HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2016 Item 20, ShahidCOUNCIL MEETING: J!6;1 Np
ITEM NO.: Zy
To: Gallagher, Carrie
Subject: RE: SUPPORTING - 22 N Chorro
kECEIVED
From: "M. Farid Shahid" < OCT 17 2016
Date: Sun, Oct 16, 2016 at 9:51 PM -0700 SLO CITY Ci.ER1C
Subject: SUPPORTING - 22 N Chorro
To: "E-mail Council Website" <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Dear SLO City Council: Jan Marx, Dan Carpenter, John Ashbaugh, Carlyn Christianson, and Dan Rivoire,
This letter is for the SUPPORT of 22 North Chorro and to bring some sensible, objective, and logical
commentary to a skewed discussion. In terms of public comment, we currently have a very vocal minority that
represents the silent majority using emotionally driven biased information that is at times made up.
Firstly, I just want to point out that I have invested a couple hours to review the project documents page by
page, participated in a community event where the developer openly discussed this project, have lived near 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 already 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
Studio Architects 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 units. 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 City Council'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 very small group but loud group of
angry people who are yelling at your council 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 tininterrupted 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 development is 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 retail space below and may even have an engaging conversation with a
new friend who lives above. That's the beauty of it. For example, the Court Street project beautifully combines
retail and office uses into a tall high-density solution. All types of people love eating, working, and shopping
there. However, I'm sure during its day that project was controversial.
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 with a clear bias. 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 this 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. Farid Shahid
Building Industry Professional
Dedicated San Luis Obispo Resident
Optimist & Futurist