HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/01/2008, COMM - To the SLO City Council
Following are my comments on the EIR regarding the Garden Terraces Project_.
The findings appear to be tenable and accurate, that the project is inconsistent with the
SL Community Design Guideline, General Plan,and Downtown Plan.
Canyonization: On further inquiry it becomes obvious that that Garden Alley, if not
Garden Street,will become canyonized, lose their authentic quality,and become averse
to pedestrian traffic and retail appeal.
Addressing the Height and Bulk Factors; Inclusion and Rehabilitation of Historic
Structures: I urge the Alternative of setbacks of the upper stories on Garden Street and
of the 3'd and 4m stories of the Broad and Marsh:facades.and rehabilitation and
incorporation of historic buildings.
Mid-Block Walkways: I also urge incorporation of the mid-block walkways that are
called for in the Downtown Plan,also the mid-block connection between Marsh and
lEguera(Land Use Element Policy 4.16.4).
Mixed Income Housing: The Project does not include a sufficient mix of market rate and
affordable housing. Recommendation: Inclusion of 3 low or 6 moderate income housing
units, as required by the C-D Zone.
Solar Access: The height of the new structures on Garden Street would dominate and put
it in shadow.Examination of the seasonal shade patterns of the inner courtyard of the
project, specifically available to the residential portion, reveals darkened areas, that
could be avoided by complete, 180 degree reorientation of the Project.
Parking Garage:There is definite danger of congestion on entrance and exit,calling for
adequate provision for traffic, also sufficient room for a one maneuver entrance or exit
from parking spaces.
Conclusion: Even more than in the instance of the Chinatown Project,this massive
venture needs thorough rethinking. More than the Chinatown.Project,this one is in the
heart of the Downtown,and could very well ruin the entire downtown,through
massiveness, intensity, loss of authenticity, and interference with traffic patterns.
Joseph Abrahams,M.D.
335 San Miguel Avenue
San Luis Obispo,CA. 93405
542-0447
Abmhams@Fix.Net
Y/i (oa