My neighbors and I would like to voice our concerns about the increased intensity of use at Point Dume Plaza. We didn’t oppose the remodel or beautification of the plaza nor substitution of a small market, but what we now have is a greatly expanded Pavilions, with 30% more internal square feet, a full-blown Starbucks café. This market is now similar to Ralphs in central Malibu but squeezed on to an already seriously compromised commercial site immediately adjacent to residential homes. Councilmember Sibert said he “just avoids the place” due to lack of parking and traffic. Those who live near the market simply don’t have a choice as it impacts us daily.
To date, there are no solutions for extremely inadequate customer and employee parking. There are more than 100 who aren’t allowed to park on-site, forcing many to park on our streets. There is already increased traffic congestion on Heathercliff causing dangerous backups on PCH and Heathercliff and forcing more traffic to reroute through other Pt. Dume streets.
There is excessive new lighting, enlarged signage and off-hours noise that further degrades the neighborhood. No commitment has been made on limited operating hours. There is an inadequate wastewater system. It smelled last week and Pavilions isn’t open and operating. Finally, there are serious public safety challenges as Heathercliff is the major artery for emergency services for Pt. Dume and Pt. Dume Club.
We started sharing our concerns with the City last summer and responses have been non-existent. Code interpretations are inaccurate and unrealistic. There was no community outreach or permit notification from developer or city. The irony is that local citizens are required to get permit approval for their new wastewater system or home remodel/addition but this developer does not. New development receives substantial public vetting, but an existing development that increases usage does not.
Pavilions will open May 21, just in time for the Memorial Day crush. Yes, we have a shiny new market but at what cost to our quality of life?
Tami Clark