HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/2021 Item 3a, Mourenza
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Lydia Mourenza <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:ARC 11/1/2021 55 Broad item 3a please place in agenda correspondence
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We are neighbors of this development having lived on Luneta Dr since 1988. Our concerns with the proposed additional
buildings are totally unrelated to the use as we support the addition of residential elder care units in the City, rather we
believe that the project could be better for both the neighborhood and future residents of the Villages community.
We listened to the Tree Committee meeting and share some mutual concerns. No trees were marker for identification
for removal or relocation which caused confusion as to which trees are at stake. This failure was evident as to TC
members as well as those of us in the community. Staff responded to this issue indicating that since removal permits
where not under current determination that it would be premature to identify the trees on site. This is nonsensical. How
can a substantial opinion be made by the TC and presented to you? Significant discussion occurred as to the large Pine at
the corner of Ramona and Palomar. Staff indicated that no trees slated for removal were native or greater than 20”
diameter. We measured the tree which is 88 inches at chest level, approximately 28” diameter! There is a lack of
support or evidence to justify removal of this significant tree. Staff indicated that there are interests of the City re public
improvement at the corner, ADA which is mandatory. No specifics were detailed however the corner is already
handicapped accessible and the plans themselves indicate a “bulb out”. The reality appears to be the desire to place
signage where the tree is located. The majority of TC deliberations noted a need for additional senior housing, this is
essentially non responsive to the issues. We are further dismayed by the total neglect to consider the abundant tree
coverage on the steep bank between the current parking lot and sidewalk on Palomar where building B is proposed.
Over a dozen live oaks are in this area yet neither the developer nor City makes mention. The assertion that no native
trees will be impacted is untrue. Much of the neighborhood wildlife rely upon those trees as a food source. Note the
submitted plans include a disclaimer indicating that the tree trunk locations and sizes are taken from drawings from
1996 and 2002 and google imagery, “ALL INFORMATION SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY THE CITY ARBORIST “ (Tree Removal
Plan C-0.0 page 36). We request that you refer this back to the TC to label and obtain current accurate identification of
the trees subject to removal and relocation including the abundant vegetation on the bank.
We note that issues with height and setback exceptions will be determined by the Planning Commission, you will be
providing recommendations including project location on site and impacts on neighbors and future residents of the
Villages. The project scope indicates building ”B” as 3 stories while it is actually 4 including 11 one bedroom units on the
4th floor resulting in a height of 58’4” where 35’ is allowed. A reduction in required setback along Palomar to 7 feet is
also requested with the tallest building being placed on the highest portion of the site. The southwest portion of B is
looming over the sidewalk with balcony only a couple feet from the sidewalk and may easily be reached. It is requested
that you consider removal of the 4th story on B, and add a story to A where the heights are more compatible with
existing buildings and where there is more room for infill of the site. Perhaps the elimination of planned excess parking
will help with such revisions.
The General Location description (3a, page 2) erroneously indicates current access to the project from Broad, Ramona
and Palomar while there is currently no entry from Palomar and 2 are being proposed.
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We encourage you to request for your analysis that the corners of building B be marked along Palomar and a height pole
be placed. This will be of assistance to yourselves and the Planning Commission as well as to the general public who are
not as trained or adept at deciphering drawings.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful attention and consideration of these concerns.
Lydia and Bob Mourenza, Luneta Dr. SLO
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