HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/21/2018 Item 17, Wise
Christian, Kevin
From:Mike Wise <yyyguys@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday,
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Opposition to Zoning Changes, Keep Santa Rosa Border
Council Members,
This is to register my opposition to the proposed zoning changes to extend the downtown area and increase density in
San Luis. My wife and I live at 1144 Palm Street, an historic house in our family since the early 1900s. My ancestor,
Patrick O'Connor, was a pioneer dairyman in the county. My great grandfather was the first probation officer in San Luis
and worked at 1144 Monterey, part of the proposed high density zoning regulations. We have watched the town and
university grow.
My Argument
Cons. I have a simple question: Is growth and high density downtown development good? Good for whom? It
certainly doesn't improve the quality of life of current residents. The small town quality is diminished. Is bigger
better? Really? Why? I've watched historic Chinatown disappear, replaced by a parking garage and hotel. The stately
Victorian residences in our block were demolished in the 70's and replaced by plain apartments and a commercial
building. At this rate we could look like any downtown in the southern California towns around LA, i.e., nondescript and
crowded. Santa Rosa Street is a natural border for the downtown area. By moving that border to the east all the
big city problems will move east, such as traffic and homeless sleeping in doorways.
Pros. On the other hand, who benefits? Clearly, the land owners and developers benefit financially. The
politicians' egos benefit by associating themselves with changes and development. But San Luis suffers. Please
do not expand the downtown area and allow for increased density and building height.
Mike Wise
San Luis Obispo Downtown Resident and Taxpayer
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