HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/21/2018 Item 17, Hamlin
Christian, Kevin
From:Robin <robin.h@cox.net>
Sent:Monday, PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:No zoning change Monterey and Higuera Sts
Dear Councilmembers and Mayor,
I’m writing to ask that you oppose a zoning change proposed for the 1100-1300 blocks of Monterey and Higuera streets.
I own property in the 1300 block of Palm with unobstructed views of the hills from our four apartments (which very
likely are “affordable” housing). This hillside neighborhood is full of apartments along Palm Street and Mill Street that
face the gorgeous hills to the east. We are adjacent to the historic Mill Street neighborhood that is protected to a certain
degree. To allow 75 ft building heights on Monterey and Higuera would destroy the character of this end of downtown. I
see no need for buildings of that size in San Luis anywhere and not along the main street of a rather sweet old style
downtown.
Most of the corner properties of each block in the proposed zone are currently parking lots. Many are car dealers or
former car dealers' lots. Let those property owners develop if they must with two-story buildings but do not give license
to put 7-story monoliths in this three block low lying corridor of town that is surrounded by well cared for 100 year old
homes with mountain views and views of the Fremont Theater marquis. If home value is degraded by new buildings
blocking their view, adding noise, road traffic, and competing for parking and living space, these SLO characteristic and
venerable homes will not be worth the cost of upkeep. This part of town should not be sacrificed for high density
housing for developers to put more homes near downtown and the Civic area of town. Everyone has cars. The reason so
many people walk to town is not necessarily for exercise; do not delude yourself, the severe lack of free parking adds to
the cost of downtown employment, and cuts into downtown dining and shopping. Parking on the 1200 and 1300 blocks
of Palm is packed on weekdays with non- residents parking here from 8 am to 5 pm with unlimited free parking.
Tonight is a very quiet night on Palm Street with the calmness that comes after dark in the night view out my east facing
window. If there were a 75 ft semi high rise building at either of the two available corners at Pepper and
Monterey, the privacy and serenity when looking out our window would be gone. Developers should be held to existing
height standards especially in the core of downtown. The zone change would be a precedent for destroying the quality
of San Like Obispo.
Again, please preserve the existing zoning regulations and do not compromise them under enticements from property
owners wishing for a green light to extensive developments.
Sincerely,
Robin Hamlin
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