HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-2017 CHC Correspondence - Item 1 (Price) Meeting: •22 - IT
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Barry Price <
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 5:28 PM
Advisory Bodies RECEIVED
Leveille, Brian I CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CHC communication
TO: Cultural Heritage Committee
RE: 546 Higuera Street (Norcross House)
MAY 18 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Item:
I commend the applicant and the CHC for their work to ensure that repositioning and rehabilitation of the Norcross House are consistent
with the Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines and the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines.
I note, however, that there is no discussion of archaeological resources in the Staff Report, although this project is sited in one of the most
archaeologically sensitive areas in the City. There is a high potential for development on the subject parcel to affect buried archaeological
remains directly associated with the Norcross family, and those would be significant. Moreover, Dan Krieger has identified this area as a
possible location for the earliest mission site, before it was moved to its current location. There is also potential for Native American
materials to be present. The property is within 200 feet of San Luis Obispo Creek, which typically triggers archaeological requirements
under the City's Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines.
Because of the high archaeological sensitivity of the property, the potential exists for significant impacts on historical resources. According
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2(f), "A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a historical resource." A fair argument can be made that a categorical exemption is not the proper CECIA
document for this project. Additionally, the City should ensure that the applicant complies with the requirements of the Archaeological
Resource Preservation Program Guidelines.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
BarryA. Price I