Los Angeles County supervisors adopted a controversial coastal land use plan Thursday that could transform Marina del Rey into a high-rise enclave and set the stage for creation of a waterfront community on the edge of the existing marina.
After hearing sharply different views during a two-hour hearing, the supervisors voted 3 to 0 to endorse the plan, which could dramatically increase the height and density of residential, hotel, and commercial buildings surrounding the harbor.
Critics warned that the plan could create "Wilshire on the Water" and a "Century City by the Sea" by allowing buildings up to 225 feet high.
But supporters, including marina interests and Supervisor Deane Dana, who represents the area, said the plan will "spur redevelopment and rejuvenation" of the waterfront and is in the best interests of the county, its residents and businesses.
The proposal, which goes to the California Coastal Commission for final action, would also open the door to an entirely new marina that would become part of the planned Playa Vista project. The new waterfront community with residences, offices, shops, pedestrian walkways and boat slips would be carved out of open land next to the existing marina.
The changes in the county's decade-old Marina del Rey Local Coastal Program were prompted by concerns that the harbor is showing signs of decay and needs to be revitalized.
Marina del Rey is owned by the county. Developers operate there on public land through long-term leases with the county. A primary goal of the plan is to increase the county's income by changing marina zoning to substantially increase the amount of development that can occur.
Although leaseholders, developers and business interests generally endorsed the plan, some Marina residents and environmental activists were critical.
Marina del Rey boater Donald Klein said the intense development proposed in the plan is "preposterous." He accused county officials of "being joined at the hip" with marina leaseholders. "If they have their way, we will have Century City by the Sea," Klein said.
Venice activist Iylene Weiss warned that allowing such dense development would turn the harbor into "Wilshire on the Water." Weiss noted the zoning changes would make the marina properties more valuable and urged the board to exercise care in granting extensions of marina leases.
