HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2016 PC Correspondence Item 2 (White)To: Maier, John Paul
Subject: RE: Planning Commission 1101 Monterey Street
From: Linda White [ ]
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 8:23 PM
To: Codron, Michael; Advisory Bodies
Subject: Planning Commission 1101 Monterey Street
Members of the Planning Commission
D
JAN 2 7 2016
Do you remember what it was about San Luis Obispo that made you want to stay here for the rest of
your life or if you were born here what made you want to stay?
I came to SLO as a new bride with my Cal Poly, GI bill, student husband. Four years and two children
later we accepted that we would make less in salaries while the cost of living here would be much higher. We
felt that it was worth living in a small, fixer -upper house for the privilege of living and raising our children in
San Luis.
I will let others discuss zoning, LUCE, ordinances, parking or lack of, etc. I want to touch on the small
town feel that I encountered in 1970, the beautiful rolling hills that were visible from every neighborhood, the
friendly downtown where I rode my bike with two infant seats before biking was in vogue. We were just poor
and couldn't afford another car.
I realize that we can't stop change or progress and I would never want that. But I do want sensible and
well - planned growth. I want a vibrant downtown but I would also like someplace to shop. I am over 20- years-
old, larger than size 2 and don't wear clothes cut down to my navel and up to my cheeks. I tried shopping
downtown two summers ago for a simple summer dress to wear on a trip with my granddaughter to
Washington, DC. I ended, shopping at Nordstrom's in San Jose before our flight. Since then, I have given up on
our downtown.
We have a beautiful, tree -lined downtown that malls can only try to mimic but if you don't drink what is
there to do downtown? Greedy landlords and developers charge so much that small hometown businesses are
pushed out by national franchises.
Developers are jumping on the mixed use bandwagon that is merely a front for high density building and
increased profits. When did developers stop determining what they could afford to pay for a piece of property
based on what could be built within the City Guidelines and zoning?
Today, developers pay outrageous prices and then expect City staff, ARC, Planning Commission, City
Council to give exceptions so that there project will "pencil out ". I am sorry but I don't believe that is your
responsibility.
I am counting on you to deny the 1101 Monterey Street project and tell the developer that this project is
just not what San Luis Obispo is all about. Do not succumb to developer threats of leaving a lot blighted. Refuse
to pay the ransom of capitulation to threats of a less desirable project. You hold all the cards, by following the
Guidelines you can direct the future of San Luis Obispo growth.
I mentioned my trip to Washington, DC. That is a great example of a city that rigidly adheres to height
limits. As a result, this huge city, our capital, has the feel of a small town. DC is a pleasure to walk, full of open
space and grand architecture. I am not suggesting that we imitate the architecture but that we remain true to our
own architectural style, our own ambiance. Please hold our developers to a higher standard so that we
preserve for future generations, the ambiance that attracted us to San Luis.
Thank you,
Linda White, co- chairman
Monterey Heights Neighbors