HomeMy WebLinkAbout06_28-29_2017 PC Correspondence - Avila Ranch (Kardel)
From: Peter K. Kardel <
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 8:19 AM
To: Advisory Bodies
Subject: In support of the proposed Avila Ranch Project
Dear Planning Commission,
RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
JUN 20 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
You've all heard about the housing challenges in San Luis Obispo, which puts employers like my wife and me in a difficult
position: While we want to attract and keep good help, it's difficult when workers can't afford to live here.
We have 16 employees at our business, Clever Ducks. Those employees do important work, serving the computer consulting
needs of small businesses on the Central Coast. Meanwhile, they are productive members of the community.
We consider our employees are part of our family, yet we never know how long they will stick around. Because, like all other
local employers, we lose good people who decide to move on so they can buy a home elsewhere.
When the San Luis Obispo City Council set its Major City Goals earlier this year, two of the four goals entailed increasing
housing and implementing a Climate Action Plan. The Avila Ranch project would help on both fronts.
The project would provide over 700 new homes, many priced for moderate -income households. Meanwhile, it would become
the city's first "net zero energy" community. Not only will the homes be energy sufficient, but having additional housing in San
Luis Obispo will drastically cut down carbon dioxide emissions since fewer city employees would have to commute to work.
These are good things for local employers, who both want to attract and keep good workers while also protecting the
community we love so much.
While community resistance can be strong to a project like this, the reality is that a community has to adapt to change in order
to remain vital. If they have a stake in the community, good employees contribute money, time and effort to keep their
neighborhoods pleasant and inviting. Which is why the SLO Life can will retain its small-town charms even with more homes.
Please approve the Avila Ranch housing project.
Respectfully, Peter Kardel
Peter K. Kardel, CEO Clever Ducks
Direct: 805-547-2360 Email: peter.kardel@cleverducks.com
1313 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 94301