ALERT! We have reported a few times about the proposal in Manhattan Beach to ban banks and real estate offices from retail storefronts in the downtown Manhattan Beach business district. This unfortunate proposal lurches another step further as the City Council on July 15 considers a temporary ban while they retain a consultant to study the issue further.
What exactly is at stake? Specifically, the July 15 ban is on conversions from retail space to office space. It does not ban a new retail store going into an existing retail space or a new office going into an existing office space.
In fact, the City does not actually ban real estate transactions. However, real estate professionals will tell you that without the ability to get permits from the City, no transaction will happen anyway.
While we understand and are concerned about the economy's impacts on retail, targeting offices is not the answer. SBAOR remains opposed to this move and suggests that banning any kind of land use in downtown Manhattan Beach will not save the lucky ones left over who are still allowed to open up shop downtown.
