HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/2001, 1 - ORDINANCE LIMITING FLOOR AREA OF NON-TAXABLE GOODS IN RETAIL WAREHOUSE STORES EXCEEDING 90,000 SQUARE FEET IN SIZE; CITYWIDE.council MtM - D 1
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C I T Y O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Ron Whisenand, Development Review ManageQz
Prepared By: John Shoals, Associate Plann�
SUBJECT: Ordinance limiting floor area of non - taxable goods in retail warehouse stores
exceeding 90,000 square feet in size; Citywide.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Planning Commission on December 6, 2000, that the City Council not
adopt any ordinance limiting non - taxable sales in retail warehouse stores.
REPORT -IN-BRIEF
The Planning Commission is recommending that the City Council not adopt any ordinance
limiting floor area of non - taxable goods in large retail warehouse stores. The Commission found
this type of ordinance to be inconsistent with certain General Plan policies and contrary to
present City practices on commercial trade and development. The Council needs to decide if
current City regulations are adequate or if additional regulation is needed to address the potential
effects of big box stores. The Council members must decide if this type of ordinance is
appropriate and meets their objectives. If the Council's objective is to regulate goods sold in
these stores, then one of the attached ordinances should be adopted (see Attachments 1 and 2). If
the Council's object is to regulate store size, then it should adopt an ordinance similar to the ones
approved in Arroyo Grande (AG), California and Rockville, Maryland. Attachment 7 is a copy
of the AG City Council report. The full text of the AG ordinance and draft Planning
Commission minutes is available in the Council reading file. If the Council chooses to restrict
the overall size of big box stores (or some other alternative), it should provide direction and refer
this item back to staff and the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION
On August 29, 2000, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance limiting the amount
of floor area that a large warehouse retailer could use for the sale of non - taxable items. In
November 2000, City staff prepared two ordinances for the Planning Commission and City
Council's consideration. The first ordinance (Ordinance "A "- Attachment 1) would limit non-
taxable items to no more than five percent of the floor area of retail warehouse stores exceeding
90,000 square feet. The second ordinance (Ordinance `B "- Attachment 2) would limit non-
taxable items to no more than three percent of the floor area for retail trade uses of 90,000 to
139,999 square feet, two percent for 140,000 to 250,000 square feet and one percent for stores
exceeding 250,000 square feet. There are two fundamental differences between the ordinances:
one ordinance establishes a fixed limit where the other establishes a range of limits (1 to 3 %)
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Council Agenda Report, TA15.)-00 (Citywide Ordinance)
Page 2
depending on store size; and one of the ordinances is more restrictive (Ordinance `B" would
limit a 90,000 - square foot store to 2,700 square feet of floor area for non - retail items where
Ordinance "A" would limit the same size store to 4,500 square feet of floor area). These
limitations were selected because they are similar to the ordinances adopted by the County of
San Luis Obispo and the cities of Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria.
The Planning Commission considered both ordinances on December 6, 2000, and voted 4 to 1
(Commissioner Osborne opposed) to recommend that the City Council not adopt any ordinance.
The Commission found that adopting either ordinance would be inconsistent with the General
Plan and contrary to the City's practice of allowing the free market and City zoning to dictate
which businesses locate within the city limits. The Planning Commission Staff report is included
as Attachment 3 and the Planning Commission Resolution as Attachment 4.
A majority of the commissioners felt that both ordinances were inappropriate. The primary
reasons were as follows: 1) The ordinances would not protect existing small businesses from
competition from all types of retail warehouse stores; 2) The ordinances would not prevent a
retailer from building two smaller buildings (less than 90,000 square feet) which would function
as one large store; 3) The ordinances would create unfair competition between different retail
stores since it would only effect warehouse retailers selling non - taxable items; 4) The ordinances
would discourage certain retailers that, in the past, have been of interest to the City, from
locating in the community; 5) Current City regulations specifically the General Plan, Zoning
Regulations and design standards adequately address the potential impacts of large retail
warehouse stores; and 6) The ordinances would unfairly limit what warehouse retailers could sell
when grocery stores offer a wide range of taxable goods and personal services like baking, dry
cleaning and banking. Attachment 5 is a copy of the minutes from the December 6'h Planning
Commission meeting.
There was also substantial public testimony about the potential impacts of the proposed
regulation at the public hearing. Individuals supporting the ordinance argued that it would
minimi e economic impacts (i.e., loss of revenue and high paying jobs) that would happen with a
large influx of "big box" retailers into the area, and that it would support local grocery stores.
Those who opposed the ordinance argued that it was contrary to the free enterprise system and
was really intended to protect grocery union workers not locally owned grocery stores, which are
usually non - union. Letters from community residents and interested parties are included as
Attachment 6.
The Planning Commission discussed several issues regarding the proposed ordinance, including:
General Plan consistency, current City procedures for evaluating large retail warehouse stores
(i.e., Zoning Regulations and architectural review), the current retail situation (commercial
developments and properties), and how other jurisdictions are dealing with big box retail stores.
General Plan Consistency
The Land Use Element of the General Plan contains many goals and objectives to promote the
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Council Agenda Report, TA15� -00 (Citywide Ordinance)
Page 3
economic well being of the community. The stated goals of the City are:
Goal 11: Retain existing businesses and agencies, and accommodate expansion of existing
businesses, consistent with other goals.
Goal 13: Provide an adequate revenue base for local governmental and public schools.
Goal 21: Provide a resilient economic base, able to tolerate changes in its parts without
causing overall harm to the community.
Goal 24: Serve as the county's hub for: county and state government; education;
transportation; visitor information; entertainment; cultural, professional,
medical, and social services; community organizations; retail trade.
As previously noted, a majority of the Planning Commission felt that the proposed ordinance
would not be an effective tool in dealing with large retail warehouse stores, and that the
ordinance would be inconsistent with the General Plan and contrary to the City's practice of
allowing the free market to dictate competition. The majority felt the ordinance was inconsistent
in two major areas. First, the ordinance would not protect small businesses from competition
with large warehouse retail stores or retain existing businesses as specified in General Plan Goal
11. Second, the ordinance could have unintended consequences. It would prevent certain
retailers that have in the past been considered desirable to the City because they employ residents
at high wage levels, capture sales tax leakage and enable the City maintain its role as the retail
trade center of San Luis Obispo County (General Plan LUE Goals 21 and 24).
