Highrose Housing Project In Manhattan Beach Will Proceed, Judge Says
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A lawsuit challenging the construction of a 79-unit housing project in Manhattan Beach was dismissed by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, city officials announced.
In January 2023, the Manhattan Beach City Council approved the Highrose Housing project proposed for the Verandas Beach House site at 401 Rosecrans Ave. In response, a community group called Chill The Build filed a lawsuit against the city to challenge the approval of the project.
In late 2023, Chill The Build filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop excavation, demolition and construction in relation to the high-rise project. According to the judge, the group did not “demonstrate a likelihood of prevailing on the merits of the case” under state law.
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“The Court finds no likelihood of petitioner’s success in establishing a CEQA violation,” the judge said. “[Chill The Build] provides no meaningful evidence of harm (irreparable or otherwise) it might suffer in the absence of an injunction.”
In a statement posted on March 14 on their website, Chill The Build said they chose to withdraw their lawsuit because they did not have the monetary means to continue a legal battle.
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In the statement, the group said they still have concerns about the project but are unable to move forward.
“We need housing, especially affordable housing. Unfortunately the one-size-fits-all State housing laws are paving the way for unintended consequences,” Chill The Build said. “The local communities have no control due to poorly written laws, and then must live with the negative results of these laws and decisions.”
The Manhattan Beach City Council said they recognize the need for housing throughout the state and plans to continue processing applications for housing developments within the city.
Construction on the project is expected to proceed as planned, bringing much-needed affordable housing options to Manhattan Beach. Six of the 79 units will be designated as very low income affordable units, officials said.
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