HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/26/2024 Item 4a, Grady
John Grady <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Planning Commission Mtg - 06/25/2024 - APPL-0232-2024
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Dear Planning Commissioners,
I am writing to express my concerns with the proposed new building construction at 1925 Santa Barbara Ave.
While I am all for prudent infill and more housing, there needs to be a balance when approving such projects and respect
for and consideration of the effect such new development may have on property owners living adjacent to a new project.
Many homes adjacent to this project along Upham St and Chorro St have been there for perhaps 100 years or more!
Does a developer (who is out to make big bucks for himself) have a right to build a project that affects the privacy and
enjoyment of the existing adjacent property owners? I think not!
I believe the house at the corner of Upham and Chorro (1902 Chorro St) is on the City's Master Historical list. Quite
possibly one or more of the homes along Upham St adjacent to this lot may be too. Whether on a Master or Contributing
Historical List or not, these existing property owners should expect their rights to privacy will be respected and
maintained.
Part of the proposed project is a two story triplex at the back end of the property. The first floor alone of this structure
would be above the fence line of the home at 1902 Chorro. This is not just to the privacy the residents of this home have
enjoyed for many years. They have every right to expect to enjoy this privacy in the future.
Several years ago another project had been proposed for this site with two story structures that would have looked right
into the back yards of the adjacent residents, and it was denied by either the CHC or by your body. This project offers
more of the same and should be scaled back or denied.
My understanding is the developer is proposing a small commercial building facing Santa Barbara St; then a one bedroom
house, and then a two-story triplex at the back of the lot. This is a LOT of structures crammed into one lot! It's the triplex at
the back of the lot that seems most onerous and an invasion of the privacy of the residents of one or more existing
neighboring homes.
How about having a commercial building in the front with a single story two or three bedroom home behind it, far enough
from the property lines to preserve the privacy of everyone concerned, including the residents of the new home? Or
maybe a triplex or 4-plex in lieu of the new house? This could provide hosing for up to four individuals, couples, or even
small families - while at the same time maintaining the privacy of the adjacent long term residents.
Please don't fall for the developer's line I've heard time and time again ... "The project won't pencil out if I don't get all that
I'm asking for". I don't buy it and neither should you. If a project doesn't 'pencil out' then either go back to the drawing
board or move on to another site. No one is forcing a developer to build here!
Please do not approve this project as presented. The triplex in the back of the lot needs to be eliminated, or at a minimum
reduced to one story that does not rise above the fence line of any of the adjacent neighbors. The privacy and quality of
life of the entire neighborhood needs to be your top priority.
Thank you.
John Grady
1829 Morro St.
SLO
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