Growth Management Policy
One of the arguments supporting the ordinance is that large warehouse retailers will saturate
the region and ultimately hurt the local economy by causing a loss of revenue and high paying
jobs. While the Council cannot control what gets developed outside City limits, it can
manage commercial growth within the City's boundaries. General Plan Policy LUEL11.4
states:
"Each year, the City Council will evaluate the actual increase in nonresidential floor
area over the preceding five years. The Council shall consider establishing limits for
the rate of nonresidential development if the increase in nonresidential floor area for
any five-year period exceeds five percent, except that the first 300,000 square feet of
nonresidential floor area constructed after 1994 shall be excluded from calculating the
increase. Any limits so established shall not apply to: (a) changed operations or
employment levels, or relocation or ownership change, of any business existing within
the City at the time the limit is set; (b) additional nonresidential floor area within the
downtown core; (c) public agencies; and (d) manufacturing, light industrial, or
research businesses.
According to the City's Annual General Plan Report (2000), over the past five years the City has
experienced a net increase of approximately 734,000 square feet of nonresidential floor area
(146,780 square feet per year); an annual growth rate of 1.6% or an adjusted growth rate of
0.94% (after excluding the first 300,000 square feet). This policy assures that a sudden rush of
big box stores would not deluge the City.
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Page 4
Zoning Regulations
Under current City regulations, warehouse retail stores are conditionally allowed in the C -C
(Central - Commercial), C -R (Retail- Commercial) and C -S (Service - Commercial) zoning districts.
A large retail warehouse store over 45,000 square feet requires Planning Commission approval
of a use permit. As part of the use permit process, a large retail warehouse store must provide a
detailed description of the use, including: the type of proposed activities, hours of operation,
goods and services offered, number of employees, number of parking spaces dedicated to the
business and any other information related to the use. This regulation applies to the
establishment of any new retail warehouse store, the expansion of an existing store and the
conversion of a different use to a warehouse retail store. A majority of the Planning Commission
felt that current Zoning regulations provide sufficient regulatory control over large warehouse
retail stores.
Architectural Review
In general, while researching the issues associated with "big box" retailing, it has become
apparent that as consumers, people like what is inside today's big box stores: lower prices on a
wide selection of goods. As community residents, however, people show less enthusiasm for the
external effects of the stores — nondescript building design, expansive areas of asphalt and paving
(parking) and traffic.
A majority of the Planning Commissioners felt that the City's current architectural review
process would adequately address the external effects of a large big box store. The Municipal
Code gives the City's Architectural Review Commission the authority to review and approve
development projects in the community. The ARC'S role is to examine a project's layout, its
relationship with the neighborhood, landscaping, parking, signage and other design features.
Commercial Buildings and Land
One of the primary arguments in support of the ordinance is that large warehouse retailers, such
as Wal -Mart, will saturate the area and ultimately impact local businesses. The following
paragraphs discuss the current retail situation to put this argument into proper context.
The City of San Luis Obispo has six shopping centers that contain grocery stores: Laguna
Village, a 101,764- square foot neighborhood center with a 40,000 - square foot Albertson's;
Madonna Plaza, a 307,565- square foot center with a 53,000 -square foot Ralph's Market; Foothill
Plaza a 67,463- square foot center with a 19,000 - square foot Albertson's; University Square, a
100,000 - square foot center with a 19,000- square foot New Frontier's; Marigold, a 176,276 -
square foot center with a 52,071 - square foot Von's and Scolaris/Rite Aid, a 61,450- square foot
center with a 30,000 - square foot Scolari's Market.
Madonna Plaza is the city's largest retail center with a total gross floor area of 307,565 square
feet followed by the recently expanded San Luis Promenade with a total of 302,000 square feet
of commercial floor area. Other large commercial centers include: the TK Development, a
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Council Agenda Report, TA155 -00 (Citywide Ordinance)
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commercial- service development with the potential for 250,000 square feet of floor area
including a 50,000 square foot Food -4 -Less and Froom Ranch, a four -lot commercial subdivision
(a total of 53- acres) with a potential for between 400,000 to 500,000 square feet of commercial
floor area.
Within a 30 -mile radius of the City, there are eight big box stores, including: a 102,500 - square
foot Wal -Mart and a 96,000 - square foot Kmart in Arroyo Grande; a 130,000- square foot Home
Depot in Atascadero; a 125,000- square foot Wal -Mart and a 90,000 - square foot Target in Paso
Robles; a 135,000- square foot Costco, a 130,000- square foot Home Depot and a 135,000 square
foot Wal -Mart in Santa Maria.
According to the City's land use inventory, there are approximately 950 acres of land contained
in the City's six commercial zoning categories: C -C, C -R, C -N, C -S, C -T and O.
A search of City's geographic information system and a windshield survey discovered the
following: Large warehouse stores are conditionally allowed in the C -C zone, but this area is
already developed with commercial and office buildings that are not of sufficient size to
accommodate a large warehouse store (a big box store is typically 125,000+ square feet on 15
acres, the proposed ordinance would establish a standard of 90,000 square feet). With the
exception of Froom Ranch, a majority of the City's C -R -zoned land does not contain commercial
buildings or vacant parcels of sufficient size to accommodate a large retail warehouse store. A
large warehouse retailer would have to consolidate and remodel existing commercial spaces or
modify its building format (size and layout) to locate in the C -C and C -R zoning districts. There
are no vacant C -S zoned parcels of sufficient size to accommodate a freestanding big box store,
but there are a few buildings large enough to accommodate a retail warehouse store. Large retail
warehouse stores are not allowed in the C -N, C -T and O zoning districts. To summarize, there
are very few land opportunities where large retail warehouse stores can locate in the City.
The only other area where a future large warehouse retail store might be able to locate is the
Dalidio property at El Mercado and the freeway. Presently, the City Council is considering a
request for annexation, pre - zoning (to C -R) and development of this property with an
approximate 500,000- square foot of commercial center, including two large retail stores (San
Luis MarketPlace). If the annexation were approved, the land would be zoned C -R and could
accommodate a large retail warehouse store. However, if the annexation were not approved, the
property could not be developed in the City, but a project could be processed with San Luis
Obispo County.
Other Jurisdictions
San Luis 0hisl2 Cahn T In April of 2000, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
adopted an ordinance limiting the floor area that a large warehouse retailer can dedicate for the
sale of non - taxable goods. The County's ordinance limits non - taxable items to no more than
three percent of the floor area for retail trade uses of 90,000 to 139,999 square feet, two percent
for 140,000 to 250,000 square feet and one percent for stores exceeding 250,000 square feet.
City of Arrnvn Grande- The City of Arroyo Grande adopted an ordinance in July of 1999.
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Page 6
Arroyo Grande's ordinance limits non - taxable items to no more than three percent of the floor
area for retail trade uses of 90,000 to 139,999 square feet, two percent for 140,000 to 250,000
square feet and one percent for establishments exceeding 250,000 square feet. The City has since
adopted an ordinance limiting the overall size of warehouse retailers to 102,500 square feet (the
size of their Wal -Mart). Attachment 7 is a copy of the AG City Council report. The full text of
the AG ordinance and draft Planning Commission minutes is available in the Council reading
file.
