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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