November 21, 2024 • 17 mins
This is a review of a proposed multi-family residential development at 910 South Mariposa Street, Burbank, CA. The project involves the construction of a 40-unit building on a currently vacant lot. The development utilizes the State Density Bonus Law and the SB 35 streamlined ministerial review process.
Key Project Details:
Location: 910 South Mariposa Street, Burbank, CA 91506 (APN 2443-004-017)
Project Size: 1.01-acres
Proposed Use: 40-unit multi-family residential building with semi-subterranean parking
Zoning: M-1 (Light Manufacturing District)
State Regulations: Utilizes Density Bonus Law and SB 35 streamlined approval process
Main Themes and Important Ideas:
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
From the media district adjacent.
It's time to take another deepplunge into the issues and
topics that face Burbank.
Let's see what we have on theplate to dissect today.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Hello Burbank, craig Schubert here with you once
again, and today we're going todo a deep plunge into the 910
South Mariposa project that theCity Council will be dealing
with on November 26th on theSB35 streamlining process, which
basically means they have nochoice, they will have to
approve this, but we thoughtwe'd give you the information
(00:37):
involved in the process so youcan hear about the project as it
stands.
So let's join our friends Johnand Jenny from Notebook LM to
take a deep plunge into 910South Mariposa.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Hey everyone, Welcome back for another deep dive.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Me too, and today we're going to sunny Burbank,
california.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Sounds nice.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Yeah, to take a look at this newly approved housing
project called Mariposa Gardens.
Interesting yeah, you sent over.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
look at this newly approved housing project called
Mariposa Gardens Interesting.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Yeah, you sent over some pretty interesting
documents for this one.
Oh yeah, we have excerpts fromthe Burbank City Council
resolution, a staff report withtons of details and even a
biologist report.
Yeah, so it seems like we'regoing to uncover a lot about
those 40 condos planned for 910S Mariposa Street.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Yeah, this project really highlights, I think, some
of the key issues in housingdevelopment today.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Absolutely Okay.
So before we get into the nittygritty, I have to point this
out.
Yeah, the project site iscurrently a horse boarding
operation.
Speaker 4 (01:39):
Really yeah, horses in.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
Burbank?
Huh, it's not something you seeevery day.
Not really, no, yeah, horses inBurbank, it's not something you
see every day.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
Not really.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Yeah, so that was interesting to me.
Yeah, but it might seem alittle unusual, but I guess it
just speaks to how cities evolveover time, right?
Speaker 4 (01:53):
Yeah, for sure.
And what's really interestinghere is how this project was
approved under Senate Bill 35.
Right, sb 35, that Californialaw that's all about fast
tracking housing approvals,especially for projects that
include affordable housing.
Right, and this one does.
It actually got a 100 percentdensity bonus because of it,
(02:14):
which bunked up the total unitsfrom 20 to 40.
Wow, I'm curious to see howthat strategy, the density bonus
is playing out in Burbankcompared to other cities.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
That's a really good question.
Actually, I hadn't evenconsidered that oh yeah, so we
should definitely look into that.
I'm already seeing from thesedocuments how much thought goes
into these projects.
Yeah for sure.
There are a lot of movingpieces, Absolutely.
For example, the staff reportmentions that they need a height
waiver to go above the 40-footlimit.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Is that common in Burbank?
Speaker 4 (02:43):
Yeah, it is pretty typical actually, especially in
denser urban areas where land is, you know, really valuable.
Yeah, a little taller lets youfit more units on the same piece
of land, so it's one way toaddress the housing shortage.
But it also raises all thesequestions about how those taller
buildings impact the existingneighborhood.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Yeah, you've got a point there.
Yeah, see how that could be aconcern for residents.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Now this is where it gets really interesting to me.
This project needed approvalfrom two different indigenous
bands.
Oh wow, the FernandinhoTataviam Band of Mission Indians
.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
And the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians, kiz
Nation Interesting.
And there's a whole protocol inplace if human remains or
artifacts are found duringconstruction.
Wow, that level of culturalsensitivity isn't something
you'd necessarily expect in ahousing development, is it?
Speaker 4 (03:34):
It's becoming more common, I think, and it's a
really positive step.