C tV nf F1 Pao de Rnhles (Pasn Robles) In March of 1999, the City of Paso Robles adopted an
ordinance limiting non - taxable items to no more than eight percent (8 %) of the floor area for
retail trade uses exceeding 90,000 square feet.
City _ y Santa Maria - In October of 1997, the City of Santa Maria adopted an ordinance limiting
non - taxable items to no more than eight percent (8 %) of the floor area for retail trade uses
exceeding 90,000 square feet.
The Planning Commission had two questions about the timing and effectiveness of the
ordinances adopted by above jurisdictions: 1) Did these jurisdictions adopt their ordinances
before or after their big box stores were opened and 2) Did the ordinance have an effect on the
big box stores and local businesses? In each case, the big box stores were in the communities
and did not affect the existing businesses. The noted exception was the City of Santa Maria,
which imposed the non - retail sales floor area limit on the Crossroads Regional Commercial
Center Rezone (the City knew that Wal -Mart was going to be a shopping center tenant) and later
came back and adopted a citywide ordinance. The proposed Wal -mart complied with the 8%
floor area restriction. It is also interesting to note that the Santa Maria Costco predated the city
ordinance and is not affected by this regulation. However, if Costco wanted to build the same
store in Santa Maria today, it would have to modify its floor area layout and operations. Since
most of these ordinances are relatively new, there is no evidence that the ordinance is having the
desired effect on these big box stores, or protecting the local businesses in these communities.
FISCAL 119PACTS
Approval or denial of the ordinance will have no direct effect on the City's funds.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Refer the matter to staff and the Planning Commission for research and preparation of an
ordinance limiting the overall size of large retail warehouse stores and any other restrictions
deemed appropriate.
While a majority of the Planning Commissioners did not believe the proposed ordinances to
be appropriate, they did agree that the City would ultimately have to come up with new
mechanism to deal with big box stores. However, if an effective method is to be developed,
the Council will need to define its objectives and provide direction. The Council could
choose to limit the overall size of retail warehouse store, similar to what was done in Arroyo
Grande (102,500 sq.ft.) and Rockville, Maryland (65,000 sq.ft.). The Council could also
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Council Agenda Report, TA155 -00 (Citywide Ordinance)
Page 7
require these stores to be separated by a specific distance so they cannot cluster in one area.
For example, City Code does not allow electronic game amusement centers within 1000 feet
of another center. If the Council's objective is to regulate goods sold in these stores, then one
of the proposed ordinances should be adopted. If the Council's object is to regulate store
size, then it should adopt an ordinance similar to Arroyo Grande. If the Council chooses to
restrict the size of retail warehouse stores, it should this item back to staff and the Planning
Commission.
2. Approve the General Rule exemption in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and adopt Ordinance "A" amending the
Zoning Regulations (Section 17.22.010: Table 9) to place limitations on warehouse stores in
excess of 90,000 square feet.
3. Approve the CEQA General Rule exemption and adopt Ordinance `B."
4. Continue the project with direction to staff.
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Alternative Ordinance
3. Planning Commission staff report dated December 6, 2000
4. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5304 -00
5. Minutes of the December 6, 2000 meeting
6. Letters from Community Residents and Interested Parties
7. City of Arroyo Grande Council Report dated December 12, 2000
BhoaWCOTA155 -00 (BigBox)
1 -7
ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE NO. (2001 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, AMENDING ZONING REGULATIONS ( SECTON 17.22.010:
TABLE 9) TO PLACE LIMITATIONS ON WAREHOUSE STORES IN EXCESS OF
90,000 SQUARE FEET" (TA 155-00)
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo held a public hearing on
to consider amendments to the City's Zoning Regulations to place limitations on
warehouse stores in excess of 90,000 square feet; and
WHERAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has conducted an environmental review of the
adoption of an ordinance establishing procedures to provide for the limitation of development of
large warehouse stores in the City of San Luis Obispo, and has found that it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed ordinance will have an effect on the
environment and therefore is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. Seq.; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use Element of the General Plan of the City of San Luis Obispo,
adopted on August 1999, sets forth goals, policies and programs to retain existing businesses and to
allow the expansion of said businesses consistent with other goals in the General Plan; to provide a
resilient economic base that is able to tolerate changes in its parts without causing overall harm to
the community; and to serve as the county's hub for retail trade; and
WHEREAS, warehouse stores over 90,000 square feet present unique challenges for local
government requiring a significantly higher commitment of police, fire and public safety resources
as opposed to smaller neighborhood stores.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Environmental determination. The City Council finds and determines that
the proposed amendment to the Zoning Regulations is exempt under State CEQA Guidelines
15061(b)(3), and reflects the independent judgement of the City Council.
SECTION 2. Findings. That this Council, after consideration of the proposed makes the
following findings:
1. The City of San Luis Obispo, through its General Plan, has identified retention of existing
businesses and agencies, and accommodates expansion of existing businesses, consistent
with other goals.
2. Large warehouse stores that sell non - taxable items compete with existing retail centers in a
manner that may have potential adverse impacts on the character of San Luis Obispo.
3. Such large retail stores would also negatively impact existing smaller stores and their
workforces making the existing shopping centers less viable; thus degrading the continued
existence of existing retail stores and existing land use patterns.
w
Ordinance No. 2001 Series ATTACHPr1ENT
r
4. The burdens on the public of large warehouse stores can only be improved by ensuring that
they provide sufficient sales tax revenue to the City.
SECTION 3. Amendment. Sectionl7.22.010: Table 9 of the Zoning Regulations are
hereby amended as follows:
Notes:
23. Retail Sales - Warehouse stores with greater than 90,000 square feet of gross floor area,
non - taxable merchandise floor area shall not exceed 5% of the total gross floor area of the
building.
SECTION 4. Summary. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of Council
members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to its final passage, in
The Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this City. This ordinance shall go into effect
at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage.
INTRODUCED on the — day of , 2001, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the day of , 2001, on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Allen K. Settle, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
I,,G. J r ity Attorney
JShoals/PCITA 155- 00(Ordinance)
1 -9
ATTACHMENT 2
ORDINANCE NO. (2001 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, AMENDING ZONING REGULATIONS ( SECTON 17.22.010:
TABLE 9) TO PLACE LIlMIITATIONS ON WAREHOUSE STORES IN EXCESS OF
909000 SQUARE FEET" (TA 155 -00)
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo held a public hearing on
to consider amendments to the City's Zoning Regulations to place limitations on
warehouse retail stores in excess of 90,000 square feet; and
WHERAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has conducted an environmental review of the
adoption of an ordinance establishing procedures to provide for the limitation of development of
large warehouse stores in the City of San Luis Obispo, and has found that it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed ordinance will have an effect on the
environment and therefore is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. Seq.; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use Element of the General Plan of the City of San Luis Obispo,
adopted on August 1999, sets forth goals, policies and programs to retain existing businesses and to
allow the expansion of said businesses consistent with other goals in the General Plan; to provide a
resilient economic base that is able to tolerate changes in its parts without causing overall harm to
the community; and to serve as the county's hub for retail trade; and
WHEREAS, warehouse stores over 90,000 square feet present unique challenges for local
government requiring a significantly higher commitment of police, fire and public safety resources
as opposed to smaller neighborhood stores.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Environmental determination. The City Council finds and determines that
the proposed amendment to the Zoning Regulations is exempt under State CEQA Guidelines
15061(b)(3), and reflects the independent judgement of the City Council.
