HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-2014 C13 ThyneAGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
Save Our Downtown Dt� °' l$m-� F_
Seeking to protect and promote the historical character, design, livability
and economic success of downtown San Luis Obispo.
November 23, 2014 RECEIVED
Subject: Council decision on 1327 Osos Street - Pacific Courtyards NOV 2 4 2014
Dear Mayor and City Council Members: I SLO CITY CLERIC
We, the members of Save Our Downtown would like to thank you for your
recent vote to uphold the two appeals of the Osos /Morro Street project - Pacific
Courtyards. We look forward to your upgrading of the City review processes so
that such intense and time- consuming meetings can be replaced by more diligent
and thoughtful staff work and commission decisions.
We hope that your response will result in the applicant, city staff and
commissions addressing the important points that were made, such as:
• The nonconformity of the 2014 architecture to the Historic Preservation
Guidelines, and the Community Design Guidelines for the Historic
District;
• The preference for the 2008 project instead of the 2014;
• The use of nonconforming fourth floor open terraces or decks;
• The improper use of private Open Space instead of common Open Space;
• The disregard of the neighborhood atmosphere that would be lacking due
to the ground -level podium parking; and
• The preference and need for the underground parking.
However, we now have the problem of losing all the parking that has
been used by adjacent land uses. This suggests the necessity of full parking
below grade for all residents and employees of the new establishment, and if
possible, additional paid parking spaces for the present parking needs.
An item that was discussed on site with Dan Carpenter are the two
magnificent and enormous eucalyptus trees on Morro. He thought that they are
Heritage trees and should be saved. There appears to be enough space between
them to allow a driveway. We request that these healthy stalwart trees be saved
as they bring a great atmosphere of nature and shade to the street.
We appreciate your willingness to consider with us how projects fit within
the City's policies and design guidance. We are always available to give
assistance in evaluating the design of projects in the downtown. However, we
also look forward to applauding projects that conform to the guidelines and sail
through the process.
Sincerely,
Liz Thyne
Chair, Save Our Downtown saveourdowntownslo.com
Sandra Lakeman and Jamie Lopes