HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2016 Item 20, Ayral
To:
Subject:
Gallagher, Carrie
RE: Item 20: 22 Chorro St.
From: "Odile Ayral" <
Date: Sat, Oct 15, 2016 at 3:22 PM -0700
Subject: Item 20: 22 Chorro St.
To: "E-mail Council Website" <emailcoe�ncil _,slocity.or >
Dear Mayor Marx and Council Members,
COUNCIL MEETING: LO I i
ITEM NO.: 7Z_o
M
I am one of the numerous residents who oppose the development proposed for 22 Chorro St. Like them, I ask
for adequate parking, reduced height, compatible setbacks, reduction in density, and the preservation of our
scenic roadways.
This proposal is not located in a R-4 zone, but in a Commercial and Special Focus area, and therefore the
wrong place for an exception on height and density. A Special Focus area is defined in LUCE as an area where
you can mix the uses, but I quote: "A particular use or mix of uses may not be desirable unless it is chosen
in combination with a specific physical design which solves problems of relationship between activities
within the site, and between the site and its neighbors." This project does not solve problems. Instead it
creates safety, traffic and parking issues, and completely ignores the height and density of its neighbors, where
the highest building in University Square reaches two stories. The north side of Foothill is the only side
proposed for possible higher density by LUCE, not the south side, which is next to R -I family homes. When
a City spends months putting together an important document, and then proceeds to make exceptions after
exceptions to this document, something is very wrong somewhere.
My second point is the particular shape and location of this intersection. We all know that the Chorro / Foothill
intersection is one of the most dangerous in the city because of the heavy traffic, and because it is not at a right
angle. How can anyone contemplate adding dozens of cars coming in and out of this intersection every day? It
is dangerous enough as it is right now.
Finally, I read all the letters sent to you, and I agree with the long list of arguments made by the numerous
residents who oppose this project. These people have studied the issue, and they clearly explain its numerous
shortcomings based upon the rules the City has established in the LUCE and elsewhere. On the other hand, I
have yet to read any coherent explanation from the other side, outside of "we need student housing" (it's true,
but Cal Poly should build them), or "we need affordable housing" when we all know that no family would
choose to live in a tiny apartment among students. Unfortunately, these people have been misled by the twisted
arguments of the developer, who is trying to use the idea of 11 % very low income housing to accumulate
exceptions and reap huge profits for himself. The Planning Commission was not fooled, and denied the
project. Please, follow their wisdom and deny this ill-conceived project. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Odile Ayral