As someone who has spent countless hours in Santa Monica’s parks, I believe our city is on the cusp of something special. The proposed transformation of the Santa Monica Airport (SMO) into a park offers a unique opportunity to create a vibrant community hub that benefits both locals and visitors.
To ensure sustainability, it’s essential to incorporate housing and small businesses that support the park’s daily life. This approach not only generates revenue but also enhances public safety, education, and programming.
The integrated development will meet economic needs by creating year-round tax revenue streams through retail, restaurants, and coworking spaces. Affordable housing units will also contribute to property tax income, alleviating local shortages and complying with California’s strict housing mandates.
By transforming SMO into a living park, we can foster community cohesion, safety, and economic vibrancy. The blend of residential, commercial, and green spaces will stimulate social interaction, promote local exchange, and create a welcoming environment for all users.
Smart phasing and master planning are crucial to achieving this vision. By prioritizing park construction first, followed by curated affordable housing and retail, we can ensure a seamless transition that maintains the park’s integrity.
Ultimately, transforming SMO into a thriving park+community space is our chance to create a lasting legacy for future generations. This project embodies Santa Monica’s values of equity, sustainability, and public life, offering a model for how cities can balance nature, housing, and commerce to promote prosperity and beauty for all.
Source: https://smdp.com/opinion/why-the-airport-should-be-a-mix-of-a-great-park-and-housing-and-commercial-spaces