HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2012 ac PH1 goodwin ph1AGENDA
CORRESPONDENC E
Detc ' 16114 (t `
From:ellen adamson <ellenadamson@hotmail .com >
Sent :Tuesday, August 07, 2012 12 :20 P M
To :Goodwin, Heathe r
Subject :RE : 1340 Taft Street
Hi Heather,
I sent this email to the City Council this morning and wanted to make sure you had a copy of it as well in case it needs t o
be posted publicly . Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or problems with the email .
Thanks,
Ellen Goodwi n
From :ellenadamson@ hotmail .com
To :jmarxftsloci .or ;iashbaugc slocity .org ;ksmith(slocity .orq ;ancarter@slocity .orq ;dcarpentslocity .or q
CC :pricciOslocity .or q
Subject : 1340 Taft Street
Date : Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11 :09 :56 -0700
Dear Members of City Council ,
I have followed the proposed project at 1340 Taft Street for some time and would like to extend my concerns regardin g
the proposal . I own my home around the corner from this project on Stafford Street . I am a proponent of infill projects ,
especially when the focus is on mixed-use urban revitalization and am excited the vacant corner has promise fo r
development .
However, it is paramount to find a balance between our existing residential community and prospective developers t o
promote healthy growth in our City . The uniqueness of San Luis Obispo is we have a choice . We have a choice when i t
comes to our housing options and the types of projects with which we collectively agree to populate our community .Ou r
need for housing does not negate our values of design nor the high standard we hold for the quality of life we provid e
for all residents, long term or not, affordable or market rate .
Successful Compromise .The third story of this neighborhood commercial development is overwhelming to the singl e
family detached residences surrounding the site and is not consistent with the City's General Plan in terms of potentia l
density. Luckily, at over 1,600 s .f . each, the 2-bedroom townhomes can still be highly successful and profitable without th e
3rd story if the extra habitable "loft" space is deleted or reduced to a study nook. If the 3rd story was needed to push th e
limits on allowable density per the General Plan and it was executed with consideration to the existing neighborhood,I
would support it . The 3rd story is not needed for the success of this project . Granting the 3rd story (to accommodate th e
extra habitable "loft" space) is not sustainable growth for our community since it promotes higher densities than th e
General Plan intends, lowering the quality of life for both long term residents and temporary students . Maintaining th e
successful 2 story, 2 bedroom, 2 car garage unit pattern is consistent with existing developments and benefits both th e
community and the developer .
Community Design Guidelines, Section 5 .2 - lnfill Development .The height, size, bulk, and scale of the project wer e
raised as concerns to the Architectural Review Committee on numerous occasions . In response, the commissioners
recently recommended relocating the 3rd story mass towards the commercial oriented Taft Street to allow the project to
step down to 2 stories at the edges, blending the borders of the proposal with the fabric of the existing neighborhood s o
that it gradually steps up to 3 stories . Regretfully, the applicant chose not to explore this option .
Our Community at work .I have followed the redesign of this project as it was scaled down from 2 previous differen t
designs which asked for excessive concessions regarding the Municipal Code and Community Design Guidelines . Thi s
3rd design is the result of active neighborhood involvement, thoughtful Architectural Review Committee insights, and th e
Planning Department working with the applicant to develop the design . I greatly appreciate and am impressed by the tim e
Goodwin, Heather
1
and effort our City and its citizens pour into each and every project that comes across their path . Please continue to liste n
to the voice of the people and hear that the 3rd story is inappropriate for this location in town . The neighborhood woul dgladly welcome a 2 story revised design .
Thank you for your time ,
Ellen Goodwi n
Architect, LEED AP BD+C
2