HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/5/2025 Item 7a, Morey
Andrew Morey <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:This email is in regards to the Construction Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for
Monday, May 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m – concerning the Laurel Lane property.
This email is in regards to the Construction Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for
Monday, May 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m – concerning the Laurel Lane property.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Andrew Morey, and I am a dedicated member of SLO City Church, which holds its
services and offices at 1150 Laurel Lane, Suite 120. I am writing to you today with deep concern
regarding the recent order from the CBO demanding that all units in the building be vacated due to
safety concerns.
Like many others in our congregation, SLO City Church has become an integral part of my life and the
lives of my family. Since we began meeting at Laurel Lane, I have personally witnessed and benefited
from the positive impact our church has on individuals and the wider community. It is a place where
we find spiritual nourishment, build meaningful relationships, and engage in vital community
outreach programs that serve the residents of SLO. San Luis Obispo is a better City because of what
SLO City Church is doing.
The assertion that the building is "unsafe," "unfit for human occupancy," and "dangerous" is deeply
troubling, especially considering that the city granted a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy in April
2023. It is difficult to reconcile this new assessment with the city's previous approval, particularly as
our pastor has shared that local professionals, including architects and contractors, have affirmed the
safety measures in place. The fact that members of our congregation include local police officers,
firefighters, and even city officials who worship there with their families speaks volumes about the
perceived safety of the environment.
The prospect of being displaced from 1150 Laurel Lane is deeply concerning for me and my fellow
church members. Finding suitable and affordable space in our city is a significant challenge, and the
sudden uprooting of our church would have a profound impact on our ability to serve our
congregation and the community effectively. While we understand the complexities surrounding the
building and appreciate the city's desire for improvements, it seems a more collaborative approach is
needed.
I implore you to consider the human element in this situation. SLO City Church is more than just a
tenant; it is a vital community hub for so many of us. We understand that our leadership is actively
searching for a permanent location, and they have even secured a temporary arrangement at the SLO
Vets Hall for mid-June. However, the period between now and then is critical, and the potential
disruption to our services and programs would be immense.
Therefore, I respectfully request that you and the board reconsider the immediate order to vacate and
allow the building owner the opportunity to address the cited issues while permitting tenants,
including our church, to remain in place for as long as possible. A common-sense approach that
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balances necessary safety measures with the needs of the community would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. Your understanding and support
would mean the world to the members of SLO City Church.
Best,
--
Andrew Morey
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