PRESS RELEASE: Chill The Build’s Lawsuit Challenging Highrose Housing Project Dismissed (PDF)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alexandria Latragna, Communications and Civic Engagement Manager
alatragna@manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5063
CHILL THE BUILD’S LAWSUIT CHALLENGING HIGHROSE HOUSING PROJECT DISMISSED
Manhattan Beach, CA (April 1, 2024) – In January 2023, the City Council approved a housing project proposed for the Verandas Beach House site, located at 401 Rosecrans Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a group named Chill The Build, LLC, filed a lawsuit against Manhattan Beach, challenging the Council’s approval of the project. In late 2023, Chill the Build filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop excavation, demolition, and construction at the site.
In denying the motion, the Los Angeles Superior Court Judge ruled that Chill The Build “did not demonstrate a likelihood of prevailing on the merits of the case,” either under state law or the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In the Court’s ruling, the Judge emphasized: “Here by contrast [to a case cited by Chill The Build in its motion], the Court finds no likelihood of petitioner’s success in establishing a CEQA violation.” The Judge further stated Chill the Build “provides no meaningful evidence of harm (irreparable or otherwise) it might suffer in the absence of an injunction.”
In light of the ruling, Chill The Build has dismissed its complaint, with prejudice. Chill The Build’s lawsuit is finished and the housing project continues.
The Manhattan Beach City Council recognizes the need for housing throughout California and is committed to processing appropriate applications for future housing developments within Manhattan Beach. The development of the Highrose project is a critical component of this commitment, designed to address the urgent need for accessible and affordable housing options in the area.
Construction on the 79 unit Highrose project is expected to proceed as planned, with six of the units designated as “very low income” affordable units. The Project brings much-needed affordable housing options to Manhattan Beach.
For more information about the development project and other City initiatives, please visit our website.
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