HomeMy WebLinkAbout06_28-29_2017 PC Correspondence - Avila Ranch (Ewan)
June 26, 2017
Planning Commissioner’s
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Re: Expanding housing opportunities/Avila Ranch.
Dear Commissioners
For the first time in many years the City of San Luis Obispo has the opportunity to act upon planning
submittals that will expand the housing opportunities available in our City. It is my hope and request
that we move forward with the proposed new housing opportunities being presented to the
commission.
Why?
1. Our city has by ordinance enacted a housing growth target which has not been met in many
years. The housing being proposed will still not meet the City’s targeted rate of growth but will
help, not fulfill, meeting the identified housing needs of our City.
2. The current proposals being brought to the city are emphasizing smaller, denser development –
not the “California Ranch” style of previous generations. This emphasis on denser “urban”
design is the type of housing our community needs for our local workforce.
3. Traffic impacts are being mitigated – with improved roadways, pedestrian and bicycle paths.
Unfortunately we tend to apply the traffic impacts seen from commercial development to
residential development. The impacts are not the same, with residential impacts being much
lower than those caused by commercial development. The roadway improvements (connecting
Buckley Road to South Higuera) will have beneficial impacts far beyond the new development.
4. Open space and parkland is an important amenity needed in order to create and maintain a
healthy densely populated community. These proposals provide excellent open space and
parkland opportunities for the immediate neighborhood and the City as a whole.
5. Energy and water concerns are addressed and exceeded with adherence to our State’s & local
conservation programs. Compliance with Title 24 2020 standards will create the most energy
efficient housing in our county. Water conservation and re-use programs will produce a
neighborhood which uses far less of our resources than any other neighborhood in our city.
6. Entry level housing in San Luis Obispo is in short supply; we need this housing – now.
Thank you for your consideration.
John Ewan
Sylvia CT, San Luis Obispo, CA