HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2017 Item 1, HalstedCOUNCIL MEETING: 1 - - JAN 0 3 2017
ITEM NO.:
From: "Diane Halsted"
Date: Mon, Jan 2, 2017 at 4:22 PM -0800
Subject: Bishop Peak Open Space
To: "E-mail Council Website" <emailcouncil@slocit.00rg>
1 January 2017
Mayor and City Council members
City of San Luis Obispo
Bishop Peak Open Space Emergency Fire Access and Public Egress Study
I have lived at the end of Patricia Court in the shadow of Bishop Peak for over 40 years. I am concerned about
the protection and management of the open space and the consequences of increased public access on the
neighborhood in which I live.
I understand the city policy is to offer passive recreation where no significant neighborhood impacts occur. The
impacts of recreational use of the Bishop Peak trails are already significant. Others have written about them. If
Highland Drive is closed to parking, cars will be forced to use the Patricia Drive access. The impact on our
neighborhood will become a greater problem to those of us upon whom the open -space entrance has been
imposed. No one asked us; it was developed without neighborhood involvement, imposed on us rather than
chosen by us. A tourist attraction does not belong in an R-1 neighborhood, accessed from Highland Drive or
from Patricia Drive.
If the city is dedicated to the concept of usable and accessible open space and chooses to advertise the peak as
an asset, I suggest it make a genuine trail head with appropriate signage, restrooms, garbage cans, and a parking
lot on Foothill. Yes, the city would have to negotiate lease or purchase of the land, and yes, the city would have
to improve the land for public use and provide sufficient ranger oversight, but you cannot have something far
nothing. Open space accessibility demands infrastructure. At this point the city is expecting homeowners to
absorb the consequences of public access in what was a quiet neighborhood. Streets formerly used only by those
of us who live here and our guests for driving and walking are now speedways. They have become parking lots
as cars line both sides of Patricia Drive.
Considerable attention has been directed toward emergency access to the Bishop Peak Open Space. Hikers and
climbers have to know when they opt to use the open space that emergency assistance is not readily available.
That is a risk they take. They cannot expect the usual in -city quick response. There is absolutely no reason to
consider the expense of another access and the destruction of hillsides. One solid access exists now. The owners
of adjacent properties willingly allow emergency access. It is north of the city with an easy left turn across
Highway 1 onto Bridle Ridge Road. Vehicle drivers open three gates to use a road good in all weather that is,
first, paved and, later, dirt with gravel. Gaining access with a large fire truck is time consuming and may be
difficult, but it has been accomplished in the past routinely. To make the approach easier, the owner of the horse
ranch property on Bridle Ridge has offered to store a smaller truck with emergency equipment on her property.
Such a truck would be an adequate response to most of the medical emergencies that have occurred on the peak
in the many years I have lived here.
I urge you to consider carefully all the possible ways to manage this attractive asset, Bishop Peak Open Space,
and the problems it causes. It deserves perusal of all the materials assembled as well as a hearing for residents to
address the issue again. No neighborhood notice went out to residents. The 3 January hearing is scheduled when
many may be out of town and when the majority of the council is new. Such an important issue deserves
informed attention and additional public response.
Diane Halsted
San Luis Obispo, CA