It reflects, I think, a growingrecognition of the importance
of respecting indigenousheritage and involving tribes in
the development process rightfrom the start Makes sense,
which, you know, it's not justchecking boxes, it's about
ethical and culturally sensitivepractices.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Yeah, I'm glad to hear that it seems like they're
really trying to be mindful ofthe history of this land.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
And speaking of mindfulness, the design
requirements for this projectare surprisingly specific.
Really, the staff reportactually mandates early
California rancho imagery, likewide eaves, adobe-style walls
and even those red clay rooftiles.
Huh, it's making me picturelike a modern-day hacienda.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
Uh-huh.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
But there's a reason for that right.
Speaker 4 (04:21):
Yeah, Burbank, like a lot of cities, has these design
standards to make sure newdevelopments complement the
existing architectural landscape.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Right.
So it's all about creating thatsense of visual continuity and
preserving what makes the cityunique.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
Like they're trying to weave the new into the fabric
of the old.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
Yeah, I like that.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
But I'm curious though how do they balance those
aesthetic goals with the needto create affordable housing?
That's a good question.
I mean, those rancho styledetails probably don't come
cheap, right?
Do they ever end up driving upthe cost of construction?
Speaker 4 (04:53):
That's a really important question.
It's this constant balancingact.
While those design elements docontribute to the city's
character, they can sometimesadd to the cost of construction
Right, and that can potentiallyaffect the affordability of the
units.
So it's a trade-off that citieshave to grapple with.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Right.
It's a good reminder that, evenwith the best intentions,
they're always going to becompromises and tough decisions
to be made.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
We're just scratching the surface here, but I'm
already seeing how complex thiswhole process is.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Oh, absolutely.
We've only just begun to peelback the layers.
There's still so much toexplore, especially when it
comes to the environmentalconsiderations for this project.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
You're right, we haven't even touched on the
sustainability aspect.
Let's dive into that next andsee what they're doing to
minimize the environmentalimpact.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
So you're curious about the sustainability aspect
of Mariposa Gardens, I am.
One of the things that reallycaught my eye was this low
impact development plan, or LIDplan as they call it Right, have
you had a chance to look thatover at all?
Speaker 3 (05:53):
I did and, to be honest, I'm still a little fuzzy
on the details.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
It's all about managing stormwater runoff.
Right yeah, it's all aboutmanaging stormwater runoff right
, Right.
But how does that actually workin practice?
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Well, it's a pretty fascinating approach.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Think of it as mimicking nature's way of
handling rainwater.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
So, instead of all that water rushing into storm
drains and, you know,potentially overwhelming the
city system, yeah.
They're designing the site toslow it down, spread it out and
let it soak into the ground,naturally.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
So less concrete jungle, more like a sponge city.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
Exactly.
They're incorporating thingslike rain gardens, permeable
paving and bioretention areas,which act like little filters to
remove pollutants from thewater before it seeps into the
ground.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
Okay, I'm starting to get the picture, but what makes
this LID plan unique to thisproject?
Are these techniques standardpractice in Burbank, or is
Mariposa Gardens breaking newground?
Speaker 4 (06:47):
It's a combination of both.
I think Burbank, like a lot ofcities in California, is
encouraging these sustainablepractices, but each project
presents its own set ofchallenges and opportunities.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (06:59):
What's interesting here is how they're integrating
these LID elements into arelatively dense urban
development.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Right.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
It's not always easy to find the space for, you know,
rain gardens and bioretentionareas when you're trying to
maximize the number of housingunits.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
That makes sense.
Yeah, it sounds like they'rereally trying to walk that
tightrope between sustainabilityand density For sure.
Now I remember seeing a lot ofspecific requirements in the
staff report, not just for theoverall LID plan, yeah, but also
for things like trashenclosures and even the layout
of individual units.
Oh, interesting.
I was struck by how muchattention to detail goes into
(07:37):
these projects.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
It's all part of creating a livable and
functional community.
Yeah, take the trash enclosures, for example.
They might seem like a minordetail.
Right, but if they're notdesigned properly, you end up
with unpleasant smells,overflowing bins, maybe even
rodents.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
Yeah, nobody wants that.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
And that's not something anyone wants in their
neighborhood, right?
Definitely not, yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
It's interesting how all these seemingly small
decisions can add up to a bigimpact on the quality of life
for residents For sure.
Speaking of residents, let'sshift gears for a minute and
talk about the people who willactually be calling Mariposa
Gardens home.
