33-unit condo project goes to Planning Commission on Wednesday

DOWNEY – City planners are recommending approval of a controversial 33-unit condominium project on Downey’s west limits.

The Planning Commission on Wednesday will consider whether to recommend that the City Council adopt zone changes, a site plan and a tentative tract map that would allow the homes to be built at 7360 Foster Bridge Rd.

The property is currently operated by a church that was built in 1959.

The 3-bedroom condos would be three stories tall and built across four buildings. Each home would include a two-car garage and either a private balcony or patio.

There would be two driveways with the primary entrance located on the northeast corner of Foster Bridge Road.

Neighborhood residents have opposed the project, claiming it would worsen traffic congestion on Suva Street and eat into street parking. A report written for the Planning Commission indicates the city of Bell Gardens, which borders the project, “expressed concern” over the development as well.

A city traffic analysis, however, indicated that the 33 homes wouldn’t likely make a significant difference in traffic.

“Staff ultimately finds that the traffic conditions are a result of preexisting conditions specific to the nearby area and not a result of the project proposal,” city officials wrote in their report to the Planning Commission. “Therefore, Staff is unable to deem the project will create or significantly contribute as a major impact to the nearby area.”

If the Planning Commission signs off on the project, the application would then head to the City Council for a final decision.

“As proposed and with staff’s recommended conditions of approval, the project complies with the goals, policies, and programs outlined in the City’s General Plan and Housing Element,” city officials wrote in recommending the project be approved.