HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/8/2025 Item 4a, Griswold
Rick Griswold <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Meeting on 9/8 regarding Item 4a
To: advisorybodies@slocity.org
Regarding: Meeting on 9/8
Item #4a
I am contacting you regarding the possible multi-use development near the property we
have owned at 281 Pacific Street for 40 years. Please forgive my lack of knowledge on just
how projects come to fruition as I have never been involved in one before.
First of all, I see that there will be only 65 parking spaces for the 49 (at least) apartments.
Where are the other 16 apartment dwellers, plus roommates, plus guests, plus the
business owner and their guests supposed to park? Parking for employees and customers
at German Auto, Ben Franklin’s, Peak Fitness, etc. leave barely any parking on Pacific and
Archer as is.
Secondly, I see the project is exempt from environmental review (CEAQ) and I cannot
believe it! I hope the CHCHN, the CDD, and the ARC are aware this area was part of the
Old Gas Works (a power company). It has been said this company spread oil, coal, and
waste materials all over the site. Several years ago, I was interviewed by KCOY television
regarding whether I knew the ground under my building was compromised. I had no idea.
I Googled “Old Gas Works” and found the building at 280 Pismo Street was constructed in
1902 after the previous building was destroyed by fire in 1879. The article states the
“property is for sale and may be contaminated from its manufacturing processes”. Further,
“The gas works produced ‘town gas’ by heating coal. The ground at the site is known to be
contaminated from the old manufacturing processes. The property remains for sale, zoned
for commercial/manufacturing use.” Needless to say, State and Federal regulations were not
very prevalent 120 years ago. To expose the contamination, I remember a sinkhole opened
in German Auto’s parking lot several years ago. There were all kinds of debris in it, but I do
not recall how they cleaned it all up.
Next, why are there no story poles to show the public just what is being considered? Is this
project trying to avoid public input? Why does the developer have all these exceptions,
including waiving the permissible building height of 35 feet to 56 feet 6 inches? That is 62%
over the limit! I am told one nearby property owner in the area volunteered to pay for such
poles at their own cost. Why wouldn’t you agree to do this? What gives??
I hope I am wrong, but I have the feeling that the playing field may not be level. To me, all
the warning signs show this project will not benefit anyone in the present neighborhood.
The only person I see benefiting is the developer.
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Finally, as residents of San Luis Obispo for over 50 years, we are totally against this large
development with sub-sufficient parking, its scar to the local skyline, no set-back from the
sidewalk, 100% hardscape with no grassy areas, and no Environmental Impact Report.
Please move it to where it will fit in, in terms of parking and matching the SLO Town feel.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Rick & Dona Griswold
281 Pacific St - Owners
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