Okay, remember, this projectreceived a 100% density bonus
because it includes a certainpercentage of affordable units.
Right, because it includes acertain percentage of affordable
(08:19):
units Right, but what doesaffordable actually mean in a
city like Burbank where housingcosts are notoriously high?
Yeah, who are these unitsreally intended for?
Speaker 4 (08:29):
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
Yeah, the Density Bonus Programis designed to incentivize
developers to include units forvery low income and moderate
income households.
Okay, but the definition ofaffordable varies depending on
household size and income level,right.
It'd be interesting to see howthose affordability thresholds
compare to the actual wages ofessential workers in Burbank you
(08:51):
know teachers, nurses, serviceindustry folks, right.
Are these units trulyattainable for the people that
the city is hoping to reach?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
That's a really good point.
We often hear about the needfor affordable housing.
Speaker 4 (09:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:03):
But it's important to dig deeper and see if those
units are actually aligned withthe needs of the community.
Absolutely.
It's not just about numbers ona spreadsheet, it's about real
people's lives.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
Absolutely, and it's about creating a diverse and
inclusive community.
Right.
If Mariposa Gardens ends upbeing populated solely by higher
income residents, right, thenit hasn't truly achieved its
goal of addressing theaffordability crisis.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
I'm starting to realize that this project is
like a microcosm of the largerhousing challenges facing
California.
Yeah, we've got this push fordensity to address the shortage,
but also this need to ensureaffordability Right and create a
mix of income levels.
And then there's the wholeenvironmental piece, with cities
like Burbank trying toencourage sustainable
development practices.
(09:47):
It's a lot to juggle.
Speaker 4 (09:50):
You're hitting the nail on the head, and that's
what makes this deep dive sofascinating.
It's not just about a singlehousing development.
It's about grappling with thecomplexities of urban planning
and finding ways to createcommunities that are sustainable
, equitable and livable foreveryone.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Okay, before we get too philosophical, let's get
back to the details, uh-huh.
Okay, we've talked a lot aboutthe LID plan and how it manages
stormwater, right, but whatabout other environmental
considerations?
Speaker 4 (10:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Did they just throw in some recycled water and call
it a day?
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Not quite.
They're incorporating a numberof other environmentally
friendly features.
Okay.
For instance, they're usingrecycled water for construction,
which helps conserve potablewater resources.
Right, and the staff reportmentions some requirements for
energy efficient design inappliances.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
Makes sense.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
They even have to provide electric vehicle
charging stations.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
It sounds like they're trying to tick all the
boxes when it comes tosustainability.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
It seems like it.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
But I'm curious are these features simply a response
to regulations, or is therelike a genuine commitment to
environmental responsibility?
Speaker 4 (10:58):
It's probably a bit of both.
Yeah to environmentalresponsibility it's probably a
bit of both.
Yeah, california has some ofthe strictest environmental
regulations in the country,right, so developers have to
meet certain standards.
But I think there's also thisgrowing recognition that
sustainable practices are notjust good for the planet, right.
They're good for business,right.
Energy efficient buildings savemoney in the long run, and
(11:19):
features like EV chargingstations can be a real selling
point for potential residents.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
That's true.
Yeah, it seems like we'restarting to see a shift in
thinking where sustainability isbecoming less of an
afterthought.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
And more of an integral part of the development
process.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
I agree.
And it's not just about thebuilding itself, right, it's
about how the project connectsto the larger community.
Okay, remember those publicamenities we mentioned earlier,
the equestrian path and theimproved pedestrian
infrastructure.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
I do.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Those are all part of creating a more walkable,
bikeable and transit-friendlyenvironment Right, which
ultimately reduces reliance oncars and lowers emissions.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
So it's all interconnected right.
Exactly the design of thebuilding, the transportation
options, the way they managestormwater it all contributes to
a more sustainable and livablecommunity.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
Absolutely.
And that brings us to a reallyinteresting question.
We've seen how Mariposa Gardensis trying to balance
affordability, density andenvironmental responsibility.
Right, but what about thepotential downsides?
Are there any tradeoffs orunintended consequences that we
should be aware of?
Speaker 3 (12:26):
That's a great question.
I'm eager to hear your thoughtson that.
That's a great question.
You bring up a really goodpoint.
We've been focusing on all thepositive aspects of Mariposa
Gardens.
