opposition to a proposed SB 9 project at 210 Howard Avenue, calling the lot unsafe for additional units and warning of increased traffic and pedestrian risk near Beach Elementary.
"SB 9 specifically allows a agency to turn down a project," said a speaker addressing the council while asking whether the city could find the driveway and structures pose an adverse impact on health and safety. Other commenters described a steep, narrow street and repeated past council denials of similar proposals. Several residents cited an April trial-court decision about SB 9 that affected charter cities and noted that Piedmont is a charter city; another speaker urged the council to consider whether the city might "opt out" in light of that ruling.
City Attorney and staff responded that the LA County Superior Court ruling cited is binding only on the parties in that case and is on appeal; staff reminded the public that SB 9 applications are ministerial and do not come before the council, and urged residents to send concerns and evidence directly to staff so they become part of the public record. The council did not take formal action on the project during the meeting.
