The Malibu Memorial Park Pushes Forward

On Feb. 27th, The Malibu Times reported that the Malibu Memorial Park Project “may be on life support.” In fact, with overwhelming community support, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The project was recently given the green light to go in front of the Planning Commission next month.

Recently, the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority ( MRCA ) sent a letter opposing the project, located on the corner of PCH and Malibu Canyon, saying it violates the Coastal Commission’s LCP for Malibu, which calls for coastal visitor-serving businesses there.

Fred Gaines, attorney for The Malibu Memorial Project, responded to the MRCA letter, detailing the Determination of Use for the property according to the City, as well as the time the MRCA had to respond opposing the project – which has since long passed.

“Pursuant to Malibu Municipal Code Section 17.04.220 (Appeal of Action), a decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal within 10 days of the Resolution. In this case, no appeal was led by MRCA or any other party and the Planning Commission’s determination that the cemetery/memorial park is similar to and not more objectionable than other permitted or conditionally permitted uses in the CV-2 zone is nal. In fact, MRCA did not submit any opposition or comments during the City of Malibu’s administra- tive hearing process and, as such, is now precluded from opposing the City’s determina- tion.”

The MRCA letter is just part of the political spitting match going on between pro-development supporters, who want a hotel, and pro-environment advo- cates who want to preserve open space and public views. This project, which is community serving, environmentally and socially responsible while protect- ing and preserving Malibu’s rural landscape, seems to be getting in the way of lining the pockets of special interests.