The Public Works Committee is recommending that Los Angeles City Council accept part of a future street easement as public street (shown in blue) while rejecting another portion (shown in red) at 4539-4545 West Santa Monica Boulevard.

What is Being Proposed?

The Public Works Committee is recommending that Los Angeles City Council accept part of a future street easement as public street (shown in blue) while rejecting another portion (shown in red) at 4539-4545 West Santa Monica Boulevard. The committee approved this recommendation on October 22, 2025, and is forwarding it to the full Council for final approval.

Why This Matters

This action involves converting a private future street easement into public street in some areas while keeping other portions private. The City Engineer determined that part of the easement should become public property while rejecting the remainder. The proposal has been found to comply with the City's General Plan and qualifies as a categorical exemption under California's environmental review requirements, meaning no full environmental impact study is needed.

Key Details

Location: 4539-4545 West Santa Monica Boulevard (Right of Way No. 36000-2557) Processing Fee: $7,075.91 was paid for this request Committee Vote: 2 in favor (Hernandez, Hutt), 1 absent (Padilla) Timeline: City Engineer report dated July 21, 2025; Committee consideration on October 22, 2025 Next Step: The City Clerk will forward approved resolutions to the Real Estate Division for recording with Los Angeles County Recorder This is a routine property/right-of-way matter that primarily affects the property owners and the City's street network management.

What is Being Proposed?

The Los Angeles City Council is considering a project involving a portion of a Future Street Easement at 4539-4545 West Santa Monica Boulevard. The project involves two related actions: rejecting a portion of the easement as a public street while accepting another portion as a public street. This means some of the easement area will remain private property while other sections will become official public rights-of-way (Right of Way No. 36000-2557).

Key Details and Timeline

The Public Works Committee will hear this matter on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 3:30 PM in City Hall, Room 401. If the Committee approves an action, the full City Council will consider it on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interested parties include 4541-4545 SM BLVD LLC and Gary Benjamin, both of whom appear to be property stakeholders. Public comment is limited to in-person attendance only; written comments can be submitted via LACouncilComment.com, fax, or mail.

Impact and Significance

This action affects property rights and public access along Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles. By selectively rejecting and accepting portions of the easement, the city is determining which areas will become public streets versus remaining private property. Property owners and residents should review the full documentation at LACouncilFile.com (Council file No. 25-0982) to understand how this decision may affect traffic patterns, property access, and development potential in the area.

What is Being Proposed

The City is being asked to reject a portion of a future street easement (shown in red on the map) and accept a different portion (shown in blue) at 4539-4545 West Santa Monica Boulevard in Council District 13. This involves modifying the street right-of-way dimensions that were originally promised for dedication to the city back in 1973.

Why This Change Is Needed

The property owner, represented by Gary Benjamin, is proposing a 100% affordable housing development on the site. The current street easement dimensions don't align with today's street standards under the city's Mobility Plan 2035. By rejecting part of the easement and accepting another portion, the right-of-way width will conform to the Modified Avenue I standards, allowing the development to proceed while ensuring the street dimensions match current city standards. Properties in the area can be adequately served through private driveways or common access rather than the oversized public street.

Key Details

Location: 4539-4545 West Santa Monica Boulevard (Right of Way No. 36000-2557) Original easement: Recorded September 26, 1973 Processing fee: $7,075.91 Supporting agencies: Engineering's Central District, Department of Transportation, and City Planning all support the request

Impact

This action removes burden from an affordable housing development by reducing unnecessary street dedication requirements, making the project more feasible while still maintaining adequate public access standards. The city will record both resolutions with the County Recorder.