HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/10/2018 Item 2, Small
From:Camille Small <notetocamille@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Zoning Changes
Dear Mayor and Council,
If you give Staff the go ahead on proposed changes, many of these will
negatively affect the essence of a town that most residents would like to
preserve as different from other towns--that is, historic, charming, quaint.
How do you keep San Luis from looking and feeling like an ordinary
town? To start with, limit building heights in the Downtown. It would be
following the desire of residents to keep height to 3-story maximum. Every poll
taken has shown that residents do not want tall buildings.
San Luis has been special for tourists largely because of the Morros and Mountains.
Being able to enjoy their essence from most areas is what sets us apart. When that
is gone, it won't matter where tourists shop and they will start choosing other
areas over SLO.
Why would you even consider the "recommendation" of the Chamber?
The difference between them and residents is that ALL residents live here.
Some Chamber members do not. Residents want what is good for maintaining
special character; Chamber's emphasis is to make money.
San Luis Obispo is a sought after place to develop. That means you don't have
to kowtow to any particular developer. If a developer says he "can't make it pencil out",
tell him to sell it to someone who can do something different with the property.
Compatibility should be required as just a common sense item. If someone
wants to construct a metal and glass-walled building in the same block(s) as
older and perhaps historic buildings, just say 'no'. Work with your planners
to educate them on elements that a builder should include. The Copelands did an
admirable job on Monterey. Others can follow suit building with design elements
seen in our older buildings.
You may want to have a small team of reputable and wise residents who would
be happy to share their knowledge and good taste. This intervention early on could
change what we are starting to see here----plain boxes (once discouraged ! ).
Thank you for giving Staff the message that you prefer quality and compatibility,
Camille Small
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