HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2015 Item 16 - SmallFrom: Camille Small[ma i Ito: notetocamille@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2015 2:42 PM
To: E-mail Council Website
Subject: You Know it is not about The Bowling Alley
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
- RECEIVED
SEP 14 2015
qff*, (7-17Y C!_ERY
COUNCIL MEETING: (ick - 1`5 _22C)
ITEM NO.:1L_P_
I am sorry for all of us that this town has become so overrun with students
that it continues to morph into a campus—from housing to recreation - instead
of the other way around.
Campus should have more housing (a decades -old concern!) I know "they are
going to" but please do not forget to ask them when they plan to provide for the
33 -year deficit when none were built (1969 through 2002.) Unconscionable. We
continue to suffer from their indifference.
Campus should also have entertainment. (Yes, I am aware they are "talking"
about that. What is it they say about talk?) When Cal Poly becomes a wet
campus, the proposal of immense proportions you are considering would be
perfect on campus! If they would consider third -party builders, they could have
it all!
San Luis Obispo is seriously upside down and will, in time, lose its appeal to
visitors/ tourists. No one wants to see large gatherings of students hanging out
on sidewalks on every block downtown. I was often uncomfortable on Garden
Street, so crossed the street instead of walking through crowds at the bar
there. I worried about that bar moving to the Creek and how crowds would ruin
that special environment
As I reflect, it is not clear whom you represent. The same query is posed of the
Planning Commission. I am sure all are aware the majority of residents think
the town has too many bars. Why is the current proposal being considered? It
does not seem desirable to have over one -thousand people in and out and
forming noisy groups throughout the downtown. It surely would be a negative
experience for both downtown residents and tourists in hotels.
You are not responsible to investors to bless their projects because they want
to make more money, are you? If Andrew Firestone could not make it with
three floors, he could have sold the property or established another kind of
business there. An entire segment of our residents in a very special area of our
city did not deserve to be disregarded for ONE investor. Something is wrong
here.
Am I naive to think we should have a downtown that is not just a college
student hang out? My husband and I quit having coffee dates when each place
we tried felt like "study hall'. Every table filled with students,
jackets/ backpacks books, notebooks and computers. Visitors must feel the
same. Picture a group of women from Cypress Golf Course on a shopping
trip. Well, do not bother; I think they have lost interest in coming this way.
If it is not naivety, I must suffer a lack of knowledge. Is each bar too valuable
to the City in terms of revenue? Is Measure G money not enough or spread too
thin? Do we need bar money to survive? If you know of a black and white
reason, perhaps we could be granted an explanation.
Everyone who cares about the downward spiral of San Luis Obispo
neighborhoods and the scene downtown wants to continue hoping. Many must
wonder if we wasting our time and emotions.
Please uphold the appeal brought to you by Save Our Downtown; I support
their concern and their effort to make this a better city for all.
I wish you wisdom to make the right decision
and strength of character to guard San Luis Obispo,
Camille Small