HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-2016 Item 14, Prostovich('OUNCIL MEETING: UI( be O ((o
ITEM NO.:
Christian, Kevin
To: Lichtig, Katie
Subject: RE: 85 Buena Vista Ave., San Luis Obispo
From: JEFFREY PROSTOVICH [maiito:prostovich@me.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 3:50 PM
To: E -mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.or8>
Subject: Fwd: 85 Buena Vista Ave. , San Luis Obispo
Since Kyle is out of the office, I would like to present this letter to the city council.
Jeff
Begin forwarded message:
From: JEFFREY PROSTOVICH <Prostovich@me.com>
Subject: 85 Buena Vista Ave. , San Luis Obispo
Date: January 19, 2016 at 1:27:29 PM PST
To: kbell cslocity.org
Dear Kyle,
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I want to comment of this proposed project. The profession of the property owner shouldn't
vilify his proposed building, but as a developer he should be a more sophisticated buyer of
property. I heard his appeal at the last hearing when he talked about building a home for his
retirement and a home in which his children can care for him and/or his wife in their later years.
This all sounds very "family," but it is assuming his children will want to live in San Luis
Obispo and that they will be capable of providing home care.
Assuming the above is true, why would his building require two kitchens and two laundry
facilities if he would require family members to care for him? This doesn't pass the sniff test.
Approving his project would open the door for other developments NOT respecting the existing
land use and building requirements. Again, as a more sophisticated buyer than the average
person desiring to build a future home, he should have exercised his due diligence during his
investigation period common in real estate transactions. Either he failed to do so or he did so and
thought he could squeeze an exception by the city officials.
At his previous hearing, the owner stated that he could not build on the lower portion of his
property because he doesn't own access to it. Again, as a sophisticated developer, he should be
aware that California Civil Code Sections 831 and 1112 allow an abutting property owner to gain
ownership of abandoned roadway. Therefore, he can gain access to his property and get some
additional land in the process.
The owner also stated that the property was unbuildable due to the steep upslope. This is untrue.
It might be more expensive to do so, but that isn't justification for the city to bend the existing
building requirements that the owner should have known before he bought the property. As a
former 20+ year resident of Cambria, I suggest that the owner visit Fern Drive in Cambria to
view homes that have been built into hillside with similar upslopes.
Lastly, why would the city have an ordinance prohibiting residents from occupying the roof and
allow this owner to build a house with a roof deck. The fact that there is no other outdoor space
should have been apparent to him before he bought the property. He can still provide decks off
the living areas as many hillside homes in Cambria and in San Luis Obispo have done.
This project is a Trojan horse with a dormitory inside. I ask the city official to respect the
existing building requirements and not to approve this project as submitted. I welcome him and
his family into our neighborhood, but he wouldn't want to live here with what he is encouraging
to occupy the space.
Thanks for your your consideration,
Jeff Prostovich
Buena Vista Ave
805- 441 -3777