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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/8/2024 Item 5b, Millholland Madelyn Millholland < To:Advisory Bodies Subject:May 8th Consent Agenda 5.b 1463 BISHOP STREET (GENP-0175-2024) GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY REPORT FOR THE PURPOSES OF DEVELOPING INTERIM AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. Dear Commissioners, I respect and value the role of the Planning Commission in evaluating consistency with the General Plan, and being tasked with finding that the project “will not harm the general health, safety, and welfare of people living or working in the vicinity.” After reviewing the General Plan, the following are just a few of numerous areas where the proposed 80 bed/1.46 acre “Welcome Home” project indicate there is substantial concern that it will harm to the general health, safety and welfare of the people living in or working in the vicinity. - Conservation and Development of Residential Neighborhoods, Policy 2.1 The accommodation of high density, congregate housing is inappropriate for this site. The City shall preserve, protect, and enhance the City’s neighborhoods and strive to preserve and enhance their identity and promote a higher quality of life within each neighborhood. The proposed project will not preserve or enhance the identity of the neighborhoods off of Johnson Avenue, because these neighborhoods predominantly consist of single-family residences on larger lots with adequate setbacks and appropriate scale, as required by the Zoning Code for R-1 and R-2 designations. Involve residents early in reviewing proposed public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents and property owners and holding meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods. Provide appropriate staff support, and train all staff to be sensitive to issues of neighborhood protection and enhancement. The City (and the county) has taken zero action to involve residents in reviewing the proposed project that is known to be controversial, and widely considered to result in significant impacts to the neighborhoods off of Johnson Avenue. - Section 5 of the Land Use Element Policy 5.1.7 is one of twelve policies in this section that indicates that dwellings and governmental functions are not necessarily compatible land uses. As a result, the policy requires the density of government projects within these areas to be considerate of the maximum residential density allowed in neighboring zones. The proposed project involves a density of 80+ individuals on 1.46 acres (which translates to approximately 55 dwelling units per acre), whereas the neighborhoods off of Johnson Avenue are predominately zoned R-1 and R-2 where the maximum allowable density is 7 - 12 dwelling units per acre. 1 Housing Element, Neighborhood Quality Policy 7.1 Within established neighborhoods, new residential development shall be of a character, size, density, and quality that respects the neighborhood character and maintains the quality of life for existing and future residents. The proposed project is not of a size, density, or quality that respects the neighborhood character and maintains the quality of life for existing and future residents. The proposed project involves a density of 80+ individuals on 1.46 acres (which translates to approximately 55 dwelling units per acre), whereas the neighborhoods off of Johnson Avenue are predominately zoned R-1 and and R-2 where the maximum allowable density is 7 - 12 dwelling units per acre. The commission should not find the proposed use of land consistent with the General Plan based on the overall lack, and gross inadequacy, of the available information, and testimony submitted by the public; or at the very least, Continue the item to a future date, and direct staff to: Collect an adequate amount of information about the project; Conduct a comprehensive analysis of consistency with all General Plan Policies such that a defensible decision can be made; and Create additional opportunities for public engagement so that the project can be shaped in such a way that it is considerate of all interests. I recognize that the City has chosen to prioritize efforts to address the ongoing issue of homelessness, and wholeheartedly support the City in their endeavors accordingly. However, I want to ensure that actions taken are done so in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and considerate of everyone that is affected. Sincerely, Madelyn Millholland 1702 Viewmont Street San Luis Obispo, CA 2