SECTION 2. Findings. That this Council, after consideration of the proposed makes the
following findings:
a. The City of San Luis Obispo, through its General Plan, has identified retention of existing
businesses and agencies, and accommodates expansion of existing businesses, consistent
with other goals.
b. Large warehouse stores that sell non - taxable items compete with existing retail centers in a
manner that may have potential adverse impacts on the character of San Luis Obispo.
C. Such large retail stores would also negatively impact existing smaller stores and their
workforces malting the existing shopping centers less viable; thus degrading the continued
existence of existing retail stores and existing land use patterns.
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Ordinance No. 2001 Series - ATTACHMENT ' 2
Page 2
d. The burdens on the public of large warehouse stores can only be improved by ensuring that
they provide sufficient sales tax revenue to the City.
SECTION 3. Amendment. Section 17.22.010: Table 9 of the Zoning Regulations are hereby
amended as follows:
A. Notes:
23. No new warehouse store may be constructed in excess of 90, 000 square feet, nor an existing
store expanded, if the resulting total square footage will exceed 90, 000 square feet, unless it
meets the standards for the sale of non - taxable merchandise set forth below.
a. If total square footage for sales is to exceed 250,000 square feet, no more than
one percent (1 %) of the total square footage may be devoted to non - taxable
merchandise.
b. If total square footage for sales is between 140, 000 to 250, 000 square feet, no
more than two percent (2%) of the total square footage may be devoted to non-
taxable merchandise.
c. If total square footage for sales is between 90,000 and 139,999 square feet, no
more than three percent ON) of the total square footage may be devoted to non-
taxable merchandise.
For purposes of the above calculations, only enclosed sales area will be considered. "Enclosed
sales area " does not include restrooms, office space, breakrooms, backrooms, storage space, open -
air garden sales space, etc. Conversions of such space to enclosed retail sales space shall bring
the project under the restrictions of the above - described limits. The total square footage and
percentage for non - taxable sales shall include subleased and subcontracted departments.
SECTION 4. Summary. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of Council
members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to its final passage, in
The Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this City. This ordinance shall go into effect
at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage.
INTRODUCED on the — day of , 2001, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the day of , 2001, on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Allen K. Settle, Mayor
1 -11
Ordinance No. 2001 Series
Page 3
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
JShoals/PC/TA 155- 00(Ordmance)
F AT, TA011 ,E-NT
1 -12
AlTACHMENT
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT ITEM # o�
BY: John Shoals, Associate Planner � MEETING DATE: December 6, 2000
FROM: Ron Whisenand, Development Review Manager
FILE NUMBER: TA 155 -00
PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide
SUBJECT: Ordinance limiting non - taxable sales in retail warehouse stores exceeding 90,000
square feet in floor area.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Recommend that the City Council not adopt an ordinance finding it to be inconsistent with the
General Plan and in conflict with the present City policy and practice of allowing free market
competition to determine the type and operation of businesses in the city.
BACKGROUND
Situation
Retail stores are increasing in size with the development of warehouse stores. There is a growing
concern that these stores will devote an increasing amount of their retail space to the sale of non-
taxable items (generally grocery items). This is potentially damaging to the local economy in
two ways: (1) the city loses sales tax revenue for large portions of retail floor area and (2)
inclusion of non - taxable sales in the large warehouse retail establishments increases market
pressures on the existing neighborhood grocery stores that may be damaging to their long -term
continuance.
'On August 29, 2000, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to address the
concerns specified above. As directed by Council, staff has researched and prepared an
ordinance for the Planning Commission's and Council's consideration. The draft ordinance
proposes an amendment to the City's Zoning Regulations to limit non - taxable items to no more
than five percent of the floor area of retail warehouse stores exceeding 90,000 square feet
(Attachment 1). This text amendment is comparable to ordinances already adopted by the cities
of Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria, and the County of San Luis Obispo. These
jurisdictions have adopted ordinances placing a limit on the amount of floor area for non - taxable
items at one to eight percent, depending on the size of the warehouse store. An alternative
ordinance is included as Attachment 2. .
The Planning Commission's role is to review the proposed amendment and make a
recommendation to the City Council.
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Ordinance Limiting Non - Taxable items in Warehouse Retail Stores
TA 155 -00
Page 2
EVALUATION
Positive Aspects
There are several positive aspects to adopting such an ordinance. Potential benefits are discussed
in the following paragraphs.
According to documentation submitted by Chris Ivey, Market Share Director of UFCW Local
1036, "Big Box" retailers such as Wal -Mart will have a huge impact on the California food
industry resulting in a loss of sale tax revenues to the City (see Attachment 3). If we assume that
Wal -Mart and similar large warehouse stores will saturate the region (which has not happened),
then there is a very real risk that both the City and County of San Luis Obispo will lose sales tax
revenue, and high wage jobs (with benefits) would be replaced with low wage jobs. While
adopting an ordinance does not guarantee a strong economy, it may help in reducing these
potential economic impacts.
An S &P's Industry Survey (1998) shows that Wal -Mart has become the second largest grocer (by
annual sales) in the country. Other studies note that supermarkets, including Albertson's. and
Safeway, mention "supercenters" (large warehouse stores) as a source of competition. The
general belief is that the inclusion of non - taxable sales in large warehouse stores increases
market pressures on the existing neighborhood grocery stores, which may be damaging to their
long -term continuance. The proposed ordinance supports local grocery facilities by limiting the
amount of non - taxable items that can be sold in large retail establishments.
Many large warehouse retailers are approved on the basis that they will generate sales tax
revenue and create employment opportunities that will offset impacts to the community. The
proposed ordinance. would assure that large new warehouse stores provide sufficient sales tax
revenue. The rationale being that if large warehouse facilities devote large amounts of their retail
floor space to the sale of non - taxable items, there may be a decline in overall sales of taxable
goods. The adopted General Plan calls for the retention of existing businesses and for new
development to pay its fair share. Adoption of the proposed ordinance will insure that large
discount retailers, like Wal -Mart, do not adversely impact the local economy. It should,
however, be noted that Wal -Mart has other formats (smaller facilities) that would not be affected
by the ordinance.
