Zone Change May Force Rand From Santa Monica

Rand Corp., the internationally known think tank that studies topics ranging from nuclear warfare to Third World fertility to satellite technology, is now facing a different sort of problem in its own back yard.

A new city zoning code could force the research institute to scrap plans to expand and redevelop its Santa Monica headquarters.

City officials, under pressure from slow-growth proponents, are studying just how far back to cut Rand’s planned expansion as part of a citywide clamp on development.

The debate has fueled speculation that Rand, based in Santa Monica for almost 40 years, might consider relocating its offices if the limits are too strict. Rand officials say such speculation is premature but suggest that it is not unwarranted.

Sticky Problem

“Rand is going to be one of the stickiest problems we face,” said Santa Monica City Councilman Alan Katz.

Rand’s red-tile headquarters sits on a 14.7-acre lot facing Santa Monica’s Art Deco City Hall on Main Street, a couple of blocks from the beach.

Rand has constructed about 350,000 square feet of buildings on its property, with the remainder of the land used for parking. For several years the corporation has been planning to build underground parking and update and expand its facilities, saying it suffers a space shortage.

Under current guidelines, Rand conceivably could be allowed to construct up to about 1.8 million square feet of additional building space, although Rand officials have indicated they would actually build less. The city, in revising those guidelines, is studying limits that would cut allowable construction between 33% and 66%.

Decision Due in July

A decision is not expected until July, when the comprehensive zoning code is expected to go before the City Council for a final vote. The downzoning of the Rand site comes as part of new zoning for the entire city, a code that has been years in the making and has ignited election-season debate over Santa Monica’s future growth.

Rand officials have indicated that they are willing to accept some reduction but not the “most extreme” limits, originally proposed by the city’s dominant political faction, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights.

Speaking recently at a public hearing, Rae W. Archibald, Rand’s vice president for finance and administration, told the council that drastic downzoning was “economically unfeasible” and would lead to “undesirable urban design.”

Too-stringent limits on density and height, he said, would force Rand to build lower structures, spread over a larger part of the property, leaving less room for “well-planned open spaces” and making the compound “less attractive.”

Archibald reminded the council members that Rand, with a 1,000-member staff, is one of the largest employers in the city and that it is necessary to allow office space to expand to help generate income for the city.

Reexamine Options

In a written response to questions from The Times, Archibald said Rand “expects and believes that the city will act responsibly” in its final zoning measures but that Rand will continue “re-examining its options.”

“Obviously, the actions of the City Council are key to keeping Rand’s $48-million payroll in Santa Monica, but talk of relocating is premature,” he said.

“Our chief aim at this time is to make sure the council is fully aware that some parts of the most extreme proposals before it would risk losing an important contributor to the economic, cultural and civic life of the community,” he said.

Councilman Dennis Zane, who is running for reelection on a slow-growth platform, defended the need to significantly curtail Rand’s allowable expansion because of the traffic it would generate. Rand’s location is not easily accessible and traffic would clog readily, Zane contended.

Traffic Cited

“Too much traffic is too much traffic. That’s the bottom line,” Zane said. “If Rand can figure out a way to build and not generate traffic, then it’s a whole new discussion.”

Archibald told the council Rand would be “delighted” to work on a way to reduce traffic.

In addition to expanding office space for its own use, Rand wants to build “mixed-use” space to rent out as a way to generate income. Rand is a nonprofit organization that depends on federal defense contracts, foundation grants and private contributions for its $75-million research budget.

Councilwoman Chris Reed said some ceiling should be put on Rand’s expansion but not the lowest levels proposed by Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights. She said Rand is an “enlightened” employer that affords the city jobs and prestige.

“We should be doing whatever we can to make sure they have the development rights to ensure they’ll be able to have enough space to stay in our community,” Reed said. “They are an asset for Santa Monica.”

Philosophies Clash

Reed charged that “vocal leftists and peaceniks” are putting pressure on the City Council to use the zoning code as a way to drive Rand out of town because they oppose the kind of research it does, much of which is military-related, in addition to the study of social issues.

Rand has frequently drawn anti-war protesters to its sidewalks. A group called Committee Against Rand Expansion formed in 1986 to oppose Rand’s work and growing presence in Santa Monica.

Jerry Rubin, an activist who is a member of the committee, said the group is circulating petitions against Rand’s expansion. He labeled as “political blackmail” Rand’s veiled threats to move out of Santa Monica.

Reed, however, warned that if Rand is squeezed too tightly it will leave the city, a move she said would signify a regrettable loss for Santa Monica.

“It’s inevitable. If they aren’t allowed to use their own property for their own uses, and to get some revenue, then, sure, they’ll end up leaving,” she said. “They’re growing. We have to give them space.”