HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/10/2022 Item 4a, HunterH S HUNTER SMITH
ARCHITECTURE
SAN LUIS ORISPO
VIA E-MAIL
August 9, 2022
To: City of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission
From: Dana Hunter, Principal Architect, Hunter Smith Architecture
Robin Covey, Applicant
Re: 1531 Monterey St. (DIR-0228-2022) Review of a request for a parking reduction for
a site with a restaurant (cafe) and a dwelling unit.
Alma is a proposed cafe and commercial kitchen located at 1531 Monterey Street, the location
of the former 4 Cats Cafe and before that, Steynberg Gallery. A portion of the commercial
kitchen will be used in support of the Applicant's other local restaurants, Novo and Luna Red.
There is an existing residence upstairs that is outside the scope of any proposed improvements.
The parking lot behind the building is accessible by a narrow driveway, and it is not a readily
apparent parking option to a potential customer. As a practical matter, it is likely that a customer
would prefer one of the ample - and often empty - street parking spaces adjacent to and across
the street from the property. Furthermore, the Owner anticipates significant foot and bicycle
traffic from the neighborhood and nearby hotels. To this end, short and long-term bicycle parking
is included in this project proposal.
860 Walnut Street, Suite B. San Luis Obispo CA 93401 1 (0) (805) 544-3380
H S HUNTER SMITH
ARCHITECTURE
SAN LUIS ORISPO
With this widely available street parking, the Parking Demand Study correctly concluded that an
"Anticipated parking supply shortage is unlikely to affect the surrounding neighborhood." The
available on-site parking is sufficient for the upstairs residence and four daily employees, with
additional space available to load and unload periodic shipments and deliveries.
We concur with the Staff report and recommended Conditions of Approval. We look forward to
bringing a facility to Upper Monterey St with dual functions: Provide residents and visitors a
small gathering space and cafe, and provide the Applicant with a central location to support
some of our City and County's best restaurants.
Sincerely,
Dana Hunter
Principal Architect
Robin Covey
Applicant, Property Owner
860 Walnut Street, Suite B. San Luis Obispo CA 93401 1 (0) (805) 544-3380