HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/15/2019 Item 9, Clark
From:Michelle Zulim-Clark <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:790 Foothill
To the San Luis Obispo City Council
I would like to begin by stating I am sorry I will not be able to attend the Council meeting January 15th, 2019. I work two
jobs and my spouse is out of town, so I will need to be home with my young daughter.
The reason for my email is to express my wish to bring my concerns to the Council regarding 790 Foothill and my
support of the appeal package set forth by concerned local citizens.
I often hesitate to express my opinions, but the current tone in SLO is causing me much unnecessary anxiety. It appears
that there is a great divide between those who want to build up SLO, and those (like myself) who would like to take
things in stride. I understand that SLO is in need of housing, and we have not built new dwellings in many years, so what
appears to be overbuilding is just ‘catch-up’.
However, from what I understand, most of the buildings on the north side of town are high rent and student centered. I
am a Cal Poly, SLO graduate and absolutely love Poly, but the campus needs to figure out housing. I was always under
the impression that the city of SLO can restrict the amount of students Poly can accept. If there is no room for students
in SLO, then how can Poly accommodate them?
Anyhow, here are a few points of concern which were shared with me, and I agree with.
22 Chorro has a 2/3 vacancy, and the very low income studios do not appear to be occupied
I was shocked when I found out how much the rent was at 22 Chorro. I was further appalled when I learned that the
price was PER BED! I knew that most of the neighborhood fought against it, but I recently found
out that students themselves did not want to live there because it is hugely overpriced. And, why are the very low
1
income studios not listed on the HASLO site? side note: what is up with the Cookie shack that delivers warm fresh
cookies until 3am?
Anyhow, 790 Foothill appears to be the same type of housing.
Planning Commission
I can not believe that stating ‘our hands are tied’ makes the approval acceptable. How can builders come in and knock us
around? We should have every right to not accept a building that doesn’t match the city, will cause an eye sore, cover up
our view of Bishop Peak, is overpriced and will most likely be a traffic nightmare.
I drive Foothill, Chorro and Santa Rosa daily. I see the impact of impatient drivers, too many cars on the road and
pedestrians that do not pay attention. Not to mention drivers on their phones not paying attention. I already do not
feel comfortable walking or biking with my daughter on Foothill, but adding more condensed housing will just add to the
mess.
I don’t have the time to spill out facts, but I have a heart that is compelling me to write you. I plea to you to reject 790
Foothill. We need affordable workforce housing that will help the numerous struggling families who live nearby
(Pacheco parents, workers from the two commercial centers, Sierra Vista, French Hospital, Cuesta and Cal Poly.)
Make the building shorter, tailor it to families and workforce, and have ample parking available for cars. (I am not a car
lover, but my reality is I have to drive)
I spend way too much time thinking about the future of SLO and how the tone has changed drastically.
I have lived here for 25 years and I am constantly disappointed in the lack of respect I see in this town. I appreciate
‘change’ but we need to slow down a bit and try not to jam so much into an agenda without a full understanding of the
impact. Please listen to the local citizens who voice concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
-Michelle Clark
2