Negative Impacts and Unintended Consequences
There are also several negative and unintended impacts that must be addressed. The following
paragraphs briefly discuss the potential consequences of adopting such an ordinance.
Adoption of the ordinance would place the City in the position of regulating competition, a role
1 -14
Ir
Ordinance Limiting Non - Taxable items in Warehouse Retail Stores
TA 155 -00
Page 3
historically held by the Federal Trade Commission. It has always been City policy and practice
to allow the free market to dictate what businesses locate within the City and how those
businesses operate. This issue has come up on two separate occasions over the past few years.
The first example was the "Bar Wars" involving Mother's Tavern opposing a bar ( "The Library")
that was proposed next door. The second example is with the Albertson's on -going request to
locate a new grocery store at the corner of Broad, South and Santa Barbara Streets. It should be
noted that the Council has previously gone on record in opposition to similar proposals at the
State level, based on home -rule and free market considerations (such ordinances have typically
been advanced by the grocery store industry). The City's role has historically been to regulate
land use development through implementation of the General Plan, Zoning Regulations and
development standards. These regulations tend not to be tenant specific nor do they limit the
type of retail items that are sold by a particular tenant.
While the ordinance may prevent the location in San Luis Obispo of certain retailers that some
may consider undesirable, it may also prevent other retailers that, at least in the past, have been
of interest to the City. One of the main arguments in support of the ordinance is that the
differences in pay and benefits between discount retailers and the grocery sector will create a
shift from traditional grocery stores to "supercenters," which creates the very real risk that high
wage jobs will be replaced with low wage jobs. Generally, this is a true statement when you
compare the wages and benefits of unionized grocery workers to the wages of retail workers,
whose salaries begin slightly higher than minimum wage. However, this statement does not
necessarily apply to all large warehouse stores. For example, a typical Costco is approximately
150,000 square feet in area with a large part dedicated to non - taxable sale items (40 to 45% of
Costco's average sales are comprised of non - taxable goods). According to Costco
representatives, their warehouse employees earn between $10 and $18 an hour with management
employees earning between $42,000 and $120,000 a year, see Attachment 4. Both of these wage
structures are very comparable to that of unionized grocery workers. Based on these figures, a
Costco or similar retail use may be considered desirable to the City because they would employee
residents at high wage levels, capture sales tax leakage, and help the City maintain its role as the
retail center of the County (General Plan LUE Goal 21 and 24). If an ordinance were
implemented, these types of retail uses would have to alter the way they do business or locate
elsewheFe.
Other Factors
San Luis Obispo County's Economic advisory committee evaluated the County's adopted
ordinance and identified several key points that should be considered in deciding whether this
type of ordinance is appropriate. City staff concurs with those points and recommends that the
Planning Commission consider the following:
• The public chooses to shop at large warehouse retail stores because they may be more
1 -15
n
Ordinance Limiting Non - Taxable items in Warehouse Retail Stores
TA 155 -00
Paee 4
affordable, and the public can make fewer stops. The public saves money, time, and wear
and tear on automobiles and there may be less "hassles" in their shopping experience.
• Consolidation of providers reduces driving time required, by the public, by suppliers,
reduces auto and diesel use and fumes.
• Consumers on a tight budget may be able to buy more or save more.
• The goods, which are taxable or not taxable at a grocery store, are also taxable or not
taxable at a large warehouse retail store.
• Goods may be cheaper and provide fewer tax dollars, but large warehouse stores in the
city and county will most probably capture sales tax leakage now going to large
warehouse stores outside the city and county.
• Most of grocery stores are headquartered outside of the city and county, and inflict the
same loss of revenue that occurs with large warehouse retail stores. The effect should be
basically neutral.
• Vacant spaces caused by the competition of large warehouse retail stores tend to be
recycled. An empty building formerly occupied by Vons (on Broad Street) now houses a
fiber optics cable company.
• Do consumers in the city want to protect and subsidize food and commercial workers
salaries? Or, are the large retail stores paying a wage that is closer to the fair market value
of those skills?
Summary
In summary, there are positive and negative aspects to adopting such an ordinance. The proposed
text amendment (ordinance) would help minimize potential losses in sales tax revenue; protect
local grocery stores by reducing market pressures from large warehouse retailers such as Wal-
Mart; and insure that large warehouse retailers provide sufficient sales tax revenue to offset
impacts. Conversely, adoption of an ordinance would be contrary to the City's existing policy
and practice of allowing free - market to determine the type and operation of businesses; and it
will have several unintended consequences on businesses considered desirable for the City.
Staff does not believe that the proposed ordinance is appropriate for the City of San Luis Obispo.
The City already has regulations to address the concerns raised with large new warehouse stores
and the expansion of existing businesses. There is no guarantee that adopting such an ordinance
will have the desired results. The ordinance is precedent setting and forces the City into the role
of regulating competition, which is contrary to the City's policy to allow the free market to
dictate retail uses. The ordinance will have unintended consequences beyond Wal -Mart, which
could ultimately affect the City's ability to attract retail uses beneficial to the local economy.
If the Planning Commission feels that the positive benefits outweigh the negative, it should
recommend that the Council approve the proposed ordinance (Attachment 1) or the alternative
ordinance (Attachment 2).
1 -16
Ordinance Limiting Non - Taxable items in Warehouse Retail Stores 1' -
TA 155 -00
Page 5
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Planning Commission could recommend that the City Council adopt one of the attached
ordinances based on the findings.
2. The Planning Commission may continue action, if additional information is needed.
OTHER DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
No other departments commented on the proposed ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend that the City Council not adopt an ordinance finding it to be inconsistent with the
General Plan and in conflict with the present City policy and practice of allowing free market
competition to determine the type and operation of businesses the city.
Attachments:
Correspondence from Chris Ivey, Market Share Director, UFCW 1036
Council Memorandum comparing Costco and Wal -Mart
1 -17
To: San Luis Obispo City Council
From: Chris Ivey, Market Share Director, UFCW
Subject: An Ordinance Limiting Grocery Elements in Big Box Retail Stores
This memo is intended to provide background and rationale for your active support of a
pending ordinance in our community and county to limit grocery elements in Big Box
retail stores.
As Big Boxes, the name commonly applied to huge retail stores that sell everything, enter
the food industry in California, the current downward push on commodity prices for agri-
business will accelerate as never before.
Recent grocery store consolidations brought about by Big Boxes are creating larger but
fewer buyers in the market place. The primary drive behind these consolidations is to
maintain competitiveness with the mammoth retailer, Wal- Mart, which is implementing
plans to dominate the retail grocery trade in California within the decade.
Such a monopsony (the condition in which there is only one buyer for the product of a
large number of sellers, or a consumer so large that it can exert pressure on price merely
by the threat of withdrawing it's business) will unavoidably result in less competition and
even lower commodity prices for farmers and ranchers. On the other end, the monopoly
situation created by fewer retailers will eventually lead to higher prices for consumers.
