8844 Burton Way appeal

The project's attorney argued the law compels approval, citing three HCD letters, potential $10 million penalties, and AB 130's CEQA exemption.

Led the opposition, arguing the tower sits in a liquefaction zone with inadequate geotechnical work and that Burton Way height claims were overstated.

Showed photos of the alley emergency egress used by 300 North Swall residents that the project's construction plan would block.

Presented the developer's construction management plan showing the alley closed and an eight-foot fence blocking an emergency exit, and an offer she called an attempt to buy silence.

Argued fire-code sections make the barricaded alley a legally indefensible safety violation that no condition can fix.

Argued the fire department's eight-minute email review based on a satellite image was no safety analysis at all.

Pointed to the city's own February 2025 letter flagging risk of injury or death from fault rupture and the canceled EIR.

Argued the developer bypassed the city's mandatory seismic fault investigation protocol and chose exemption over accountability.

Said the developer's own blueprint contradicts state fire and building codes, and AB 130 didn't cancel those codes.

Warned a fault study could reveal the site is unbuildable at 26 stories and must come before approval, not after.

Raised unmapped methane hazards from an idle Chevron well nearby and dam-inundation zone risks with only one subterranean parking level.

Lifelong resident who trusts the developer's national reputation and supports the project for young people.

Born-and-raised resident urging approval so workers who keep Beverly Hills running can afford to live near their jobs.

A young-community rabbi supporting the project so young families can afford to live in Beverly Hills.

Testified the developers are generous local family people and urged approval for both sides' peace.

Urged approval, warning denial risks up to $10 million in state fines after the Linden lawsuit loss.

Said cities must evolve and Burton Way is the right corridor for growth that keeps young families in the city.

A Human Relations commissioner (speaking personally) who said Burton Way's width makes it the right location and trusted city staff and fire experts.

Supported the project citing the developer's track record and said approval is the right thing despite being politically difficult.

Nearby resident who fully supports the project and trusts the builders, fire department and permitting process.

51-year resident nearby who said impacts spread well beyond Burton Way and Swall, and urged the council to fight state overreach and deny.

Nearly-lifelong resident urging courage to deny, calling it a bad law that should be challenged.

Supported the project, saying city building and fire departments will address the issues raised and the developer is ready to invest.

Real estate agent raised in Beverly Hills who said the area needs the vitality Crescent Heights projects bring.

Asked why the council can't at least condition a smaller, 20-story building given the original proposal was feasible.

Argued AB 130 requires projects to appear consistent with zoning and general plan, which a 26-story tower does not.

Argued the project may not qualify under AB 2097 because no land survey proves it's within a half mile of a major transit stop.

Phone caller who lives a block away and called it a fantastic, potentially landmark project.

Temple Emanuel co-president said the synagogue knowingly sold to a high-rise developer and does not oppose the project.