HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/19/2021 Item 2, York
Wilbanks, Megan
Subject:RE: Comments for ARC Meeting July 19
From: Jonathan York <
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 3:04 PM
To: Bell, Kyle <KBell@slocity.org>
Cc: Kathleen York <
Subject: Comments for ARC Meeting July 19
Dear Mr. Bell,
Because we are out of town, we will be unable to attend the hearing regarding ARCH-0587-2020, USE-0412-2021, &
AFFH-0413-2021 on July 19. Therefore, I have attached in a PDF our comments in opposition to the waivers of Edge
Conditions 3 and 5 for the project at 279 Bridge Street.
Regards,
Jonathan L. York
________________
Jonathan L. York, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurship, Orfalea College of Business, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Co-founder, Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
614.271.3500
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlyork/
1
Jonathan and Kathleen York
235 Bridge Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
July 14, 2021
Shawna Scott, Senior Planner
Kyle Bell, Associate Planner
Community Development Department
City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Scott and Mr. Bell,
We are writing with regard to File Number ARCH-0587-2020, USE-0412-2021, & AFFH-0413-2021
on the agenda for the Architectural Review Commission scheduled for July 19, 2021. We own a
home at 235 Bridge Street in the Terraza community. Because we have had no discussions with
or forewarning from the developer who is planning this project, we are speaking only from the
ARC report regarding 279 Bridge Street.
There are two issues which seriously concern us with regard to the development as proposed.
The first of these is the increased density beyond what normal zoning regulations would allow.
We understand that this is based upon the developer’s pledge to create affordable housing,
which we support, but we still believe that cramming over 90 residences into that space is
inappropriate and will significantly change the character of this area. We urge you to deny this
request for waiver. The allowed number of units is enough.
Our second area of concern relates to the requested waiver of Sections 17.70.050.D.3 Edge
Conditions Standards. Upper-Level Open Space Orientation and Setbacks and 17.70.050.D.5
Edge Conditions. Standards. Windows. These regulations are in place for a reason, one that the
City of SLO has approved, and we see absolutely no reason for this to be waived given the
location and circumstances. This is a problem that the developer and the architect should have
foreseen and addressed prior to this time. Backing this number of units directly up to an
established community and then waiving any privacy requirements is untenable. To quote from
the Municipal Code:
“The edge conditions regulations support a buffer between low-density residential
zones or open space areas and zones that permit development of higher intensity.
Where multi-unit residential zones or commercial zones are adjacent to lower
intensity residential or open space zones, development shall incorporate elements
in the site design and building design to soften its impact and to result in a
compatible transition to the sensitive zone.”
Let me reiterate that we are not protesting in any way the development of this land but
encourage you to hold the developers to the building codes which everyone else in the
community has to obey.
Sincerely,
Jonathan L. York (by email)