HomeMy WebLinkAbout06_28-29_2017 PC Correspondence - Avila Ranch (Gardiner)Planning Commission
I have always believed that a city is much better served when its public safety personnel live in the city
they serve. It is a cornerstone to building stronger bonds between them and the citizens they serve.
While serving as police chief of San Luis Obispo from 1987 to 2002, it always bothered me that so few
police officers could find a place to live within our city limits. Indeed, I wish all city employees lived in
the city. It is significant to note that even with the salary of a department head, none of the three chiefs
who have followed me have been able to buy a house in the city.
But that’s no surprise, in light of our high prices and lack of availability. However, two well-designed
housing developments are coming to you for your review in the next few weeks. Both Avila Ranch and
San Luis Ranch will help ease our housing shortage. Avila Ranch in particular, with its sizable number of
smaller homes on smaller lots, might in fact be more affordable to more city employees.
It is time to provide housing that will allow our employees to live in the city they serve. I strongly urge
you to approve these projects.
Jim Gardiner
San Luis Obispo