HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/2022 Item 4a, West
From:sara west <
To:Advisory Bodies
Cc:Stewart, Erica A; Christianson, Carlyn; Marx, Jan; Pease, Andy; Shoresman, Michelle
Subject:ARCH-0020-2022 & AFFH-0021-2022
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These comments are intended for the Wednesday, 11/16/2022, Planning Commission Hearing
Application: 1422 and 1480 Monterey Street, SLO
As a resident of the 1400 block of Palm Street, I am against all the waivers requested by the
developer. While I appreciate that the City of SLO is keen to integrate low income housing into the
City center, that does not mean that 106 units, at this location, is in the best interest of the
community. It is certainly not in the best interest of the neighborhood.
The proposed project is simply too large. I feel the exceptions for height and setbacks should not be
allowed. A smaller version of the project would create a better finished product with more
appropriate massing and scale. A project of reduced size would be more in proportion and
compatible with the neighborhood, and would hopefully impact the traffic less, and perhaps create
opportunities for more open space (tree preservation). I feel access to the parking structure should
be accessed on Monterey Street.
For the community at large, I am concerned about the safety of the high school students
accessing the high school from the north. The intersection of Monterey and California is already
challenging during the morning commute. Traffic often backs up past Mill Street. Bicycles fly down
the hill passing stopped traffic. Students crossing Monterey disrupt the flow of traffic as drivers wait
to turn right. Parents are in a hurry trying to get sleepy headed teenagers to school on time. Unskilled
drivers are rushing to not be late...again. If ingress and egress to the parking structure utilizes Palm
Street, this situation will be further complicated as the new residents try to go to work and school. I
think it would be reckless of the City to not consider the impact this project will have on one of only
three ways to get to the San Luis Obispo High School.
For the neighborhood, this project would dwarf everything. This is a part of town that is mostly
single story with some two story buildings. Regardless of all the lovely "articulation", the mass and
scale of this project is not compatible with your Community Design Guidelines. See Section
B3, C2, C5, 2.1A, 2.2A, 3.1A1, 3.1 B2b,3.1 B2c, 3.1 C1c,1d, C2f, 5.2E2a &2c, 5.4A1. I also agree
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with the ARC that the east elevation on California Blvd is particularly egregious and should be
revisited.
The five story building will also block the views of the hills for many residents. Views of the hills are a
gem that has always been treasured and valued by the City of San Luis Obispo. I suspect if the City
were to require story poles to represent the silhouette of the proposed structure, a lot of people would
be upset.
For me personally, I have lived at 1420 Palm Street for 42 years. This house was the Hazard
family's (think Hazard Canyon in Montana de Oro) "city" home. Ambassador Theodore C. Maino of
Maino Construction was born and raised in this house until it was moved from Mill Street in 1926,
when the new Maino House was completed. I have spent my entire adult life improving this historic
1880's home. My children grew up here. I designed and built the house next door with maintaining
my view of the hills as a priority. I have received two Obispo Beautiful Awards. It never occurred to
me that I would some day have to move.
I think it is a reasonable expectation that this street would remain a dead-end street. The traffic that
will be generated by having ingress and egress from the lot at the end of the street will render Palm
Street a thoroughfare. 35 years ago that lot was utilized as a parking lot for about 16 cars until we
complained that it was not an appropriate use for an R-2 lot. We know what to expect. We remember
well people racing to work, to lunch, and to home again. The negative impact from traffic will
constitute a "taking of property: interference with the use or enjoyment of private property". It will
decrease the value of my properties.
Additionally, I question whether a parking lot meets the following definition: "The R-2 zone is intended
to provide housing opportunities that have locations and development forms that provide a sense of
both individual identity and neighborhood cohesion for the households occupying
them". 17.18.010 SLO Municipal Code If there is no access to the parking garage other than
through the R-2 lot, the R-2 lot is effectively being used as a parking garage. Access to the parking
structure should be from Monterey Street.
Sincerely,
Sara West
1420 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo
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