It is anticipated Wal -Mart will saturate California the same way they have done in the
South. Arkansas, for example, has 34 Wal -Marts for every million citizens. That
represents one store for every 29,000 men, women and children. Projected onto our state
landscape that will mean over 1,100 Wal -Marts in California by the end of the decade.
These events will change the food industry in California forever. Those changes will
require that city and county politicians re- evaluate the sales tax revenue stream Their areas
currently generate.
The more than 3,500 companies, mainly manufactures, that have moved south of our
border since the creation of the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA)
caused the exodus of thousands of U.S. jobs. With those lost jobs went billions of re-
circulated dollars, and an enormous loss of sales tax revenue for cities, counties and
states. Now there is also the justifiable concern in city/county governments-about E-
Commerce, which is expanding the sales tax loss even further.
1 -
1 -18
The competitiveness of c , cry city's drive for sales tax revei�,.c and the fiscalazation of
land use are fuel behind a large part of the Big Box style of marketing that is driving all
of business today.
The realities of NAFTA, GATT and the WTO have already caused businesses of every
kind to deal with increasingly intense foreign competition. This so- called "globalization"
enables Wal -Mart and the other Big Box companies to tell American manufactures to
take what they offer for U.S. manufactured goods or watch helplessly as those goods are
supplied from foreign sources.
With the move by Big Boxes into the California food industry, farmers and ranchers will
inevitably be forced into the same situation as manufacturers - -take it or leave it! Sell
your products for what they will give you, get out of farming or move your operation
outside the United States and start over.
The thousands of farm workers who have come into this country to work the produce
fields and seek a better life will be displaced because of cheaper produce grown outside
the USA. The number of unemployed farm workers lacking in skills for alternative
employment will become a huge burden on state and local agencies and the impact on
county health care systems is potentially devastating.
Unfortunately, the general public is unaware of the major health threat imported meat and
produce products can bring with them. This is in part because there are no restrictions on
pesticides and growth hormones in countries to the south of us. Support and
understanding from the consumer and the federal government about this problem is
virtually non - existent. With more and more domestic government controls it will become
increasingly difficult for United States food producers to stay in business. It may take a
major tragedy brought about by bacteria such as E-coh or chemical use in foreign
products to heighten public awareness.
Most Americans do not know that less than one percent of imported meat is government
inspected and that inspection of produce is about the same. Further, for the most part, the
American shopper is unaware that some countries use human waste for fruit and
vegetable fertilizer. Nor are they aware of what kinds of pesticides, or how many tons of
chemical sprays are used on produce grown outside the USA. If they were, the first
question asked in their grocery store would be "Was it grown in the USA?"
To its credit, the current American grocery industry has been extremely careful in the
selection of produce from outside the USA. With the entry of Big Boxes into the grocery
industry and cost their sole criteria, this care will become increasingly difficult to
maintain.
2
1 -19
If a BIG BOX can purcuase it cheaper outside the U.S. —raey willr
Big Bog marketing has no loyalty to anything but their cost.
Both Meat and produce can be purchased cheaper outside the United States.
Ranchers have long had problems with their own brand of Big Box packers, IBP, Con
Agra and Excell to name the largest. Last year the U.S. experienced the smallest
cow /calf crop in half a century with many long time ranchers calling it quits all over the
west.
Today, in the post NAFTA, GATT, and WTO world, 22 percent of all beef sold in
America comes from outside the country. It is not required to label the country of origin.
If contaminated beef (E -Coli) gets in from somewhere, it becomes difficult if not
impossible to trace the origin. Is it more important to save a few cents or to protect the
health of our citizens? At some point community and county taxpayers foot most of the
bill for health problems, especially for people with no health insurance, such as farm
workers. An increase in this expense may well be in direct proportion to total sales in
Big Box grocery stores.
Re- Circulated Money/The Multiplier Effect
Economists talk about the multiplier effect of money. They may disagree about the
number of times it re- circulates, for instance, 3.7, or 7.3, or higher or lower or perhaps in
between, but no one underestimates the importance of the fact that it does re- circulate and
that re- circulation is vital in a healthy economy.
It starts with the pay roll and profits generated by farmers and ranchers. When they pay
their employees, purchase diesel fuel, tractor tires, seed, fertilizer, a new pick -up or
trailer, call the vet out, buy clothes for their children, or books for school, they put the
money earned back into the local economy and begin the multiplier effect.
After their products enter the marketplace for sale at retail, that money continues to grow
or multiply with each individual and business through whose hands it passes. The total
effect of the food chain multiplier over time as a sales tax generator for cities and
counties is greater than any other industry in the state. One reason is that new money is
generated every growing season. Another reason is that most of this money stays inside
state boundaries. This is in stark contrast to Big Box companies that, after the sale, take
the money out of a local economy and even out of the state altogether.
The huge amounts of imported merchandise manufactured outside the United States
found in Big Box Stores, much of it from communist China and other third world
countries, annually eliminate billions of dollars from the opportunity to
generate multiplied sales tax for our cities, counties, and the state of California.
3
1 -20
Anything and everything Inat causes money to leave our stale should be re- evaluated by
government officials at every level. These same government officials should encourage
anything and everything that would help retain production, wages, and profits inside our
state (so they can continue to multiply and generate sales tax revenue).
City and County staff as well as elected officials need to realize the very revenue stream
that allows them to provide services to all the citizens of our cities, counties and state is
dependant on a healthy farming, ranching and food retail sector. Weakening of that
"food chain" will result in a smaller amount of re- circulated money to generate tax
revenue. Lower tax revenue will result in tax hikes and/or cuts in service.
City councils and county supervisors should be encouraged to do all they can to not place
unrealistic burdens on any part of this food chain that has served California's tax payers
so very well for so many years.
The farm suppliers, the growers, the vintners, the farm workers, the packing sheds, the
truckers, the grocery people, the customers, every kind of local business, even the
garbage folks who haul away the trash, the whole chain starts with the farmers and
ranchers. All too often each group has tried to go it alone, not realizing they are in this
together. They are natural allies.
A step in the right direction with counties and cities would be a simple change in the
Land Use Element of their General Plan that would slow the concentration of retail
sellers of farm produce and protect the general public from a monopoly situation and
eventual price increases. On the other hand this will decrease the monopsony effect on
farmers and ranchers when they go to sell their products helping to insure a more
competitive market place.
In an ideal world no government intervention might be preferred by some, but in the
world in which we find ourselves, this is a step in the right direction. In any event this
certainly can't hurt and will buy California taxpayers precious time to sort it all out. If
these changes are not done quickly it will soon be too late to save a large segment of the
California economy.