Yeah, but, like you said, thereare always those trade-offs to
consider.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Right.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
So what are some of the potential downsides or those
unintended consequences thatcould come with a project like
this?
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Well, even with the best intentions, there's no such
thing as a perfect developmentRight, and one concern that
often comes up with these higherdensity projects is the impact
on traffic and parking.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
Oh yeah, that makes sense.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
You know, 40 new units, that means more cars on
the road.
Yeah, and even with measures toencourage alternative
transportation, you know that'ssomething the city has to plan
for.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
Right, and I imagine that could be a real point of
contention for existingresidents who might already be
dealing with traffic congestion.
Speaker 4 (13:14):
For sure.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Are there any strategies in place to mitigate
those impacts?
Speaker 4 (13:19):
Well, the staff report mentions some
requirements for on-site parkingOkay, but it also really
emphasizes the importance ofintegrating the project into the
existing public transportationnetwork.
Okay, the existing publictransportation network?
Okay.
So they're looking at thingslike improving pedestrian access
to nearby bus stops andpotentially even creating
dedicated shuttle routes.
Oh, wow, it's about providingresidents with viable
(13:42):
alternatives to driving theirown cars.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
It sounds like they're trying to be proactive.
Yeah, but it's hard to predicthow those strategies will play
out in reality.
Yeah, exactly, it's one thingto have those options available,
but it's another to actuallyget people to use them.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Absolutely Changing people's habits can be a
challenge, right, but I thinkthe key is to make those
alternatives as convenient andappealing as possible.
If it's easier and faster tohop on a bus or walk to your
destination than to sit intraffic, people are more likely
to make that choice.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Yeah, that makes sense.
Yeah, Now shifting gears a bit.
I'm curious about the long-termaffordability of these units.
Okay, we talked about how thoseaffordability thresholds are
set, right, but what happensdown the line?
Yeah, is there a risk thatthose units could eventually
become market rate and no longerserve the intended population?
Speaker 4 (14:29):
That's a valid concern.
The affordability restrictionson those units are typically
tied to a certain time frame.
It could be 15 years, 30 yearsor even longer.
Ok, but eventually thoserestrictions could expire and
the units could be sold orrented at market rates.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
So it's not a permanent solution to the
affordability crisis Right.
It's more like a temporary fix.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
It's a step in the right direction.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (14:52):
But it's important to recognize its limitations Right
and it highlights the need foryou know, these ongoing efforts
to create and preserveaffordable housing options.
It's not a one-time fix.
It's an ongoing challenge thatrequires, you know, sustained
attention and investment.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
Absolutely.
We've talked about thepotential impact on traffic yeah
.
The long-term affordability ofthe units and the fact that even
sustainable development has itslimitations yeah.
Are there any other concernsthat we haven't touched on?
Speaker 4 (15:24):
Well, one thing that's often overlooked in these
discussions is the impact onthe existing community character
.
Oh, okay, you know Burbank hasa unique identity, right, and
new developments, even thosedesigned to blend in, they,
inevitably bring change.
Yeah, it's important to bemindful of how those changes
might affect the social fabricof the neighborhood.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
That's a really thoughtful point.
It's not just about bricks andmortar.
It's about people's lives andhow they experience their
community Exactly, and I imaginesome residents might welcome
the influx of new neighbors andthe vibrancy that comes with it,
right, while others might feela sense of loss or displacement.
Exactly, and those feelings arevalid.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
It's about finding ways to balance the need for new
housing with the desire topreserve what makes a community
special Right.
It's a conversation that everycity is grappling with as they
try to grow and evolve in asustainable and equitable way.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
Yeah, it seems like Miraposa Gardens is like a
microcosm of these largerconversations that are happening
across California and beyond.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
It's a reminder that urban development is such a
complex issue, for sure With noeasy answers.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
Absolutely.
And as you continue to explorethese issues in your own
community, I encourage you tokeep asking those tough
questions what are thetrade-offs we're willing to make
?
How do we balance thosecompeting needs and priorities,
and what kind of future do wewant to create for our?
Speaker 3 (16:48):
cities?
Those are fantastic questionsto ponder.
We've covered a lot of groundin this deep dive but, as you
said, the conversation doesn'tend here.
