Warped Planning Commission Subverts Malibu

Like the noxious ash that blanketed Malibu after the disastrous Woolsey Fire, the recent 3 to 2 vote by a warped Planning Commission approving a questionable McMansion hangs over Malibu Park.

Whatever conditions might be attached to the dubious approval, such as restricting its use, knowing the city’s arbitrary lack of enforcement, the vote in effect painted the proverbial lipstick on a pIg.

To be sure, the proposed project at 29738 Cuthbert Road is indeed an ugly pig; a 3872 sq ft. rebuild that would be forgiven if it didn’t come with a misshapen addition of 4620 sq ft for a total 8492 sq ft. mass, containing 9 ensuite bedrooms with all the charm of an institutional hospital ward.

Label it whatever, it is an obvious perversion of Neighborhood Character, which is one of the critical factors that, however subjective, the commission is suppose to consider in reviewing proposed residential projects; specifically whether a project is too big and out of scale in its particular neighborhood setting.

This assumes the Planning Commission has some aesthetic sensibilities, which it exercises as “responsible custodians of the area’s natural resources natural environment,” consistent with the commissioner’s oath of office and an adherence to the city’s Vision and Mission statements.

But unfortunately for Malibu, the Commission’s 3 to 2 pro development majority does not. It is perfidious, having forsaken the later Statement’s declaration that “Malibu will maintain its rural character by establishing programs and policies that avoid suburbanization and commercialization…, for "more build the better.”

For the record, that majority includes Sklar Peak, Drew Leonard and Dennis Smith, appointed respectively by commercialization friendly City Councilpersons Riggins, Stewart and Grisanti.

At the hearing for 29738 a clearly untutored Peak prattled on, while Leonard and Smith sat like bumps on a log, as they do for most hearings, Smith in particular channeling a compromised Grisanti, and Leonard, a duplicitous Stewart.

This prompts the public service truism that “A” people appoint “A” people, while “B” people appoint “C” people, and the cognizance that Malibu is sinking in a sea of “Cs.”