HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-2014 ph4 economic strategy projectPA i I
ECONOMIC STRATEGY PROJECT
Building Design & Construction
August 18, 2014
City Council
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 -3249
AGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
Date � i `�• � zrltem � �
Re: Resolution of Intent to Overrule ALUC Inconsistency Determination
Follow up to letter dated November 4, 2013
Dear City Council members,
This letter follows previous correspondence related to expansion of the Airport Land Use
Safety Zones, dated November 4, 2013.
On behalf of the Building, Design and Construction (BD &C) Cluster of the Economic Vitality
Corporation (EVC) Economic Strategy Project, a group committed to the support of a thriving and
healthy community of San Luis Obispo County, we express our support of the City's intent to
overrule the San Luis Obispo County Land Use Commission's ( "ALUC ") finding of non - conformity of
the City's General Plan Land Use Element update ( "LUCE ") with the adopted Airport Land Use Plan.
Our mission statement of the BD &C is to create head of household jobs and housing
designed for personal enjoyment, to create a sense of place and to demonstrate the efficient use of
resources. We strive to establish a process that will lead to a stable and sustainable balance of
employment and economic growth. That being said, we applaud the City's efforts to identify areas in
the City for additional housing at a full range of densities within the Land Use and Circulation
update, much of which is located in areas that are affected by existing ALUP safety zones. The City
has gone thru prudent efforts to study these safety zones and has found their Land Use Element
Update to be consistent with the State Aeronautical Act standards to minimize the public's exposure
to noise impacts and safety hazards. We feel that the City is following excellent sustainability
practices by advocating for the economy, the environment, and public welfare in the LUCE update.
The ALUP, as adopted, restricts the City's ability to realize its vision for compact growth
within its Urban Reserve Line ( "URL ") and to plan workforce housing near jobs in the City,
progressing City goals to reduce the jobs /housing imbalance that exists. It also hinders the regional
goals of reducing carbon emissions related to vehicle miles traveled.
Project managed by the Economic Vitality Cter por-ntion
http: / /www.sloevc.org,lslo- county- business /building- design- and- construction.php
August 18, 2014
Page 2
As designers and contractors of the built environment, we agree with the concept of the
three legged stool of sustainability which states that a community is healthy when each of the three
legs: Environmental, Social, and Economic are strong and balanced. We need to optimize our
economy and environment with a safe and well functioning airport; however, we also need homes
affordable to our workforce and good jobs for our residents. The only way to achieve such a balance
is through the careful design and planning process which sets up guidelines and standards with the
intent of benefiting the community as a whole.
We fully support the Airport as vital to our County, and understand that an update to the
ALUP may occur in the near future. It is important that any modification to the plan take into
consideration the broader goals of our community, to conserve resources, including valuable land
envisioned for workforce housing and commercial property, where expanding businesses are trying
to locate.
In conclusion, we support the City of San Luis Obispo's intent to overrule the Airport Land
Use Commission's finding of non - conformity with the adopted Airport Land Use Plan. Further, we
encourage both agencies to continue to work together in improving the consistency between these
important guiding documents for our region. These disparities have the potential to hamper the
effectiveness of long -term planning decisions, are costly for both public and private sector
stakeholders, and our environment.
Sincerely,
Leonard Grant, Architect,
Co -Chair
Building Design & Construction Cluster
UGrant(@rrmdesien.com
ATTENTION:
EVC Board of Directors
Dan Carpenter, City Council Member
Katie Lichtig, City Manager
Michael Codron, Assistant City Manager
Derek Johnson, Community Development Director
Lee Johnson, Economic Development Manager
Kim Murry, Deputy Director Long Range Planning
Xzandrea Fowler, Airport Land Use Commission
Brad Brechwald, PE, PLS,
Co -Chair
Building Design & Construction Cluster
BradB @wallacegroup.us