The 1920's Anti -trust laws were designed to curb the monopoly of Big Railroads and Big
Oil companies. Now that a Big Box monopoly is fast becoming a reality in the 21 `
century congress needs to re -visit and revise the 70 year old Anti -trust laws. Until then, to
limit the irreversible damage that will otherwise occur, it is in the best interest of the
community that a local ordinance is passed to limit Big Box retail. Perhaps even more
important is that it is in the best interests of every Californian.
.. . 4
1 -21
v
411111dionjill mcmoizAnbum
'ltq
DATE: November 28, 2000
TO: Council Member John Ewan
VIA: John Dunn, C0
FROM: Shelly Stanwyckk,, Economic Development Manager
SUBJECT: COMPARISON OF COSTCO AND WAL MART
You recently asked me to provide you with a comparison of two large retailers, Costco and Wal -Mart.
Some of the things you were interested in were: size of average store, percentage of non - taxable sales
in the stores, wage structure and other information regarding these two specific businesses. I have
gathered information about each retailer. Because one retailer was more forthcoming than the other, it
was difficult to do a "side -by- side" comparison. I would however like to provide you with some
overview information and local data.
Employment Information
According to Greg Vena, Costco, the store proposed for San Luis Obispo would have approximately
275 warehouse employees. 50% of whom would be full -time. Their wage range would begin at
$10.00 per hour and go as high as $18.00 per hour. In addition to the warehouse employees, there
would be approximately 50 management employees whose salaries would range from $42,000 to
.$120,000 plus bonuses. Full medical benefits are offered to all Costco employees, both full -time and
part-time.
Presently there is no proposal for a Wal -Mart development in the City of San Luis Obispo. Wal -Mart
would not provide information about the number of employees at a typical store or their average salary
range. Wal -Marts generally use a retail model similar to a grocery stores or department stores,
employing Sales Associates whose wages begin slightly higher than minimum wage.
The 1997 -1999 Occupational Outlook, a survey of labor market information produced by the Private
Industry Council of San Luis Obispo County, provides wage and benefit information for Stock Clerks
— Sales Floor (e.g. employees of grocery stores, department stores, drug stores, lumber and building
material stores etc.). For non -union employees the average range for new hires is $5.75 -$8.00 and for
union employees $5.75 - $9.60. The majority of employees in this category are part-time. In
comparison, we have targeted hi -tech companies as businesses we want in San Luis Obispo. The
median annual salary for a new hire experienced Computer Programmer, according- -to the
Occupational Outlook, is $37,440 and for a new hire experienced Electrical Engineer $35,900.. Of
course individual employers could pay more.
Store Size and Amount of Nontaxable Sales
The Costco proposed for the City of San Luis Obispo at Froom Ranch would be 150,000.square feet.
Costco's representatives state that this is the minimum size they require to stock all of the products
they sell. A typical Costco has over 4,000 items for sale, houses equipment for food storage, HVAC
1 -22
and other mechanical apparatus, and has a variety of departments and displays. 4045% of the
average Costco store's sales are comprised of nontaxable goods.
Wal -Marts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The largest super center is 230,000 square feet and
the smallest 109,000 square feet. Earlier this year, Wal -Mart began testing expanded food departments
in its stores under the name Market Express and Neighborhood Market. The Neighborhood Market
prototype store is 40,000 square feet with a pharmacy, groceries and a condensed version of the
retailer's general merchandise. "With food as its top objective and vehicle for growth, the company
[Wal -Mart] has planned an aggressive private label strategy ", Wal -Mart Food Is The Top Objective,
The Food Institute, June 19, 2000. In 1995 food represented 3.5% of Wal -Mart Stores' sales and in
2001 will represent 14.6% of it sales and is expected to represent 20.5% of company sales in 2005.
Food sales are presently nontaxable sales in California.
Local Information
Locally, the closest community with both retailers is Santa Maria. The Santa Maria Wal -Mart is
approximately 135,000 square feet and the Santa Maria Costco is also approximately. 135,000 square
feet. Both are established stores and the square footage for each was the industry standard when each
was constructed. According to the City of Santa Maria both stores generate significant sales tax
revenues and employee a significant number of local residents. The Santa Maria Costco however has a
customer base that is much broader than Santa Maria and is broken out as follows:
y n1 < r- �Sy ,,� , Ali! a, , , �EPCeatag Ai hA. ana ���p�'. ,
^'rE- r!. i r ap 0 •� 'fie
�.�..•','1 <i. M.. .... Li....,.0 "tf.`,L'u` S". 4 ' �Rit. �.... .. i 'UJLIy
Five Cities 13%
Lompoc
7%
Orcutt
9%
San Luis Obispo
13%
Santa Maria
38%
Santa Ynez
14%
Other Areas
6%
Conclusion
Costcos and Wal -marts are similar in store size, but that is where their similarities end and their
differences begin. The retailers have different types of merchandise; therefore, they target different
consumer groups and utilize different labor and wage models. Costco is a warehouse store dedicated
to offering items in bulk with a significant portion of those items -being food (nontaxable sales).
Costco is a membership -based store and 65% of its members are businesses. In general, Costco is
known for paying higher wages to its employees. Wal -Mart is a discount store that previously focused
on .general merchandise but has recently found a growth area in food (nontaxable sales). Wal -Mart has
the reputation of paying significant lower wages than Costco.
Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission will review an ordinance on December 6, 2000 to consider a limitation of
warehouse store floor areas devoted to the sale of nontaxable items. This memorandum will be
included as a part of the Planning Commission's packet.
cc: City Council
1 -23
San Luis Obispo City Council
County Government center
1050 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401
November 14, 2000
Dear Council
1�tiv. J J
Please do not exclude any store from S.L.O. County.
This exclusion process to protect some small stores or some specific larger stores is not in
the consumer nor the city's best interest . If the prices are lower and the stores are
successful that is all we need to see. It is this same misguided thinlang process as our
national tariffs that historically have done nothing but make prices higher for the consumer.
Please act in the consumer's best interest. I can't vote for you, but I can reach people who
can.
Cordially,
Syd Bro n gvv��
656 Santa Lucia
Los Osos, Ca 93402
NOV 2
SLO CITY Co.
1 -24
SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION
ATTACW44,ENT
RESOLUTION NO. 5304 -00
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo did
conduct a public hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San
Luis Obispo, California, on December 6, 2000, pursuant to a proceeding instituted
under application TA 155 -00; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant.
ITEM REVIEWED:
Zoning code amendment to consider the limitation of warehouse store floor area
devoted to non - taxable items
DESCRIPTION:
On file in the office of Community Development Department, City Hall.
