Beverly Hills Developers Take Advantage of Builder's Remedy Lawsuit, Expand High-Rise Projects
Two controversial high-rise projects in Beverly Hills are growing in size, with one nearly doubling in height and adding hundreds of units, thanks to a successful lawsuit by developer Leo Pustilnikov.
The highly contentious high-rise projects at 125-129 South Linden Drive and 8844 Burton Way in Beverly Hills are gaining even more backlash as developers take advantage of the builder's remedy process to expand their plans.
According to the Beverly Press, developer Leo Pustilnikov, who recently won a lawsuit against the city for illegally blocking the Linden project, has updated plans for the development, nearly doubling its size. The tower, which was originally proposed as 19 stories and 200 feet, will now stand at 36 stories and 400 feet, with an additional 185 units and 28 affordable housing units.
Meanwhile, the Burton Way project, which has faced its own set of opposition and lawsuits, is also growing in size. Originally proposed as a 16-story building, it will now stand at 19 stories and 295 feet.
Residents have expressed outrage over the expansion of these projects, which they argue will only worsen traffic and congestion in the already crowded city. However, developers are able to use the builder's remedy process, which allows them to bypass certain zoning regulations, to increase the size and density of their projects.
As one resident stated, "It's clear that these developers are using the builder's remedy process to their advantage, without any regard for the impact it will have on our community."
The builder's remedy process has been a hot topic in Beverly Hills, with many calling for reform and stricter regulations to prevent developers from taking advantage of the system. However, critics argue that it is a necessary tool for increasing affordable housing