I hope this has given ourlisteners a deeper understanding
of the complexities of urbandevelopment and sparked some
curiosity about the projectshappening in their own
neighborhoods.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
Yeah, well said, until next time, keep exploring
and keep asking those questions.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Thank you for watching the latest my Burbank
video.
If you have it in your heart,please consider helping us by
clicking on the Super Thanksdown below or, even better, go
to our channel and consider amembership.
Your support is what keepsMyBurbank going strong.
From the media district adjacent.
It's time to take another deepplunge into the issues and
topics that face Burbank.
Let's see what we have on theplate to dissect today.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Hello Burbank, craig Schubert here with you once
again, and today we're going todo a deep plunge into the 910
South Mariposa project that theCity Council will be dealing
with on November 26th on theSB35 streamlining process, which
basically means they have nochoice, they will have to
approve this, but we thoughtwe'd give you the information
(00:37):
involved in the process so youcan hear about the project as it
stands.
So let's join our friends Johnand Jenny from Notebook LM to
take a deep plunge into 910South Mariposa.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Hey everyone, Welcome back for another deep dive.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Me too, and today we're going to sunny Burbank,
california.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Sounds nice.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Yeah, to take a look at this newly approved housing
project called Mariposa Gardens.
Interesting yeah, you sent over.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
look at this newly approved housing project called
Mariposa Gardens Interesting.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Yeah, you sent over some pretty interesting
documents for this one.
Oh yeah, we have excerpts fromthe Burbank City Council
resolution, a staff report withtons of details and even a
biologist report.
Yeah, so it seems like we'regoing to uncover a lot about
those 40 condos planned for 910S Mariposa Street.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Yeah, this project really highlights, I think, some
of the key issues in housingdevelopment today.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Absolutely Okay.
So before we get into the nittygritty, I have to point this
out.
Yeah, the project site iscurrently a horse boarding
operation.
Speaker 4 (01:39):
Really yeah, horses in.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
Burbank?
Huh, it's not something you seeevery day.
Not really, no, yeah, horses inBurbank, it's not something you
see every day.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
Not really.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Yeah, so that was interesting to me.
Yeah, but it might seem alittle unusual, but I guess it
just speaks to how cities evolveover time, right?
Speaker 4 (01:53):
Yeah, for sure.
And what's really interestinghere is how this project was
approved under Senate Bill 35.
Right, sb 35, that Californialaw that's all about fast
tracking housing approvals,especially for projects that
include affordable housing.
Right, and this one does.
It actually got a 100 percentdensity bonus because of it,
(02:14):
which bunked up the total unitsfrom 20 to 40.
Wow, I'm curious to see howthat strategy, the density bonus
is playing out in Burbankcompared to other cities.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
That's a really good question.
Actually, I hadn't evenconsidered that oh yeah, so we
should definitely look into that.
I'm already seeing from thesedocuments how much thought goes
into these projects.
Yeah for sure.
There are a lot of movingpieces, Absolutely.
For example, the staff reportmentions that they need a height
waiver to go above the 40-footlimit.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Is that common in Burbank?
Speaker 4 (02:43):
Yeah, it is pretty typical actually, especially in
denser urban areas where land is, you know, really valuable.
Yeah, a little taller lets youfit more units on the same piece
of land, so it's one way toaddress the housing shortage.
But it also raises all thesequestions about how those taller
buildings impact the existingneighborhood.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Yeah, you've got a point there.
Yeah, see how that could be aconcern for residents.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Now this is where it gets really interesting to me.
This project needed approvalfrom two different indigenous
bands.
Oh wow, the FernandinhoTataviam Band of Mission Indians
.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
And the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians, kiz
Nation Interesting.
And there's a whole protocol inplace if human remains or
artifacts are found duringconstruction.
Wow, that level of culturalsensitivity isn't something
you'd necessarily expect in ahousing development, is it?
Speaker 4 (03:34):
It's becoming more common, I think, and it's a
really positive step.
It reflects, I think, a growingrecognition of the importance
of respecting indigenousheritage and involving tribes in
the development process rightfrom the start Makes sense,
which, you know, it's not justchecking boxes, it's about
ethical and culturally sensitivepractices.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Yeah, I'm glad to hear that it seems like they're
really trying to be mindful ofthe history of this land.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
And speaking of mindfulness, the design
requirements for this projectare surprisingly specific.
Really, the staff reportactually mandates early
California rancho imagery, likewide eaves, adobe-style walls
and even those red clay rooftiles.
