HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/2001, 1 - AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN M `{N?����D/ AGENDA
DATE ITEM C.._...�.
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
1103p9 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3278
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September 7, 5) 781-2777 • FAX (805) 543-1255 • TDD (805) 541-8416
David E. Garth, President/CEO
Mayor Allen Settle IIONf10o KLIQ OSS cgUNCIL DD DIR
Members of the City Council 100Z " 0 d3SO FIN DIR
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City of San Luis Obispo rMFINEY ❑ PW D RHIEF
990 Palm Street 43nI�C3a ®'CLERK/ORIG ❑ POLICE CHF
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ❑ D PT S ❑ REC DIR
❑ LITIL DIR
❑ HR DIR
Dear Mayor Settle and Council Members, 7
Since last September when the proposed amendments to the Airport Land Use Plan
for the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport were published, our Chamber has
been concerned about the serious consequences that these amendments could have
on housing proposed for the City's General Plan, particularly in the Margarita Area.
We have communicated with the Airport Land Use Commission by letter (see
enclosed) and in public testimony, voicing our concerns about the social and quality of
life implications that their future policies will have on our community.
At this important juncture, as you consider land use issues involving the San Luis
Obispo County Airport, we want to dearly state the Chamber's recognition of the
importance of housing in the Margarita Area toward meeting our housing needs. In
order to nurture and protect existing businesses and jobs, it is crucial that a range of
affordable housing to cover a variety of lifestyles for employees be developed. We
encourage you to work with the ALUC to try to come to a land use agreement for the
area that is acceptable to both agencies.
By adopting noise levels appropriate to a suburban rather than rural setting and
providing assurances that the Margarita Specific Plan meets all state and federal
guidelines we could go a long way toward the compromise that is necessary for the
community to acquire much needed housing in this area.
In our recent member survey, 75% of the respondents indicated that the cost of
housing in San Luis Obispo has made it more difficult to hire well-qualified employees.
Public institutions and private businesses are finding that prospective employees are
not able to find or afford an appropriate home. Understanding the critical need for
housing, the prospect of eliminating half of the proposed housing stock for the city is
unconscionable. RECEIVED
SEP 0 7 2001 .
e-mail: slochamber@slochamber.org • websites: www.slochamber.org www.visitslf8bW CITY COUNCIL
We are confident that you will do everything possible to pursue the development of
housing as called for in the housing element of the City's General Plan. Our members
support both housing and a viable airport. We are convinced that with constructive
dialogue and reasonable compromise, one need not exclude the other.
Sincerely,
DaveJuhnke
Chairman of the Board
II' TING AGENDA f
DA1t - Q-QITEM #_e,_
4), San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3278
(805) 781-2777 • FAX (805) 543-1255 • TDD (805) 541-8416
David E. Garth, President/CEO
November 27, 2000
COUNCIL OKCDD DIR
0 ❑ FIN DIR
Airport Land Use Commission FCLECRIKIORIG
0 ❑ FIRE CHIEF RNEY ❑ PW DIR
County of San Luis Obispo ❑ POLICE CHF
County Government Center ❑ D PTH DS 11REC DIR
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 � ❑ UTIL DIR
❑ HR DIR
Dear Commissioners:
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce has a history of promoting and protecting the San Luis
Obispo County Regional Airport. We have long held that a viable airport is critical to our economy.
We were active participants in the development of the Airport Master Plan.
With that background in mind, we have taken a look at the proposed amendment to the Airport
Land Use Plan and have identified several elements of concern to our membership. Primary,among
these is the proposed 55 dB Community Noise Equivalent Level. By adopting a CNEL that is not
consistent with the City's General Plan Noise Element, the amendment would virtually eliminate up
to half the new dwelling units planned for in the City's General Plan. Because our city's need for
housing is critical, we respectfully request that you consider the adoption of a 60 dB DNL/CNEL as is
deemed applicable to suburban settings.
Our position in this matter is based on our concern for the community as a whole. It is important, in
our view, to balance the protection of the airport with our housing needs. We encourage
compromise with a thoughtful look at the overall good of our area.
Ultimately, our hope is to achieve a healthy and prosperous airport serving a community that can
also grow appropriately. We encourage you to consider the importance of this balance as you
continue the amendment process.
Sincerely,
RECEIVED
Dave Cox SEP �) 7 2001
Chairman of the Board
SLO CITY COUNCIL
e-mail: slochamber@slochamber.org • websites: www.slochamber.org www.visitsio.com