HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-2015 ARC Item 1 - Vujovich-La BarreLomeli, Monique
From: Mila Vujovich-La Barre <
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2015 1:29 PM
To: Advisory Bodies; Mila Vujovich-La Barre
Subject: ARC communication
October 5, 2015 OCT 0 5 2015
SLO CITY CLERK
Architectural Review Commission - City of San Luis Obispo
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
Dear Architectural Review Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo,
By way of introduction, my name is Mila Vujovich-La Barre. I am a "smart growth" advocate who has
made every attempt to voice my opinion to help make San Luis Obispo the best it can be.
Before you this evening is an agenda item ARCH -1098- 2015- 1301 Calle Joaquin. Due to a previous
work commitment, I am not able to be present at tonight's meeting. Having reviewed the letter from
the team at Central Coast Grown, I, without reservation, endorse all of the points that were made in
their plea to you.
As you may know, when this project was first highlighted in The Tribune a few months ago, I did
speak during the public comment time in front of the City Council to voice my concerns about the
bulk, scale, style and location of this project. I believe that there are better sites for a hotel of this
size within our City limits.
Currently, the unique character of San Luis Obispo is not represented in this "cookie cutter" design.
In layman's terms this proposed structure is simply oversized and too tall. The bulk and scale of the
project need to be redesigned as they completely interfere with the established view that is
embraced by tourists and residents alike.
Since Associate Planner Rachel Cohen cited portions of the Land Use Circulation Element (LUCE) in
her Letter of October 2, 2015, I would ask that everyone revisit the portion of the LUCE which states:
d. Scenic views and natural features around the site, and a site's location on a scenic
route shooldc bi 6nsidered early in project design. For instance, the placement of
buildi gs'-agal-hst 44backdrop of_the hills should not obscure mews by being oversized,
extremely tall, or use materials or colors to draw attention away from the natural
eh-4ironment (Please seethe "Circulation and Open Space Elements of the General
Plan")
Again, the salient points are that the proposed structure is "oversized and extremely tall" and that it
is smack in the view corridor which should be protected for its scenic and natural features, which
include the crops on the Class 1 agricultural land and the view corridor with majestic mountain peaks.
I also question whether or not this proposed structure is in keeping with the standards of the current
County Airport Land Use Plan.
Please remain objective and recognize that the current design makes the structure stick out like a
proverbial sore thumb at and on the "scenic, signature, working agricultural landscape at the city's
southern gateway."
I request both that:
1) The project be either rejected or thoroughly scaled back and redesigned
2) The project be required to submit for public review and comment with a full EIR with
sufficient time for consideration and response.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mila Vujovich-La Barre
650 Skyline Drive
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
E-mail: milavu@hotmail.com
Mobile: 805.441.5818