HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/2022 Item 4a, Ragle
From:cathy ragle <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:11/16/22 Planning Commission Hearing: 1422 and 1480 Monterey Street, SLO
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These comments are intended for the Wednesday, 11/16/2022, Planning Commission Hearing
Application: 1422 and 1480 Monterey Street, SLO
I am very concerned about the 106 units being developed at 1422 and 1480 Monterey Street. The
intersection is already busy during school and work commute. Adding 106 units at this location will
impact traffic and the safety of kids going to SLO High School along with anyone walking or biking in
the vicinity.
I have questions I could not find answers to online.
- Has a traffic study been done?
- Has the height been marked out so neighbors and the community have an idea of what will be built
here?
- How was the 65% density bonus determined?
Palm Street neighbors are in for a shock. I believe Historic Mill Street views will also be
impacted. Morning and evening Commuters will be shocked, as well as people going home at lunch
times. Palm street, California and Monterey intersections will be impacted and people's safety will be
put at risk.
Please visit Palm Street and see what you are doing to the neighbors and the nearby intersections. I
visit friends there and there is never a parking spot available. I use their driveway every time. With
only 1 parking spot per unit, parking will overflow and the neighborhood cannot handle it. Visitors
will have no place to park. Palm Street neighbors live in a quiet cul de sac with only the romantic
sounds of the train. Palm Street will soon be a high traffic area in the morning and evening commute
times - 106 additional cars using Palm Street where currently 10 homes exist. Would you do this to
your own neighbors or yourself? I don't think so.
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The height of 5 stories is too big and does not align with the neighborhood. A small hotel one story
high is catty corner and a bed and breakfast across the street is 2 stories. I understand we need low
income housing and housing for the elderly. I am behind these ideals, but 5 stories is too big! 106
units is too many. Just because you can override exceptions (height, setback, density and parking
reduction), it does not mean you should.
San Luis Obispo was a quaint town. I went to college here back in the 80s and fell in love with this
town. I moved back here because I love it. It has slowly begun to change ... and the planning
commission has listened, but not enough. The La Quinta hotel (4 stories) was fought by the San Luis
Drive neighbors and the height was not reduced. Luckily, you did listen with regard to the Garden
Street Terraces. They were reduced from 74' to 50'. I do not want SLO to become a mini-LA. I
believe the Planning Commission doesn't want SLO to mimic a large city. By allowing this large
structure, you are encouraging a mini-LA as well as introducing a safety problem.
Please revisit the size (height & number of units) of this housing structure. The size impacts the
safety of our kids, anyone walking or biking to/from nearby hotels, restaurants or simply going
downtown. SLO is supposed to be a bike friendly town and a walkable town. Please revisit both
parking entrances for the housing units off of Palm Street. This small street cannot handle this.
One last thought ... would you build this next door to your home? Be a good neighbor and do the right
thing. Reduce the size to 3 stories and reduce the density bonus.
-Cathy Ragle
1750 Conejo Ave
SLO, CA 93401
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