Manhattan Beach is facing a wave of high-density developments driven by state-mandated housing requirements. As one of California’s most desirable coastal cities, Manhattan Beach has little remaining space for new development.

Stop The Rise Manhattan Beach (STR-MB), a grass roots community group, says that the projects will alter city’s existing character, tax the infrastructure and significantly reduce safety. “This is insanity and will destroy our city”, Phil Wah of STR-MB indicated. “It will also make it more dangerous for all of our community and visitors”. Most in the community are in disbelief that this could happen, and nearly all are completely unaware of state mandates that they did not directly vote for.

One of the most contentious proposals is a seven-story, 40-unit complex planned for 2301 North Sepulveda Boulevard, a corridor used by more than 60,000 vehicles daily as an alternative to the 405 Freeway. Many high school students must cross this dangerous highway on bike or foot each day. This stretch is already known for dangerous driving conditions, with multiple fatalities and hundreds of accidents in recent years, most recently a local high school youth. Adding significant density in such a location will have an appalling impact on safety, traffic, and infrastructure capacity.

The developer said that he was committed to working with the community, “enhancing property aesthetics and value, aligning with existing zoning and environmental constraints while respecting traffic and parking considerations”. Instead, his plans utilized state density bonus laws to secure waivers that will allow the project to exceed local height limits by more than 40 feet and reduce required parking. All of Moore’s promises to the community were false.

What’s most concerning is not a single project, but the precedent being set. The risk is a cascade of projects that cumulatively transform the community in ways that will ruin the community, reduce safety and not contribute to affordable housing. Effective zoning policy must not come at the expense of safety, transparency, or thoughtful planning. A one-size-fits-all approach to development—especially in fully built coastal communities—risks undermining both public trust and long-term livability. Zoning decisions must be local!

Recently STR-MB addressed a City Council meeting, strongly asking for their focus on the dense high-rise threats. STR-MB also alerted the City that they would be taking to the streets in protest later in the month. It is expected that this protest on Sepulveda will attract the attention of thousands of rush-hour drivers and further raise community awareness of the new developments and impending new dangers.

Grassroots organizations are critical in order to raise community awareness and alignment. However, it is critical for these groups to work together and with unifying organizations such as Our Neighborhood Voices, in order to wield a larger unified voice.

Manhattan Beach deserves solutions that are not only compliant, but also sensible.