Committee continues Wobona Street/40 Fifth cultural-center special-use-district to Oct. 30

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on Sept. 11 agreed to continue consideration of an ordinance to create a Cultural Center Special Use District (SUD) for Wobona Street and 40 Fifth Avenue to Oct. 30 after multiple members of the public requested more time and raised concerns about coastal-zone permit appeals and precedent.

Tita Bell, representing Supervisor Ingardio's office, asked the committee to continue the item to Oct. 30. Callers urged the delay: Eileen Bokin said the project needs more review and noted that the coastal-zone permit for the project is under appeal, and Evan Rosen and others argued that the SUD may be unnecessary or inconsistent with the local coastal program and that the Board of Appeals hearing should take precedence. Chair Myrna Melgar said the Irish community has the right to a cultural center and moved to continue the item to Oct. 30; the committee voted three ayes to continue.

The continuance puts the proposed SUD on hold while the outstanding coastal-zone appeal and other questions are resolved; committee members said they intend to ensure the SUD complies with applicable laws before returning it for further consideration.