HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-16 CHC Correspondence - Item 1 (Mourenza) (3)Lomeli, Monique
RECEIVED
Subject: RE: CHC communication 71 Palomar 3/28/16 agenda CITY OF SAN LMS OBISPO
Meeting:MAR 2 S 2016
Item: ^Y COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
71 Palomar CHC March 28, 2016
Community Heritage Commission, ARC, Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council Members:
The proposed project to relocate the historic Sandford House, remove all but 2 trees, build 41 units, widen the fire lane
on Luneta Drive and open the street to through traffic is inconsistent with the cultural heritage of San Luis Obispo.
The property at issue is deemed significant and included on the Master List of Historic Resources. The designation goes
beyond the structure. As noted in the June 30, 1983 Historic Resources Inventory #19:
"This impressive Neo -Colonial house was built between 1880 and 1890, probably for Q.A. Spangenberg, a court
auditor. Located in what was then the country outside the city limits, this house symbolizes the lifestyle of the affluent
in San Luis Obispo during this era."
That document indicates property size as 260' frontage, 280' depth, with no known threats to the site.
The analysis submitted fails to give adequate consideration to the location of the house on the site both in terms of the
open space surrounding the house which is instrumental in providing the feeling of affluence and grandeur while serving
as a buffer between the R4 and R1 component and the neighborhood. The location of the house on the parcel is
essential to maintain the integrity of association; any diminution of the open land in surrounding the house would
greatly denigrate the historical value.
There is no justification for the relocation of the structure other than to maximize density thereby increasing profit to
the developer; as such it is contradictory to the philosophy of Historic Conservation and Preservation to devalue and
marginalize historic resources in order to increase the profit to private developers.
The City has determined that development of Luneta Drive and opening to through traffic is a required aspect of this
project. This requirement on its own reduces the setback of the historic home from what will be a major intersection at
Luneta and Palomar with an anticipated volume of 1,500 vehicles per day.
In so far as the developers have indicated that the project is not economically feasible without the relocation of the
house and development of 41 units, the project must be found inconsistent with Historic Preservation Program
Guidelines and Secretary of Interior Standards. The Culture Heritage Committee must recommend to the ARC that the
project be rejected.
I urge you to act in the greater interests of the cultural history of our City ; In the words of former first lady Nancy
Reagan, please "JUST SAY NO"
Lydia Mourenza 617 Luneta Dr