HomeMy WebLinkAbout06_28-29_2017 PC Correspondence - Avila Ranch (Falkenhagen)
From: Bruce Falkenhagen <
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2017 11:06 AM
To: Advisory Bodies
Subject: PC and Council communication- June 28 (plus later Council) meetings- 175 Venture; Avila Ranch
To the Planning Commissioners and the City of San Luis Obispo:
Thank you for allowing comments on the Avila Ranch Project (175 Venture Drive).
I have read through the Project package and many of the attachments, and there should be no, (or few) questions in
your minds about the appropriateness of this project as a beneficial project to the City of San Luis Obispo.
It is an obvious conclusion that SLO desperately needs housing. In the last 20 years,I can't remember any politician
campaigning that we have too much housing. While financially it may be good for our family's personal balance sheet
as a homeowner with an overpriced asset, this lack of housing, needs to stop and be corrected ASAP. The high price
of housing not only drives people away from the city due to affordability, but it makes it that few of our children will
ever be able to live here. I saw a recent study that ranked SLO as the 4th most expensive area of the
State. Really?? That should not be a label worn with pride.
Focus on the Project table showing the Mix of Housing/Price Ranges in the Project Proponents presentation. In the
last six developments approved, the shape of the housing mix for each development would be considered a "dumbbell
curve", heavily weighted projects at each end, but nothing in the middle.
Then look at the Avila Ranch Project. 70% of it is for workforce housing, not artificially skewed for votes. My kids
could live there. And it is close to town. For that alone, I would approve the project without discussion.
But there is more. With 720 units, if each unit generates 1.75 vehicle round trips/day, this would be 1,260 LESS cars
during the morning and afternoon commute by the airport on Broad Street, on US 101 in both directions, on Orcutt
Road, and on Los Osos Valley Parkway. Assuming that each road generally gets 400 cars now, tomorrow morning,
drive against the flow of traffic and count how far 400 cars is. If each car is 20' long, that would be over 1-1/2 miles
of vehicles. Gone. Those will not be there after the development if everything else stays static.
Look at the intersection of Buckley and South Higuera... you can't cross there, except by risking your life. If approved,
all that traffic will be dumped out south of the US 101 overpass access, making a much better, controlled merge at the
overpass. Someone living in Avila Ranch can jump on the freeway, and jump off upon Santa Rosa for work or
college. How great would that be?
Yes, the NIMBY's along Buckley will protest, citing traffic issues for one. But look at it now. That access road to
SLO is not used to it's fullest capacity. This project reallocates the traffic for the entire city to a better average for all.
Please approve the project and approve it quickly. It has been studied to death. Don't kick the can down the road
another foot. Be true leaders and planners and step on the can now.
Sincerely,
Bruce Falkenhagen
San Luis Obispo, CA
RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
JUN 2 2 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT