HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/8/2025 Item 4a, Terry
Leslie Terry <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Architectural Review Commission - Item 4.a (September 8,2025)
Architectural Review Commissioners,
I am writing to express my concern regarding Application Number: ARCH-0451-2024
The proposed project is a mixed used project which will be allowed (base on state and local
ordinances) to proceed with multiple modifications to design standards and exemptions.
This project proposes a concession to reduce the overall parking requirement from 88 to 65
spaces. I would request your commission recommend this concession be denied. With a
combination of two-bedroom, one bedroom and studio apartments, the project will house
(probably) somewhere between 75 and 100 people. In theory, mixed use development allows
residents to “work where they live” which sounds great but in practicality does not eliminate or
even reduce the need for car parking. Persons who telecommute, walk, bike or bus to work still
typically have cars. The ground floor commercial will clearly not be a major employer of residents
and will also have a parking need. Businesses cannot survive without employees and users who in
most cases will drive to the location. Lack of parking with new development simply pushes cars
into adjacent commercial and residential areas negatively impacting them.
I’d also like to echo staffs mention that the West Elevation (Walker Street) is not compatible with
Community Design Guidelines. The project will be exceptionally tall relative to the current
neighboring development and the limited use of finishes and elements further highlights the
massing effect of the structure.
Finally, I have concerns that the project is not compliant with the Mixed-use Development
standards, specifically:
17.70.130
Mixed-use development.
A. Purpose. This section provides standards for the design of mixed-use projects to be compatible
with existing and planned development on the site and adjacent and nearby properties. Mixed-use
projects provide an opportunity to locate housing, jobs, recreation, and other daily needs in close
proximity to one another, thereby enhancing vitality and street life in San Luis Obispo and
forwarding the city’s sustainability goals.
E. Design Standards
3. The design of the mixed-use project shall take into consideration potential impacts on adjacent
properties and shall include specific design features to minimize potential impacts.
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Due to the overall size and especially the height, the project will dwarf existing historical Gas
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Works building. Including a 5 floor deck a few hundred feet from existing residential development
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will impact them with noise and potentially lighting. The project should consider eliminating the 5
floor deck and should assess the massing impacts to the existing neighborhood.
Thank you for your time,
Leslie Terry
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