Beverly Hills Approves Eight-Story Building Amid Local Concerns

UPDATE: The Beverly Hills Planning Commission has just approved a controversial eight-story multifamily development at 214-216 South Hamilton Drive. The unanimous decision, made at the commission’s meeting on January 22, 2025, comes amid escalating concerns from local residents regarding parking, privacy, and noise.

Developed by Hamilton Drive LLC and SDLP Holdings LLC, under the ownership of Leo Pustilnikov, the plan includes 90 residential units, with 16 designated for low-income households and two for very low-income households. A single-level subterranean garage will offer 13 parking spaces for residents. Despite the promise of additional housing, residents voiced their frustration over the potential impact on the neighborhood.

During the public comment portion, local residents raised alarms about the project’s implications for traffic and parking. Frances Burrell, a nearby resident, stated, “When I look out my front door or my bedroom, there’ll be all these windows and balconies, so everyone can see into my place.” Concerns were echoed by fellow residents about the already congested streets, particularly during events at the neighboring Saban Theatre, just half a block away.

The developers submitted their application in October 2023, and the city deemed it complete in January 2025. However, the commission faced constraints in denying the project due to state mandates that prioritize housing development. Commissioner Myra Demeter expressed the frustrations of the commission, stating, “We may not agree with it… but we are bound to follow the law.”

During the meeting, Beverly Hills Project Manager Edgar Arroyo addressed tenant rights, clarifying that current renters have protections, including the right to stay until six months before construction starts. He assured residents that if the project does not proceed, they can return to their units at prior rental rates.

The commission has introduced a 14-day appeal period following the decision, allowing anyone to challenge the approval before it goes into effect. This development marks the 10th Builder’s Remedy project approved since October 2025, highlighting a significant shift in Beverly Hills’ housing landscape.

As the project moves forward, the local community remains divided. Many residents worry that the influx of residents without adequate parking solutions will exacerbate existing traffic conditions. The commission’s decision underscores a broader tension between state housing mandates and local community concerns.

What happens next is crucial. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the appeal process, as the project’s impact will be felt throughout the neighborhood. The urgency of this development cannot be overstated, and its implications for the community will unfold in the days ahead.