HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/16/2018 Item 2, Smith
Purrington, Teresa
From:carolyn smith <cjsmith_107@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, July 15, 2018 10:07 PM
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Architectural Review Commission - July 16, 2018 - Item #2 - 790 Foothill
Chair Root and Commissioners:
There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't hear from resident friends, some new--some long-term,
about what is happening in SLO with regard to all the tall, out of place projects being approved and
built, negatively changing our treasured quaint city. 22 Chorro has been a real shock to many, who
weren't aware and are upset that this monstrosity was approved. Now seeing its massiveness, many,
including tourists, have commented how it doesn't fit in with our city's long-established character and
how it's a shame that it blocks the views of the mountains and peaks. It also doesn't provide any
workforce housing, since it is a student rental complex with the majority of the units expected to
charge exorbitant rents.
Now this developer wants to build another tall, out of place, project with expensive rental units which
will further block scenic views of our mountains and peaks on the other side of Foothill. Is this the
goal our previous leaders, who established our Community Design Guidelines, were trying to
accomplish? Is this what the residents who live in SLO truly desire? Or is this what out of town
developers are promoting in order to make large profits, exploiting our city, while destroying our long-
term protected character? The future direction of our city depends upon the protections that have
historically been put into place and if you feel you are being intimidated by the threat of a lawsuit to
ignore these protections, I hope you will resist.
Additionally, there should be no doubt that the traffic and parking impacts from this project will be
significant. However, since no formal traffic and/or parking study has been done, you have been
denied a key tool that could be utilized to determine the impacts from this project, as well as the
cumulative impacts from 22 Chorro. In order to make findings on safety, health, and welfare, based
on the preponderance of evidence, you need to have some evidence to review. Without a proper
study, you cannot make an informed determination and decision.
Therefore, I hope you will (1) require that a thorough traffic/parking study be completed--not just a
review--of this project, and include the cumulative impacts from 22 Chorro; and (2) honor the
historical protections this city has spent years in creating to prevent this very type of massive project
that destroys the views of our scenic mountains and hills.
This developer will walk away from this city once he makes as much money as possible, while we,
the residents, will have to live with the impacts and consequences from his destructive projects for
years to come, destroying our quality of life.
Thank you for your service and consideration.
Carolyn Smith
SLO City Resident
1