HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/6/2023 Item 4a, Topham
Bart Topham <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:RE: comments, safe parking program: planning commission hearing
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I am writing to comment on the hearing to approve temporary safe parking on Palm street adjacent to the veterans
building.
We believe this is an inappropriate location for this program. Despite the report comments, based on known historical
activity, it seems highly likely that participants and non participants will congregate, park, and want to use facilities at
the vets hall/parking lot and American Legion Post. The last 5-8 years has seen a significant increase in homeless
activities at and around our facility. As a result, we have had to install additional cameras, lock the dumpsters, eliminate
landscaping, install a locking grill on the Bar-b-que pit, and install locked covers on all outdoor electrical plugs. This has
also been an issue for residents in the area.
A review of the commercial zoning regulations for this location makes it clear to me that this proposal is
inconsistent with regulations and intent. Furthermore, I believe State law makes it unlawful to close such a street for this
duration for this kind of purpose. As a long time resident and former Law Enforcement official, I know that most of the
problems and issues at these sites have gone unreported officially, but often include trespassing, littering, unlawful
dumping, public urination/defecation and petty theft. There will be spill over effects
Our facility is one of the closet locations to this proposed project, but we were never noticed. In addition, until we were
able to read this report, no one ever mentioned that this is proposed as an annual four month location (section 3.
Paragraph 3); which would be severely detrimental to us and other businesses adjacent. It is outrageous to propose this
location for this activity.
Bart Topham
President/Director
Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum
805-459-8826
www.vetmuseum.org
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