Townhome project clears Planning Commission on second try

The Planning Commission voted to support a 33-unit townhome project in west Downey last week. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY — A controversial condominium project that initially failed to gain Planning Commission approval finally got the go-ahead to move on to the city council.

The project, slated for the current site of an over 50-year-old church at 7360 Foster Bridge Rd., would bring 33 condo units — spread across four three-story buildings — each with a two-car garage and either a private balcony or patio.

The project has drawn criticism from residents of the Treasure Island neighborhood, who have voiced concerns over safety, privacy, limited parking, and traffic congestion.

At its meeting on April 17, the Planning Commission failed to take action on the project, only able to come to a 2-2 vote (vice chair Mario Guerra was out of state on Army business at the time). Because the item required action from the Planning Commission, it was placed on the agenda for the May 1 meeting.

The project again came before an incomplete dais, this time chair Carrie Uva being the missing member. Uva had voted against the project previously.

Uva’s absence along with Guerra’s presence made all the difference, as this time the project earned a 3-1 approval.

Commissioner Louis Morales, the sole vote in opposition, called it “a nice project,” but sided with many of the frustrated neighbors, saying that there were “some issues that could have been worked out to make it a better project.”

Guerra responded that “a good city planner or economic development personnel knows this is a very good project.”

“I believe this will bring value to your homes and safety to the area. This is a good project for the city, for our community and, yes, for the residents of Treasure Island,” said Guerra. “Traffic mitigation is something the city needs to work on. Not in the future, but today. That’s something that needs to be fixed now.

“Yes, this is going to bring some traffic more in the mornings and in the afternoons, but I’d rather have a few extra minutes and have that corner protected by 33 families, living there just like the rest of us.”

The project will now move on to the City Council for consideration.