Proposed 7-Eleven Store Goes Back to the Drawing Board

Following 18 months of discussions, community meetings and plan revisions, the Culver City staff recommended that the Planning Commission approve Wednesday night the site plan for the development of a 7-Eleven store - one story retail building with 2,500 square feet of floor area and 12 on-site parking spaces located at 4436 Sepulveda Boulevard on the corner of Braddock Drive.

However, after three hours of discussions and public testimony, the commission decided it required more information and additional changes to the plans, and will revisit the issue at its April 25 meeting.

After hearing from many neighborhood residents regarding concerns about traffic dangers to children coming to and from school in the area, the commission asked the applicant to perform a pedestrian gap study for the Braddock driveway to ensure that cars can turn safely in and out of the driveway when student foot traffic is heaviest.

In addition, the commission said it was still not happy with the site plan and asked that the applicant revisit the planning and layout of the structure including landscaping, architecture, building materials and colors.

Many residents stated during the public hearing that a 7-Eleven was not the type of establishment that should be built in the area. That sentiment was best summed up by local architect Ed Ogosta who said the site lacked creativity, authenticity and integrity.

“It offers nothing to the neighborhood,” Ogosta said. “We’re opposed to it because 7-Eleven is not a business of quality. We all know their reputation for cheap labor, cheap buildings and attracting a criminal element.”

However, as many of the residents acknowledged, and it was reiterated by City staff, the Planning Commission cannot reject an application simply because it doesn’t see a 7-Eleven as a desirable business. The commission could only reject the plan if it doesn’t meet code and land use requirements and the design and layout of the site.

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