HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/3/2018 Item 2, Knight
Goodwin, Heather
From:Wendy Knight <wmfknight@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Item 2, 1144 Chorro project proposal for Monday 12-3-18.
Dear City Council and Advisory Board Members,
I am writing to express my concern about the project at 1144 Chorro.
1) I feel that the 75’ height is too high. It will dwarf the adjacent CPK and Eureka Burger buildings and I am concerned
that it will lead to a precedent of redevelopment with taller buildings so that 75’ will become the new height for
downtown. We need to prevent this from happening to retain the charm to downtown.
2) I do not believe that the project will create affordable housing. The way the project is designed is to appeal to
upscale residents. A 600 sqft studio is not appealing to families or working class people who will not be able to afford
them if they cost approximately $420,000. The courtyard takes up a lot of space that could be additional housing and
also makes the development more “luxury” which will make them more expensive. The actual square footage of housing
on the upper floors is reduced by having the courtyard. If we are serious about creating housing downtown, then the
courtyard should be dispensed with and the upper floors should be solid apartments. If the housing density was higher
and the feel was more of a hotel or apartment complex, perhaps that would drive the price down. As designed, this
project will appeal to wealthy people and those who want a vacation home in downtown SLO. It will not result in
housing existing residents who want to live where they work. Lower the building height and increase the housing density
on fewer floors by eliminating the courtyard. This will at least take away the “luxury” appeal that will drive the price
upwards and create more units.
3) We must protect the SLO view shed. If this project is approved at 75’, then others will follow. Do not give away our
view shed for the empty promise of “affordable housing”. Insist on a lower height and increase the density of the
housing. Get rid of the courtyard and use that space for more units.
I am very much in favor of multi use buildings and would love to see residential units on all developments, but we must
not increase the overall height of the downtown buildings. We must be firm with developers. Please act to preserve the
small town character of SLO.
Thank you.
Wendy
1