HomeMy WebLinkAbout05_24-25_2017 PC Correspondence - San Luis Ranch (Vujovich-La Barre) 2 Meeting: pL bS .2A - ZS -101"j-
From: Mila Vujovich-LaBarre < Item: Sox Lvi C
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2017 3:45 PM
To: E-mail Council Website; Advisory Bodies
Subject: San Luis Ranch - Special Meeting May 25, 2017 - Agenda Correspondence
Dear Planning Commission Members,
Since some of you have contacted me and inquired about my "land swap" idea of
preserving the agricultural land and having Mr. Grossman build his concept for our
community on the Cal Poly campus, I am forwarding you the letter that I did write two years
ago to Mr. Grossman and President Armstrong. This letter was sent before the Cal Poly
Master Plan update. I still think that this dream could come true and that it would create a
"win -win-win" situation for everyone involved - Cal Poly, Mr. Grossman, and the residents.
brought this idea up during the DEIR review and it was not fully explored as a viable
alternative to the entire project.
As you may know, I am passionate about protecting viable agricultural land for the next
generation. Yes, we need housing but we need healthy, affordable food as well.
I remain very concerned that we may lose 131 -acres of viable Class 1 agricultural land at
this site. The removal of top soil from the remaining land that is on record "being kept in
agriculture" is also of concern. That land is in the flood plain already.
At last night's meeting, more than one person reminded you that the Prado Road overpass
and/or interchange was in the LUCE plan. It was discussed as being a necessity in the
event that any construction occurred on this parcel of land. Please make sure that the
funding and design for this part of the traffic infrastructure is solidified.
The letter is here:
January 19, 2015
Dr. Jeff Armstrong — President
California Polytechnic University
San Luis Obispo, California
Mr. Gary Grossman
Central Coast Builders
Pismo Beach, California
Dear Dr. Armstrong and Mr. Grossman,
In the spirit of Martin Luther King, I have a dream.
RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MAY 2 6 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This dream can become a reality with a few simple steps and make San Luis Obispo the
best it can be. Although you are both hard-working modest men, I also think that people
would think you were absolute saviors if you are able to follow through on what I am about
to propose.
Mr. Grossman, you as the new owner of the 131 -acres of land -previously known as the
"Dalidio property" - now called San Luis Ranch. The name change has not changed the
sentiments of many locals about that prime agricultural land that is positioned above the
City's emergency water supply. Many residents and tourists are also enamored with the
view shed that it provides from Highway 101, with the fertile crops and the background of
our beautiful mountains.
Dr. Armstrong, under your leadership, California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) has
continued to receive awards for its academic rigor and the livability of the campus.
My vision, gentlemen, is for a true, old-fashioned land swap. Mr. Grossman, you can deed
the 131 -acres of prime agriculture land to Cal Poly. Dr. Armstrong, Cal Poly will give, in turn
131 -acres of buildable land to Mr. Grossman. The land on the Cal Poly land would be the
future site of residential housing that could be sold for the competitive market rates to the
general public.
Currently Mr. Grossman, of your 131 -acres of prime agricultural land, the City of San Luis
Obispo will receive roughly 50% of it as open space. The remaining land would have to be
the site of the residential and commercial projects that you envision as well as the road
infrastructure. A deal with Cal Poly may not place those restrictions on you or your
development team.
Mr. Grossman, as with any development project, you would be responsible for the cost of
the road infrastructure at the Cal Poly site, however I imagine that it could be off -set by the
assistance of students in the various divisions of that support both Engineering and
Architecture Departments.
Mr. Grossman, you could also build a state -of -the- art hotel there if you and your team
desire to be truly extraordinary. The hotel, with conference capabilities, could be a
landmark public-private enterprise. Mr. Grossman you could opt to could build a sustainable
hotel — similar to the one on Boulder, Colorado that is near zero waste. With the help of the
award winning architecture department and the assistance of the professionals at RRM, it
could not only have great guest rooms with rural views but a conference center as well. The
restaurant at the hotel could be open to the public and could feature a "farm to table" theme
with Cal Poly or local meat, fish and of course fruits and vegetables.
With its proximity to Cal Poly there would never be a shortage of individuals for near
minimum wage employment to serve in various jobs that the hospitality industry affords.
With the assistance of Cal Poly's Transportation/ Traffic Engineering department, the new
homes and hotel would have access to campus, town and Highway 1 via pedestrian paths,
bikes paths, light rail or cars.
Mr. Grossman, the genius of this idea if we can get it to work is that you would no longer
have to pay for the cost of the contentious Prado Road overpass or interchange that may
cost you as much as $70 million by today's estimates. As you know, Caltrans has stated
numerous times that a safe interchange at Prado Road and Highway 101 would be very
difficult to construct given the proximity of Madonna Road and Los Osos Valley Road. If
eliminated, the interchange and/or overpass will not infringe upon the integrity of the new
Homeless Service Shelter at 40 Prado Road. You would no longer have to worry about the
scrutiny of the Airport Land Use Commission and the factors that may prohibit you from
building the size of development that you desire. You would no longer have to be concerned
about whether any local landowners would sell you land for the off-site mitigation your
design team has discussed.
Dr. Armstrong, Cal Poly would benefit by maintaining the showcase to the agrarian based
county in perpetuity. The Cal Poly staff and students will be able to farm 131 -acres of land
already adjacent to San Luis Obispo City farm. In my mind, I picture the original farmhouse
on the property being refurbished to serve as a visitor center/farmer's market stand where
local products from both Cal Poly and native entrepreneurs could be sold — from cheese to
wine to fruits and vegetables.
Although not mandatory, there could be an eight- person student dorm on site, and housing
for a staff member. The site could even have a small venue for entertainment overlooking
the fields, and perhaps a venue for intimate ceremonies 50 people or less. Maintaining the
land for these uses would allow the row of beloved eucalyptus trees to stay in place.
In addition, the Laguna Lake residents will be overjoyed with this proposal. The idea of
having homes at up to 500 homes and the commercial space on that location already has
voters talking to me about organizing a referendum.
Gentlemen, I have been involved in City politics as a concerned citizen for over 16 years.
This is simply a fabulous idea and I do hope that you will give it full and immediate
consideration.
Dr. Armstrong, the residential component on what is now Cal Poly land could house
professionals that work in our community or students. The concept would be well-received
by many voters who have been so concerned about options for housing.
Mr. Grossman, you have told me on more than one occasion that you are prepared to build
something tasteful that you could personally be proud of. I seriously think that this is it!
Please feel free if you would like to meet with me personally to further discuss this concept
that would be a proverbial "win" for both of you and for the entire community as a whole. As
a public school teacher, I am generally limited to the hours before 7:30am or after 3:OOpm.
Sincerely,
Mila Vujovich-La Barre
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
So, Planning Commission members, thank you for your patience and consideration!
Mila Vujovich-La Barre
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