Huh, it's making me picturelike a modern-day hacienda.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
Uh-huh.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
But there's a reason for that right.
Speaker 4 (04:21):
Yeah, Burbank, like a lot of cities, has these design
standards to make sure newdevelopments complement the
existing architectural landscape.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Right.
So it's all about creating thatsense of visual continuity and
preserving what makes the cityunique.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
Like they're trying to weave the new into the fabric
of the old.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
Yeah, I like that.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
But I'm curious though how do they balance those
aesthetic goals with the needto create affordable housing?
That's a good question.
I mean, those rancho styledetails probably don't come
cheap, right?
Do they ever end up driving upthe cost of construction?
Speaker 4 (04:53):
That's a really important question.
It's this constant balancingact.
While those design elements docontribute to the city's
character, they can sometimesadd to the cost of construction
Right, and that can potentiallyaffect the affordability of the
units.
So it's a trade-off that citieshave to grapple with.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Right.
It's a good reminder that, evenwith the best intentions,
they're always going to becompromises and tough decisions
to be made.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
We're just scratching the surface here, but I'm
already seeing how complex thiswhole process is.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Oh, absolutely.
We've only just begun to peelback the layers.
There's still so much toexplore, especially when it
comes to the environmentalconsiderations for this project.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
You're right, we haven't even touched on the
sustainability aspect.
Let's dive into that next andsee what they're doing to
minimize the environmentalimpact.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
So you're curious about the sustainability aspect
of Mariposa Gardens, I am.
One of the things that reallycaught my eye was this low
impact development plan, or LIDplan as they call it Right, have
you had a chance to look thatover at all?
Speaker 3 (05:53):
I did and, to be honest, I'm still a little fuzzy
on the details.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
It's all about managing stormwater runoff.
Right yeah, it's all aboutmanaging stormwater runoff right
, Right.
But how does that actually workin practice?
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Well, it's a pretty fascinating approach.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Think of it as mimicking nature's way of
handling rainwater.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
So, instead of all that water rushing into storm
drains and, you know,potentially overwhelming the
city system, yeah.
They're designing the site toslow it down, spread it out and
let it soak into the ground,naturally.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
So less concrete jungle, more like a sponge city.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
Exactly.
They're incorporating thingslike rain gardens, permeable
paving and bioretention areas,which act like little filters to
remove pollutants from thewater before it seeps into the
ground.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
Okay, I'm starting to get the picture, but what makes
this LID plan unique to thisproject?
Are these techniques standardpractice in Burbank, or is
Mariposa Gardens breaking newground?
Speaker 4 (06:47):
It's a combination of both.
I think Burbank, like a lot ofcities in California, is
encouraging these sustainablepractices, but each project
presents its own set ofchallenges and opportunities.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (06:59):
What's interesting here is how they're integrating
these LID elements into arelatively dense urban
development.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Right.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
It's not always easy to find the space for, you know,
rain gardens and bioretentionareas when you're trying to
maximize the number of housingunits.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
That makes sense.
Yeah, it sounds like they'rereally trying to walk that
tightrope between sustainabilityand density For sure.
Now I remember seeing a lot ofspecific requirements in the
staff report, not just for theoverall LID plan, yeah, but also
for things like trashenclosures and even the layout
of individual units.
Oh, interesting.
I was struck by how muchattention to detail goes into
(07:37):
these projects.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
It's all part of creating a livable and
functional community.
Yeah, take the trash enclosures, for example.
They might seem like a minordetail.
Right, but if they're notdesigned properly, you end up
with unpleasant smells,overflowing bins, maybe even
rodents.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
Yeah, nobody wants that.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
And that's not something anyone wants in their
neighborhood, right?
Definitely not, yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
It's interesting how all these seemingly small
decisions can add up to a bigimpact on the quality of life
for residents For sure.
Speaking of residents, let'sshift gears for a minute and
talk about the people who willactually be calling Mariposa
Gardens home.
Okay, remember, this projectreceived a 100% density bonus
because it includes a certainpercentage of affordable units.
Right, because it includes acertain percentage of affordable
(08:19):
units Right, but what doesaffordable actually mean in a
city like Burbank where housingcosts are notoriously high?
Yeah, who are these unitsreally intended for?
