HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-2016 PC Correspondence - Item 1 (Shahid)1
Lomeli, Monique
Subject: Attn: Planning-Commission, 22 N Chorro
From: M. Faríd Shahíd [
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2016 8:41 AM
To: Advisory Bodies <advisorybodies@slocity.org>
Subject: Attn: Planning‐Commission, 22 N Chorro
Dear SLO Planning Commission: Hemalata Dandekar, John Fowler, Daniel Knight, John Larson, Ronald
Malak, and Charles Stevenson,
This letter is for the support of 22 N Chorro and to bring some sensible, objective, and logical commentary to
a skewed discussion. I am referring specifically to the hysterically inaccurate comments made by Gary Dwyer. I
don’t want to get into the details of his absurd letter, so instead I will focus on the larger issue at hand. I hope
Dwyer’s letter isn’t even considered let alone printed in the agenda packet.
Firstly, I just want to point out that I have taken about an hour to review the project documents page by page,
participated in a community event where the developer openly discussed this project, have lived in this very
neighborhood for 6.5 years, and am professionally & formally trained in the design, planning, and construction
of buildings.
The three points I want to cover in this letter are:
1. Our city’s goals
2. The proposed project
3. The attitude of the larger discussion
A wise man once said, “Change is the only constant”. San Luis Obispo is one of the world’s most desirable
places to work, live, study, and play. Historically, we have seen change just as we are today. It’s not a matter of
good or bad, it’s just reality. Rather than argue good or bad, let’s implement solutions that will result in a legacy
we will be proud of. This means taking bold action in times of extreme need, such as the current housing crisis.
SLO has already identified this region in the LUCE as an area it wants high-density mixed use housing growth.
If we keep lingering, pondering, and stalling each and every project that beautifully meets all of the criteria, we
will wonder how great SLO could have been. Actions speak much louder than words, so let’s act on promises
and plans we have made. We will learn and adapt as we go because nothing will be perfect. However, by taking
too long and not doing anything, we will be left with nothing to show and the people will be long gone.
After reviewing the planning, floor plans, landscaping, elevations, and materials, this proposal done by Arris
majestically accomplishes all the goals of the city, spatial needs of the users, contextual circumstances, and the
needs of the neighbors. Let’s not “nit-pick” it to death because the cold hard truth is we need more housing,
especially the 11% affordable. The scale & design of this building is highly appropriate and will be a leading
example for upcoming communities that will be built in the future. In my opinion, the PC’s role isn’t to see if
this is a perfect fit today, it’s to project outward into the future and help our town prosper. The added housing,
retail, and infrastructure improvements are going to rejuvenate this otherwise dead zone in a growing area. I
know there’s a small group of angry people who are yelling at your commission at the size/scale of this
development, but the alternative is way worse. It’s our job as professionals to kindly remind them of this. High-
density spaces with a mixed use are the most sustainable developments in terms of social, economic, and
environmental health. We all love our views and open space, and projects like this help to preserve them. If we
plan smart and build smart, we will create an innovative city with interesting high density cores with miles of
Meeting: PC 08-24-2016
Item 1
Received By: Community Development Department 08-24-16
2
uninterrupted greenery nearby. Parking is something that always comes up. However, the automobile is a short
blip in history that isn’t going to be around forever. We know the future lies in more efficient modes of
transportation. If we want to innovate and be a more efficient city, it starts with slowly reducing the parking
spaces while generously increasing alternatives like 22 N Chorro is doing so well. The fact is, there is never an
objective and logical argument against building high-density mixed use buildings. The only people who
complain are simply making noise because their one individual circumstance is going to see some change. This
is completely normal and better for the long term greater good of the whole organism. The nice thing about
projects like this are, once they are built, they always improve the surrounding area, bring more diversity and
fresh perspectives, and the neighbors who were complaining forget about their problems and usually enjoy the
spaces we’ve created. The neighbor who complains today will surely enjoy the reatail space below and may
even have an engaging conversation with a new friend who lives above. That’s the beauty of it.
Lastly, I want to touch on the overall attitude of this discussion as a whole. I’ve hinted at it earlier, but what I
want to say is that let’s not get stuck wasting our time with hateful, emotional, fearful, and non-factual
arguments made by small-minded individuals. Let’s have a conversation that looks outward into the future
while striving to inspire others to see the possibilities of a smart thriving city. We have all the resources and
technology to make it happen.
Please approve 22 N Chorro so people who don’t have housing can enjoy these beautiful and healthy new
spaces. Let’s get this built so we can continue to innovate and be the Happiest City In America.
Best,
M. Faríd Shahíd
San Luis Obispo Resident