Culver City Observer -

The following statement was issued on Monday by Councilmembers Goran Eriksson And Jim Clarke regarding Fox Hills Plaza:

“As a result of discussions between Council members Goran Eriksson and Jim Clarke with real estate developers HSH Management, the developer has decided to suspend activity on the Fox Hills Plaza Project. From these discussions, the developer has notified the City of its intention to forego presenting a community benefits proposal to the City Council on March 26th. The result of this decision means that the project will not be presented to the City Planning Commission in April as originally intended. It also means that any decision regarding a community benefits proposal or the project itself will be left up to the new Council to decide.

In a joint statement, Council members Eriksson and Clarke felt that more time was needed by all parties – the Fox Hills community, the City staff and the developer – to ascertain what type of project best fits the needs of the surrounding residents and the City as a whole. ‘It is our hope that all sides will utilize the time wisely to redesign a project that can be seen as an example of smart and practical development that adds value to Culver City’s brand. We also recognize that postponing the project for now will not maintain the status quo as the Marshall’s store has already given notice that it will close in a year. It is incumbent upon everyone to ensure this valuable piece of property at the gateway to Culver City does not become decrepit and underutilized’.”

The development has been under attack by Fox Hills residents for over two years. During the 2016 City Council race flyers were distributed erroneously stating the plaza would be converted to a used car dealership.

The project known as ’The Bristol Parkway Comprehensive Plan’ on the 6.25 acre commercial site would begin with the demolition of 60,157 sf retail buildings followed by development of 662 apartment units, 50 live work units,