Speaker 4 (08:29):
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
Yeah, the Density Bonus Programis designed to incentivize
developers to include units forvery low income and moderate
income households.
Okay, but the definition ofaffordable varies depending on
household size and income level,right.
It'd be interesting to see howthose affordability thresholds
compare to the actual wages ofessential workers in Burbank you
(08:51):
know teachers, nurses, serviceindustry folks, right.
Are these units trulyattainable for the people that
the city is hoping to reach?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
That's a really good point.
We often hear about the needfor affordable housing.
Speaker 4 (09:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:03):
But it's important to dig deeper and see if those
units are actually aligned withthe needs of the community.
Absolutely.
It's not just about numbers ona spreadsheet, it's about real
people's lives.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
Absolutely, and it's about creating a diverse and
inclusive community.
Right.
If Mariposa Gardens ends upbeing populated solely by higher
income residents, right, thenit hasn't truly achieved its
goal of addressing theaffordability crisis.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
I'm starting to realize that this project is
like a microcosm of the largerhousing challenges facing
California.
Yeah, we've got this push fordensity to address the shortage,
but also this need to ensureaffordability Right and create a
mix of income levels.
And then there's the wholeenvironmental piece, with cities
like Burbank trying toencourage sustainable
development practices.
(09:47):
It's a lot to juggle.
Speaker 4 (09:50):
You're hitting the nail on the head, and that's
what makes this deep dive sofascinating.
It's not just about a singlehousing development.
It's about grappling with thecomplexities of urban planning
and finding ways to createcommunities that are sustainable
, equitable and livable foreveryone.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Okay, before we get too philosophical, let's get
back to the details, uh-huh.
Okay, we've talked a lot aboutthe LID plan and how it manages
stormwater, right, but whatabout other environmental
considerations?
Speaker 4 (10:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Did they just throw in some recycled water and call
it a day?
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Not quite.
They're incorporating a numberof other environmentally
friendly features.
Okay.
For instance, they're usingrecycled water for construction,
which helps conserve potablewater resources.
Right, and the staff reportmentions some requirements for
energy efficient design inappliances.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
Makes sense.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
They even have to provide electric vehicle
charging stations.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
It sounds like they're trying to tick all the
boxes when it comes tosustainability.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
It seems like it.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
But I'm curious are these features simply a response
to regulations, or is therelike a genuine commitment to
environmental responsibility?
Speaker 4 (10:58):
It's probably a bit of both.
Yeah to environmentalresponsibility it's probably a
bit of both.
Yeah, california has some ofthe strictest environmental
regulations in the country,right, so developers have to
meet certain standards.
But I think there's also thisgrowing recognition that
sustainable practices are notjust good for the planet, right.
They're good for business,right.
Energy efficient buildings savemoney in the long run, and
(11:19):
features like EV chargingstations can be a real selling
point for potential residents.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
That's true.
Yeah, it seems like we'restarting to see a shift in
thinking where sustainability isbecoming less of an
afterthought.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
And more of an integral part of the development
process.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
I agree.
And it's not just about thebuilding itself, right, it's
about how the project connectsto the larger community.
Okay, remember those publicamenities we mentioned earlier,
the equestrian path and theimproved pedestrian
infrastructure.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
I do.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Those are all part of creating a more walkable,
bikeable and transit-friendlyenvironment Right, which
ultimately reduces reliance oncars and lowers emissions.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
So it's all interconnected right.
Exactly the design of thebuilding, the transportation
options, the way they managestormwater it all contributes to
a more sustainable and livablecommunity.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
Absolutely.
And that brings us to a reallyinteresting question.
We've seen how Mariposa Gardensis trying to balance
affordability, density andenvironmental responsibility.
Right, but what about thepotential downsides?
Are there any tradeoffs orunintended consequences that we
should be aware of?
Speaker 3 (12:26):
That's a great question.
I'm eager to hear your thoughtson that.
That's a great question.
You bring up a really goodpoint.
We've been focusing on all thepositive aspects of Mariposa
Gardens.
Yeah, but, like you said, thereare always those trade-offs to
consider.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Right.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
So what are some of the potential downsides or those
unintended consequences thatcould come with a project like
this?
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Well, even with the best intentions, there's no such
thing as a perfect developmentRight, and one concern that
often comes up with these higherdensity projects is the impact
on traffic and parking.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
Oh yeah, that makes sense.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
You know, 40 new units, that means more cars on
the road.
