Palm Springs Planning Commission grants extension for 60-unit project on North Palm Canyon ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

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*Vacant land that could some day hold a townhome development is pictured at left. Renderings of what the buildings might look like are on the right. (File photos)*

The Palm Springs Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a two-year extension for a key approval needed for a 60-unit townhome project on North Palm Canyon Drive to move forward.

The development, called the Siena Townhomes, is planned for the now-vacant lot at 1875 North Palm Canyon Drive. The site was previously home to a Shiloh Inn, but the city ordered the buildings to be torn down in 2021 after the planned Tova Hotel and Beach Club stalled out.

The Planning Commission first approved the project’s tentative tract map, a preliminary map that subdivides land into different parcels or units for sale, in April 2024. The commission then approved a major development permit to construct the condos in January 2025.

On Tuesday, the applicant — Monaghan Palm Canyon, LLC — requested a two-year extension of the tentative tract map, citing delays related to the review process by several other government entities and utilities, including Caltrans, Southern California Edison, and Desert Water Agency.

There also was an initial delay between the tentative tract map and the major development permit due to changes in the city’s requirements for residential developments in the “Tourist Resort Commercial” land-use designation, where the project is located.

City staff recommended approving the extension, and noted that the originally approved plan remains “valid and and appropriate” with no significant changes, and that the applicant has continued to make forward progress on advancing the project. The Planning Commission unanimously voted in favor of the extension.

“This is the archetypal example of why we would issue an extension,” said Kathy Weremiuk, chair of the commission.

The former Shiloh Inn at 1875 North Palm Canyon Dr. before the city ordered it to be demolished to make way for Tova Hotel and Beach Club that never materialized. Developers are now planning a 60-unit townhome project on the property. (File photo)

The commission had received one letter opposing the project, according to vice chair Lauri Aylaian.

“In the United States, property owners have a right to develop their property. And I understand the sentiment of the writer and others who just don’t want more development period, but we are not here to override the constitution and not let people develop their property,” said Aylaian.