HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/16/2018 Item 2, Jenkins
Purrington, Teresa
From:Denise Jenkins <slo4me@charter.net>
Sent:Sunday, July 15, 2018 9:04 PM
To:Advisory Bodies; E-mail Council Website
Subject:Development in SLO (specifically but not limited to 790 Foothill)
SLO City Advisory Body and City Counsel,
I’m writing in opposition to the proposed development at 790 Foothill Blvd. I live in this neighborhood, and have so
since 1995, over 23 years. This project is completely out of scale for the neighborhood. The increase in traffic to this
small intersection will cause congestion to an already busy area. The amount of residents that will infiltrate the
neighborhood will change the dynamic considerably. This area includes routes to two elementary schools, Pacheco and
Bishop’s Peak, and many students who attend Laguna Middle School walk to the city bus stops all along Foothill Blvd,
two stops which are right at this intersection. Families ride bikes and have “walking school bus” routes nearby. I
honestly can’t even fathom how anyone could consider placing this huge development in this area. Not to mention the
height of this building will obscure the views of the mountains and change the entire look of the neighborhood.
I was saddened to see the development taking place across the street on Chorro and Foothill. I had a friend who urged
me to protest this development, but I declined. My reasoning was, I understand the need for infill, and I trusted our city
leaders to develop our city responsibly. I see now that my trust was misplaced. The scale of the new development
doesn’t fit the neighborhood. In my opinion, and that of many other residents who live all over our town, is that it’s a
shock and a monstrosity.
I see plans for other large developments happening all over SLO and Avila, and I am saddened that our community’s
spirit is being sacrificed for increased revenue. When I moved here in the 90’s, our city’s leaders embraced and
enforced a “SLO Growth” policy. We as members of our SLO community were so proud of this. Many of us moved here
from other areas because this community was different. We instantly fell in love with this place, and we shared this
common love with the residents. Our leaders understood how special San Luis Obispo is, and worked hard to examine
each and every decision when it came to changing our town. Their priority was to preserve the unique quality of SLO -
the small town feel, locally owned businesses, a community where we all know each other, or at least know “of” each
other. This priority, in my opinion, should be upheld, now more than ever. I completely understand the revenue issues
that our city faces. However, we’re at a turning point, and I urge our city to please consider these decisions very
carefully. Please don’t ruin what we all cherish.
Thank you for your consideration.
Denise Jenkins
San Luis Obispo
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