HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/16/2018 Item 2, Ayral (2)
Goodwin, Heather
From:odileayral@gmail.com on behalf of Odile Ayral <oayral@calpoly.edu>
Sent: 8:55 AM
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:ARC communication Item #2
Dear Commissioners,
This is a post-scriptum to my earlier letter regarding 790 Foothill. I was just informed that the architect (Thom
Jess of Arris) is the same architect that did the design for 71 Palomar and 22 Chorro (same layout for all), but
more importantly, for ICON. ICON has built the ICON Gardens in Isla Vista with builder Robbins / Reed, and
this apartment building has received the worst Yelp reviews I have ever read in my
life. https://www.yelp.com/biz/icon-apartments-isla-vista
People complain about shoddy construction falling apart after just a few years, with water damage breeding
mold, broken parking garages, etc. Parents warn other parents, telling them to stay away from this
place. "ICON completely fooled me and my daughter with their fancy marketing and internet advertising
schemes," says one parent, "I have never had such a horrible devastating experience with a rental."
We are dealing with predatory developers, and the reason we are dealing with this kind of people is that none of
our leaders in SLO has had the courage to stand up to them. The Planning Commission denied approval for 22
Chorro, but the Council, under the poor advise of the City attorney, overturned their decision. Things went
down hill from this point. All the trees at 71 Palomar were cut down, our mountain views disappeared at 22
Chorro, and the small one story homes next to it were permanently cast into darkness.
Regarding 790 Foothill, the ARC had the courage to demand drastic changes, but I really don't see how the
minor changes offered by the developer will do anything to improve the main problem, which is the lack of
safety that this building will bring to this area due to its bulk and the large number of people it will
shelter. Under the present regulations, and at least, until September when your power may be diminished, it is
within your purview to consider the safety and health issue, and act on it. Please, say NO to predatory
developers who want to destroy the north side of our City to enrich themselves, and please, require that the Staff
complete a serious traffic and safety study of this area in the fall, after Cal Poly is back in session, and 22
Chorro is open. Please, stand up for the residents. Thank you.
Odile Ayral
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