UPDATE: The Beverly Hills Planning Commission has just approved a controversial eight-story multifamily development at 214-216 South Hamilton Drive during its January 22, 2025 meeting. This unanimous decision comes despite significant local opposition, and it highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding urban development in the area.
The approved project, spearheaded by Hamilton Drive LLC and SDLP Holdings LLC, under the ownership of Leo Pustilnikov, will introduce 90 residential units to the neighborhood. Of these, 16 units are designated for low-income households, with an additional two units for very low-income families. The development will also include a one-level subterranean garage with 13 parking spaces and almost 10,000 square feet of combined outdoor living space for residents.
Residents voiced deep concerns during the meeting, particularly regarding the potential impacts on parking availability, privacy, and noise levels.
“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,”
lamented local resident Frances Burrell, who lives next door in a three-unit condominium. The neighborhood is already strained with traffic, especially during events at the nearby Saban Theatre, leading to fears that the project will exacerbate existing issues.
The commission acknowledged the limited scope of their authority, with Commissioner Myra Demeter stating,
“We may not agree with it… but the state has demanded that we do not consider that in our deliberations.”
This sentiment reflects growing tensions between state mandates for housing development and local community concerns.
Adding to the complexity, the project is one of several initiated by Pustilnikov in Beverly Hills. As the city grapples with the implications of the Builder’s Remedy law, which allows developers to bypass certain regulations, this approval marks the tenth such project sanctioned since October 2025.
The approval process has now entered a 14-day appeal period, allowing residents to challenge the commission’s decision before the City Council. Beverly Hills Project Manager Edgar Arroyo reassured tenants facing potential eviction, stating that they have rights to remain in their units until six months before construction begins.
In response to environmental concerns, the commission has mandated that the developer coordinate with city officials to replace any street trees removed during construction, aiming to mitigate some of the community’s apprehensions.
As the appeal period unfolds, the outcome of this development will be watched closely, making it clear that the conversation around urban growth in Beverly Hills is far from over. Residents are urged to stay engaged as the city navigates the delicate balance between new housing initiatives and community needs.
