HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/2/2020 Item 12, Andre
Wilbanks, Megan
From:jimandre@aol.com
Sent: 6:50 AM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Item 12, June2: 545 Higuera Development
Dear Council Members,
I request that you reconsider the 545 Higuera project and vote that the Community
Design Guidelines be followed in redesigning this development to fit into this
historic neighborhood. Among other recommendations, the guidelines state: "The
height of infill projects should be consistent with surrounding residential
structures."
To allow such a totally out of scale project in this historic SLO neighborhood will
undermine the heart, soul, and charm of San Luis Obispo and will encourage more
of the same.
There are many creative projects in SLO that have been designed with sensitivity
to their surroundings and which fit into the adjacent neighborhoods. Several
commercial projects incorporate pedestrian walkways, protect existing
buildings/facades and add to the appeal of our downtown for residents and visitors
(Hotel Cerro, Monterey Street, Peet’s, and Starbucks developments).
Our community design guidelines should not be ignored for the sake of allowing a
building so massive and overwhelming to be built in this location. It will be a
major negative first impression and eyesore for visitors entering our city on Marsh
Street. This structure will dwarf the historic Jack House and other buildings in the
neighborhood. Buildings of this height belong next to other similar height existing
buildings.
These buildings are a major part of the legacy we leave for the future of our
town. While it is important to provide housing, I believe it can be creatively
designed in an integrative approach that respects our neighborhoods, culture and
history. Please note that a huge volume of housing is already under construction in
various parts of the city and county. Please challenge developers and architects to
be more creative and sensitive in their designs.
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I hope you will vote to retain the charm and atmosphere that my parents and
grandparents appreciated and enjoyed.
Sincerely,
James M. Andre
1801 Woodland Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
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