HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/2020 cc - Parry (2690 Victoria, ARCH-0748-2019)
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Maureen Parry <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Architectural Review Commission File #ARCH-0748-2019 Project
Address: 3690 Victoria Avenue
To: San Luis Obispo Review Commission
Re: Project @ 3690 Victoria: ARCH-0748-2019
Dear Commissioners:
We are residents of Moylan Terrace, a development of townhomes directly across the street from the
proposed building; thus we are very familiar with the proposed site and concerned regarding its impact
on our community.
In preparation for the Commission's meeting we reviewed the South Broad Street Area Plan. We
heartily support the objectives of the plan regarding mixed use, innovative design, connectivity, safety,
aesthetics and higher density housing, hopefully affordable.
The South Broad Street Area Plan designates Victoria Street as a "Village Street." As we interpret this
term it means the street is the heart of the community and should personify the aesthetic
recommended by the Plan.
As described in the Area Plan:
2.4 VILLAGE STREET
"The Village street is the most pedestrian-oriented street in the Area Plan. Victoria Avenue is the only
Village street in the South Broad Street area, and serves as the activity hub for the neighborhood. A
Village street is 60 feet wide, has two vehicle travel lanes, and sidewalks and on-street parallel parking
on either side. The design of the Village street emphasizes the pedestrian experience using increased
building setbacks from the public right-of-way, wider sidewalks, mid-block crossings, human-scale
building design, landscaping, outdoor dining, and limited curb openings."
1
We do not feel the the proposed building meets the criteria stated above. The height and size
overwhelm the surrounding structures. It's just too much building for such a lot. The corner of Victoria
and Humbert is at the crest of a hill. It is literally the highest elevation on Victoria. If you allow a waiver
for the height restrictions coupled with the natural elevation the structure will dwarf the surrounding
structures. It will appear massive. it will virtually sit on top of the 860 at the Wye building blocking
views and sun.
We invite you to visit the site. The height, ambiance and style of Moylan Terrace complete with a lovely
green and the neighboring development, Villa Rosa, really do project a village image.
San Luis Obispo does need more affordable housing. Perhaps more and smaller structures would be a
better fit in this community and more in line with the South Broad Street Area Plan. This project
requests a waiver regarding both the density and the height of the structure. Limiting the project to
fewer units and at a height not to exceed 40 feet would be far more acceptable.
Finally, along Victoria Avenue, several residential projects have been completed and new ones
approved. We applaud this development of the area and especially the opening of Victoria Avenue
through Roundhouse. However before we continue to add new structures and residents it is imperative
that the safety and connectivity issues cited in the Area plan be addressed. Specifically, projects to be
completed are: traffic lights on Broad Street; a bridge across the railroad tracks and a new section of the
Railroad Safety Trail on the west side of the tracks. Currently you take your life into your hands whether
on foot, on a bike or in a car to enter or exit the area onto the speeding traffic of Broad Street.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Maureen Parry and Roger Power, owners residing at 867 Humbert Ave.
Sent from my iPad
2