HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/2022 Item 4a, Mann
From:RL Mann <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Planning Commission 11/16, Yes on Item 4a 1422 Monterey St/HASLO
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Dear SLO Planning Commission
I write in support of the mixed-use project proposed by HASLO for 1422 Monterey St.
First, thank you to the staff, the applicant, and many others who have poured thousands of hours of labor (often paid by
tax dollars) and expertise into preparing and revising the documents we're reviewing today. Let's also honor the work
that's been done to revise the Housing and Land Use Elements, and the elected leaders who voted for policy changes at
both the local and state level that permit a project like this to pencil out.
Second, while I am sympathetic to the commenters, including the Sierra Club, who are concerned about the tree
removal for this project, I think we need to look at how having apartments like these within walking, biking, and bus
access to so many jobs will significantly reduce pollution and move us towards our climate-saving goals.
For example, I work in SLO, but I live in Grover Beach. According an EPA estimate of CO2 emissions per mile driven, my
26-mile daily commute requires 103 trees to mitigate annually. If this project allows just one person to reduce or give up
their commute, it will more than make up for the emissions uptake these current trees are providing.
Third, let's remember that "low-income" here means a single person making less than $55,000/year, or $27/hour.
Several of my co-workers fall in this income bracket. So do many servers, healthcare workers, housekeepers, and other
folks we need in our community. Car ownership runs $5-10k/year, so being able to end that expense can make a major
difference in someone's disposable income.
Fourth, I hope you've all read the excellent recent article in the SLO Tribune regarding seniors and housing. Too many of
our seniors are in homes that they no longer have the resources or ability to maintain. The cost of assisted living can run
$7-12k/month, and there are not enough spots for the growing need.
This project will help keep some of these seniors in the community they love near the amenities they want and need -
doctors, pharmacy, grocery, restaurants, churches, etc. And they will be mixed in with younger working folks and their
families.
Finally, the one thing I'd like the city to consider providing to the residents of this project is some kind of pet relief area.
Perhaps something like the ones we see in airports developed as a parklet on a side street nearby? Pets are important
mental health support for folks of all ages, but especially for seniors. Let's find a way to welcome them and keep our
streets tidy.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Rachel Mann
1
Grover Beach Planning Commissioner (comments are my own)
Member, SLO YIMBY
2