Butcher Hill, at the corner of Hawthorne and Via Valmonte, may become the site of a future huge apartment development. The apartments would NOT be affordable housing units. Rather, they would be 248 luxury apartments to be rented at market rate, housing up to 722 residents. The site has never been built on because of many environmental and statutory reasons.
Source: Draft EIR
The current proposed project would require the City of Torrance to change the zoning of the site from A-1 (light agricultural) to PD (Planned Development – using R-5 High-rise Residential District Standards). To allow this land use density, it would also require a change in the City’s General Plan, which describes the Hillside Neighborhood District as the quietest, most pastoral area in Torrance, with single-family homes and generous landscaping. The project would violate the intention of the Hillside Overlay Ordinance because it would impact the views of some homes and would drastically change existing physical conditions in the area — negatively affecting safety, general welfare, aesthetic control, and property values.
For these reasons — zoning changes, General Plan changes, Hillside Overlay Ordinance ignored, plus the irreversible impact on the hillside, the Riviera Homeowners Association has concerns that this project would forever change the character and quality of life in our neighborhood.
Here is the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for this project: https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/community-development/planning/butcher-solana
Printed copies are available to read (but not to take out) at Walteria Library, Katy Geissert Library, City Clerk’s office, City Planning Department .
If you are also concerned, we are asking you to SEND IN YOUR EMAIL or posted mail comment by August 19 to Oscar Martinez, City Planner. Don’t put it off because you don’t think it will make a difference — every comment that is written requires a response from the developer. Even if you don’t think that this project would affect you directly, consider the effects it may have on your home, your commute, your neighborhood, South Torrance, your kids. This is your opportunity to address any concerns. Please take it!
The DEIR is a lengthy document, so our suggestion is to pick one or more sections that interest you, read that part and take notes, and then write out why you disagree with the ideas or conclusions they have come up with. Make your response factual and/or specific to your situation. (Although it may be tempting, please refrain from an emotional response.)
Click here for SUGGESTIONS on how to
COMMENT ON A DEIR
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO: OMartinez@Torranceca.gov (City Planner)
We strongly suggest that you cc your comments to:
- DSantana@Torranceca.gov (Director of Planning)
- PFurey@Torranceca.gov (Mayor)
- TGoodrich@Torranceca.gov,
- GRizzo@Torranceca.gov,
- MGriffiths@Torranceca.gov,
- GChen@Torranceca.gov,
- MHerring@Torranceca.gov,
- AMattucci@Torranceca.gov
(each of the City Council members)
Recommended subject heading for YOUR EMAIL:
“Response to the Solana Residential Development Project Draft EIR”
Let’s get going!
Results of our last general meeting, and more:
Our May 1 community update meeting featured a number of guest presentations. But first, we were pleased to announce the annual scholarship award to John Bouabsi, who graduates this month, and plans to go on to CSULB to pursue a career in engineering. Many applied, one was chosen – congratulations John.
See our Scholars page for a list of past and present award winners.
Butcher-Solana update
Residents heard from two sides of the debate over the proposed Butcher-Solana development. Both Reylenn Properties, the developer of the proposed 248-unit apartment complex and Save our Neighborhood representatives gave up-to-date presentations for and against the
Keeping an eye on the Torrance Refinery
Paul Roberts, Chief Scientific Officer from Sonoma Technology , gave a presentation on a real-time air monitoring network that includes fenceline and community monitoring of the Torrance Refinery, home to Hydroflouric Acid (HF) and daily source of air pollutants. The network will collect air quality data from locations along the borders of the refinery and in nearby communities. The network and monitoring plan is being developed with input from SCAQMD staff, stakeholders, and local residents.
The RHA will bring further developments to our neighbors, as more information becomes available.
“Check out that front yard!”
Have you seen the latest landscape awards, given jointly by the RHA and Riviera Garden Club? Check out the latest at our landscape award page.
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Riviera Homeowners Association 