The largest development project in Santa Monica in over 20 years has caused a major debate among residents and city council members. The City council has approved the project by a 4 to 3 vote , bringing on a lawsuit from the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City. The suit alleges that the city failed at “properly studying reasonable project alternatives.” You may have noticed the vast number of citizens standing on the street corners collecting petition signatures. The Hines, Bergamot Transit Village project will be a mix of uses, including live/work units, 374,423 square feet of retail and creative office space, new streets, sidewalks, a park, and 1,936 underground parking spaces with lockers and showers. The development project is a total of 765,905 square feet, located by the new expo-line station. 
Santa Monica citizens fear that this development will “forever change the city” paving the way for more developers wishing to do the same. They propose re-developing the Paper Mate structure with a vibe similar to Bergamot Village, with far fewer structures. And with traffic already jammed heavily around the intersection of Olympic and 26th Street (even before the Metro Line construction work began), Santa Monicans are worried that the grid lock at rush hour might become gridlock all day and evening long as the environmental impact report predicts 7,000 new car trips per day.
Which side of the dirt are you on?
Here is your up to the minute real estate market info:
There are fourteen homes available to buy North of Montana Ave with 2012 La Mesa and 224 18th St hitting the MLS in the last three days. There are seven homes in escrow. Closed sales went up to eight homes year-to-date with 549 9th St closing within the last week. And we just listed a home south of Montana Ave at 1014 Berkeley St. It is an original 3+2 on a huge 8,400 ft lot for $1,895,000. It will be open this Sunday from 1-5PM.
New Listings this Week
2012 La Mesa Dr. – 6bd + 6ba. $6,395,000. Big price for this Country English home on a huge 16,380 sq. ft. lot. Mostly original and needs rehabbing or new construction. Last sold in June 2005 for $4,050,000
224 18th St. – 7bd + 8ba. $5,695,000. This home has seen its share of buyers in the past 10 years. It sold in 04 for $3.4 million, in 2013 for $4.7 million and now on the market for $5.7 million.
New Sales this Week
522 21st Pl. – 6bd + 6ba. $5,595,000. Beautiful Tuscan Villa apx. 6,300+ sq. ft. Great floor plan. 5bd + 4ba up. Huge master, large gourmet kitchen, maid’s suite, al-fresco dining area. Last sold in March 2007 for $5,200,000.
New Closed Deals this Week
549 9th St. – 5bd + 4ba. $3,625,000.
Pence Hathorn Silver Active Properties:
2009 La Mesa – 6bd + 8ba – $18,900,000
502 16th St. – 5bd + 7.5ba – $8,495,000
6415 Meadows Court – 6bd + 7ba – $5,995,000
601 17th St. – 5bd + 6ba – $4,495,000
728 25th St. – 5bd + 6.5ba – $4,595,000
1014 Berkeley St. – 3bd + 1.75ba – $1,895,000
416 Entrada Dr. – 3bd + 1.75ba – $1,575,000
Search for more homes, see real time analytics and learn about the North Santa Monica / North of Montana Ave. community on our North of Montana blog. Add your comments (scroll down to the “Add Your Comment” section) and read other blogs. And please call my mobile phone (310) 924-4014 with any questions.
