HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-2016 CBOA Agenda Correspondence (Ayral);f
JAN 2 8 2016
To: Cocina, Cassia
Subject: RE: Construction Board of Appeals Communication
From: " Odile Ayral"
To: "Advisory Bodies" <advisorybodies @slocity.orp >, "Johnson, Derek" <diohnsonPslocity.or >, "Codron, Michael"
<mcod ran @siocitv.org >, "Lichtig, Katie" <klichtie@slocitv.or >, "Ashbaugh, John" <iashbaueh@siocity.org>
Subject: Construction Board of Appeals Communication
Date: Wed, Jan 27, 2016 6:42 PM
To: Construction Board of Appeals Members
Subject: Construction Board of Appeals Communication
Not long ago, we asked for a rental inspection program that would focus on the most flagrant safety issues in SLO: garages, offices
and laundry rooms turned into student bedrooms; decrepit water heaters; substandard electrical installations, etc.; and we got it. We
were elated, but our joy did not last because this promised reasonable program appears to have turned into some kind of vindictive
mission against anyone who is most vulnerable.
I am asking you to review the case of Steve and Kathie Walker with a reasonable mind and a compassionate heart. These are not
greedy slum landlords. They are ordinary folks who have been through recent tragic experiences (plane accident, temporary
disability, bankruptcy, etc.) and who are trying to survive. A few years ago, they bought a house built in 1928 with a separate unit
built during the same period. This second unit has had occupants ever since 1931 (proven by documents and by the testimony of a
neighbor). The house was declared in good condition by two different inspectors when the Walkers bought it.
As you know, there were no requirements for permits in 1928, and since the house has been continually occupied, the City has no right
to force this family to bring it up to our present code. The Walkers are willing to do what is most reasonable for fire and building
safety, but they simply do not have the means to rebuild the largest part of the house, nor should they be asked to do it.
Unfortunately, the person who had put together the rental inspection program (Joseph Lease) has moved, and the person who took
over his position does not seem to understand that nobody in San Luis Obispo wants to see people kicked out of their homes because
of some kind of vendetta. We are decent people, and we ask for decent solutions. I am asking the Construction Board of Appeals to
work out a decent solution. It is not only a matter of survival for the Walker family, it is also a matter of survival for the rental
inspection program. Do it decently, and it will work out, but do it viciously, and it will self - destruct because lawsuits against the city
are sure to multiply.
Odile Ayral
300 Ferrini, SLO