HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-2016 ARC Correspondence - Public Hearing 1 (Smith, C.)
From: Carolyn smith [
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2016 10:00 PM
To: Advisory Bodies <advisorybodies@slocity.org>
Subject: ARC Meeting - December 5, 2016 re: 22 Chorro
Chairman Wynn and Commissioners:
Item:
X r RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEC 0 5 2016
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
While the proponents of this project believe it will provide much needed affordable housing (albeit only a few
units), there are numerous ways this project is lacking such as:
• It is NOT comparable in height, design, and mass to adjacent single story R-1 homes and commercial
buildings.
• It does NOT fulfill the intention of a community commercial project by providing services that serve
the nearby neighborhoods.
• It does NOT allow for sufficient on-site parking so that overflow vehicles do not invade, crowd, and
disturb nearby neighborhoods and commercial parking lots.
• It does NOT provide sufficient improved traffic safety improvements, which would be proven if a
traffic study was required.
• It will NOT preserve views of this designated important scenic roadway.
• It does NOT conform with the updated LUE where it clearly states that building height adjustments on
the North Side (not South side) of Foothill may be considered with mixed use developments.
• It does NOT conform with Community Design Guidelines for multi -family projects which (a) should
create a pleasant, comfortable, safe, and distinct place for residents, without the project "turning its
back" on the surrounding neighborhood. (b) the placement of new units should consider the existing
character of the surrounding residential area, respecting their privacy through appropriate building
orientation and structure height, so that windows do not overlook and impair the privacy of the indoor
or outdoor living space of adjacent units. (c) the structure set back from adjacent public streets
should be consistent with the prevailing setback pattern of the immediate neighborhood.
• It will NOT promote quiet, peaceful, safe living for the adjacent neighborhoods, preserving their
quality of life.
• Rooftop decks are NOT compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods and will create significant
noise problems from rooftop parties.
Over the years, our city leaders have had the wisdom and foresight to protect the health, safety, peace, and
quality of life of our neighborhoods by creating numerous codes and guidelines. This project ignores and
defies many of those protections. While everyone agrees affordable housing is needed in our community, we
must, however, decide whether or not we are willing to throw out all of those efforts for the sake of a few
small "affordable" units. Will it really be worth it when this project produces traffic and parking problems,
forcing nearby neighborhoods to attempt the formation of a parking district? Will it really be worth it when
this project forces city residents to suffer from dangerous traffic? Will it really be worth it when this project
forces nearby neighborhoods to suffer from disturbing noise from rooftop deck parties? Will it really be
worth it when we have lost the beautiful view shed of our mountains from the height of this project? I think
many residents would answer these questions with a resounding NO. Once this project is built it will be too
late to undo the damage and we will all forever suffer the consequences of your actions tonight.
Thanks you for your careful consideration.
Carolyn Smith