Yeah, and even with measures toencourage alternative
transportation, you know that'ssomething the city has to plan
for.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
Right, and I imagine that could be a real point of
contention for existingresidents who might already be
dealing with traffic congestion.
Speaker 4 (13:14):
For sure.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Are there any strategies in place to mitigate
those impacts?
Speaker 4 (13:19):
Well, the staff report mentions some
requirements for on-site parkingOkay, but it also really
emphasizes the importance ofintegrating the project into the
existing public transportationnetwork.
Okay, the existing publictransportation network?
Okay.
So they're looking at thingslike improving pedestrian access
to nearby bus stops andpotentially even creating
dedicated shuttle routes.
Oh, wow, it's about providingresidents with viable
(13:42):
alternatives to driving theirown cars.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
It sounds like they're trying to be proactive.
Yeah, but it's hard to predicthow those strategies will play
out in reality.
Yeah, exactly, it's one thingto have those options available,
but it's another to actuallyget people to use them.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Absolutely Changing people's habits can be a
challenge, right, but I thinkthe key is to make those
alternatives as convenient andappealing as possible.
If it's easier and faster tohop on a bus or walk to your
destination than to sit intraffic, people are more likely
to make that choice.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Yeah, that makes sense.
Yeah, Now shifting gears a bit.
I'm curious about the long-termaffordability of these units.
Okay, we talked about how thoseaffordability thresholds are
set, right, but what happensdown the line?
Yeah, is there a risk thatthose units could eventually
become market rate and no longerserve the intended population?
Speaker 4 (14:29):
That's a valid concern.
The affordability restrictionson those units are typically
tied to a certain time frame.
It could be 15 years, 30 yearsor even longer.
Ok, but eventually thoserestrictions could expire and
the units could be sold orrented at market rates.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
So it's not a permanent solution to the
affordability crisis Right.
It's more like a temporary fix.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
It's a step in the right direction.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (14:52):
But it's important to recognize its limitations Right
and it highlights the need foryou know, these ongoing efforts
to create and preserveaffordable housing options.
It's not a one-time fix.
It's an ongoing challenge thatrequires, you know, sustained
attention and investment.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
Absolutely.
We've talked about thepotential impact on traffic yeah
.
The long-term affordability ofthe units and the fact that even
sustainable development has itslimitations yeah.
Are there any other concernsthat we haven't touched on?
Speaker 4 (15:24):
Well, one thing that's often overlooked in these
discussions is the impact onthe existing community character
.
Oh, okay, you know Burbank hasa unique identity, right, and
new developments, even thosedesigned to blend in, they,
inevitably bring change.
Yeah, it's important to bemindful of how those changes
might affect the social fabricof the neighborhood.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
That's a really thoughtful point.
It's not just about bricks andmortar.
It's about people's lives andhow they experience their
community Exactly, and I imaginesome residents might welcome
the influx of new neighbors andthe vibrancy that comes with it,
right, while others might feela sense of loss or displacement.
Exactly, and those feelings arevalid.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
It's about finding ways to balance the need for new
housing with the desire topreserve what makes a community
special Right.
It's a conversation that everycity is grappling with as they
try to grow and evolve in asustainable and equitable way.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
Yeah, it seems like Miraposa Gardens is like a
microcosm of these largerconversations that are happening
across California and beyond.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
It's a reminder that urban development is such a
complex issue, for sure With noeasy answers.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
Absolutely.
And as you continue to explorethese issues in your own
community, I encourage you tokeep asking those tough
questions what are thetrade-offs we're willing to make
?
How do we balance thosecompeting needs and priorities,
and what kind of future do wewant to create for our?
Speaker 3 (16:48):
cities?
Those are fantastic questionsto ponder.
We've covered a lot of groundin this deep dive but, as you
said, the conversation doesn'tend here.
I hope this has given ourlisteners a deeper understanding
of the complexities of urbandevelopment and sparked some
curiosity about the projectshappening in their own
neighborhoods.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
Yeah, well said, until next time, keep exploring
and keep asking those questions.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Thank you for watching the latest my Burbank
video.
If you have it in your heart,please consider helping us by
clicking on the Super Thanksdown below or, even better, go
to our channel and consider amembership.
Your support is what keepsMyBurbank going strong.
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