HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2016 Item 20, BisheffSubject:
FW: In support of 22 Chorro
From: Kim Bisheff [mailto:kimbisheffPgmail.com]
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 9:25 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.oEg>
Subject: In support of 22 Chorro
Dear Council members,
RECEIVED
OCT 14 2016
COUNCIL MEETING: /L -)j lell 0
ITEM NO.:
My husband and I are very fortunate to own a home near downtown SLO, close enough that we can walk or
bike to our son's school and to our jobs. We choose to live mostly car -free because we know it's best for the
environment, but we are only able to make that choice because of the location of our home.
Most of my colleagues and most of the families at my son's school don't have that option. They live in outlying
communities and drive in to SLO every day because home prices and rents in town are prohibitively expensive
for families.
When the City passed the Land Use and Circulation Elements last year, it prioritized infill projects and
developments like this one that take steps to discourage tenants from owning cars. Residents at 22 Chorro will
be able to walk or bike to school, to work, to groceries, to downtown, to the train station—to everything they
need.
The research is clear: projects like 22 Chorro help create healthier communities. The White House recently
issued a report that says, "By reducing parking and designing more connected, walkable developments, cities
can reduce pollution, traffic congestion and improve economic development. Businesses that can be accessed
without a car can see increased revenue, increased use of alternative modes of transportation, and improved
health outcomes for residents."
San Luis Obispo is at a turning point. Change will happen, but we have the opportunity to control HOW it
happens. Option 1: We keep turning down these projects, and housing costs rise to the point where only the
extremely wealthy can afford to own homes. Option 2: We start saying yes to thoughtfully designed buildings
that adhere to the city's stated preferences, and we relieve some of that housing pressure and let working
families return to our community.
San Luis Obispo demonstrated courage and wisdom when it passed the LUCE last year. I encourage the Council
to follow through on the promise you made to your constituents and say yes to smart infill projects and a more
diverse, sustainable, affordable SLO.
Kim Bisheff