GENERAL LOCATION:
Citywide
WHEREAS, said Commission as a result of its inspections, investigations, and studies
made by itself, and in behalf of testimonies offered at said hearing has established
existence of the following circumstances:
1. The amendment, as proposed, is inconsistent with the General Plan and the City's
policy of allowing the free market to dictate which businesses locate within the city
limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission recommend to
the City Council, that text amendment TA 155 -00 be denied.
The foregoing resolution was adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of
San Luis Obispo upon the motion by Commissioner Loh, seconded by Commissioner
Aiken, and on the following roll call vote:
AYE S: Commrs. Aiken, Cooper, Ready, and Loh
NOES: Commr. Osborne
REFRAIN: Commr. None
ABSENT: Commrs. Whittlesey and Peterson
Dated: December 6, 2000
1 -25
DRAFT ATTACHMENT '
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 2000
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission was called to order at 7:10 p.m. on
Wednesday, December 6, 2000, in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, California.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commrs. Jim Aiken, Orval Osborne, Alice Loh, Allan Cooper, and
Chairman Paul Ready
Absent: Commrs. Mary Whittlesey and Stephen Peterson
Staff: Recording Secretary Leaha Magee, Development Review Manager Ron
Whisenand, Associate Planners Peggy Mandeville and John Shoals,
Economic Development Manager Shelly Stanwick, Long Range Planning
Manager John Mandeville and Assistant City Attorney Gil Trujillo.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS:
Bret Cross, 1217 Mariners Cove, noted a conservation overlay was recently approved
for the property addressed in Public Hearing Item 1. He felt this zoning was used to
preclude environmental review and noted CEQA provisions must be followed.
Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, former downtown business owner, expressed
strong opposition to big -power or big box businesses in San Luis Obispo.
Seeing no further speakers come forward, the public comment session was closed.
I
1. 1195SIL- Osos Valle Road: PD, TR, and ER 87 -00; Request for planned
development of property for residential development, approval of a vesting
tentative tract map fo 5 -lot subdivision allowing the development of 145 dwelling
units, and environmental revs Jet -Ski Development, applicant.
Staff reported the applicant filed a request for a contin to January 10, 2001.
There were no comments or questions of staff. 1-26
Draft Planning Commission Minutes
December 6, 2000
Page 2
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENT
Tom Cantrell, 4584 Ranchos Drive, had staff review the recently annexed land and its
zoning.
Seeing no further speakers come forward, the public comment session was closed.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commr. Aiken moved to continue this item to January 10 2001. Commr. Cooper
seconded the motion.
AYES: Commrs. Aiken, Cooper, Loh, Osborne, and Ready
NOES: None
REFRAIN: None
The motion carried 5 -0. Commissioners Peterson and Whittlesey were absent.
2. Citywide: TA 155 -00; Zoning code amendment to consider the limitation of
warehouse store floor area devoted to non - taxable items; City of San Luis Obispo,
applicant.
Associate Planner John Shoals presented the staff report and recommended that the
Planning Commission recommend that the City Council not adopt an ordinance, finding
it to be inconsistent with the General Plan and in conflict with the present City practice
of allowing free - market competition to determine the type and operation of businesses
in the city.
Commr. Aiken asked if other comparable text ordinances passed by Arroyo Grande,
Paso Robles, Santa Maria and SLO County were in place prior to development of big
box stores in their areas.
Associate Planner Shoals replied the first related ordinance was adopted by the City of
Santa Maria; Wal -Mart came forward and the City conditioned it to have no more than
eight percent of its gross floor area for non - taxable sale items. Costco was in place in
Santa Maria prior to this ordinance. Paso Robles followed with a similar ordinance;
Wal -Mart was in place prior to adoption of their ordinance.
Commr. Aiken had staff review the definitions of taxable and non - taxable items.
Commr. Cooper had staff comment on 1999 Assembly Bill 84 which proposed a 15
percent limit on big box retailers over 100,000 square feet, and the City's established
regulations that address concerns raised about large, new warehouse stores. He also
had staff review the success of cities that have passed similar ordinances.
Commr. Osbome asked Attorney Trujillo if the City has the authority to establish this
type of ordinance.
1 -2%
Draft Planning Commission Minutes
December 6, 2000
Page 3
ATTACHMENT - 5
Attorney Trujillo was not aware of any similar ordinances that have been challenged, but
felt this was an open issue.
Commr. Osborne stated the staff report commented that the City already has a process
to decide on projects, and stated that the City doesn't select companies, but determines
zoning and architectural standards.
Associate Planner Shoals agreed, noting that local controls deal with land use and the
use permit process.
Development Review Manager Ron Whisenand clarified that City Code regulates types
of uses and where those uses can locate in the city, but City Code does not choose who
that specific use or company might be.
There were no further comments or questions and the public comment session was
opened.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Bonnie Wall, 3860 South Higuera, distributed and reviewed a letter to the Commission
and spoke in support of big box development in San Luis Obispo. She felt many
citizens are wasting gas and contributing to pollution by driving to Santa Maria's Costco.
Glen Martin, 855 Olive, Arroyo Grande, is a local commercial property manager. He felt
the Santa Maria Wal -Mart accepted the City's eight - percent limit on non - taxable items
because it was easier than fighting it. He expressed concern over the growing variety of
products offered by the grocery stores, including professional and service businesses.
Bill Storm, 3057 South Higuera Street, #96, spoke about the pricing benefits of big box
stores.
Don Fielding, 60 Linda Lane, spoke in favor of the concept of the proposed ordinance.
David Garth, CEO of San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and registered municipal
advocate, spoke in strong opposition to the proposed ordinance. He noted that no
Chamber members have expressed support of this ordinance. He felt the government
should not have input on what a merchant sells, provided that merchant is selling a legal
product. Such an ordinance would be difficult to enforce.
Mary Jenny, 2282 Exposition Drive, supported the staff presentation and spoke in favor
of keeping tax dollars in the county.
Tom Murray, Arroyo Grande, commented on the possible business competition and
noted there would be no guarantee on which stores would be located in the city. Arroyo
Grande was told Target would be developed instead of Wal -Mart.
1 -28
Draft Planning Commission Minutes
December 6, 2000
Page 4
ATTACHMENT ' 5
Dave Cox, 1659 Frambuesa Drive, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Chairman,
spoke in strong opposition to the proposed ordinance. He felt consumers will be
impacted if the free market is limited or taken away.
Lary Houlgate, 1344 Hill Street, questioned the impact that an unlimited warehouse
store would have upon neighborhood grocery stores. He felt the ordinance would be
better than the bad consequences resulting from not choosing the anti - growth
amendment.
Marty Tangeman, 1010 Peach Street, representing Alex Madonna, spoke in opposition
to the proposed ordinance and stated Costco has filed a development application for the
Froom Ranch property and noted the Home Depot store has been approved. He
emphasized that passing or defeating this ordinance does not pass or defeat big box
stores.
Chris Ivey, United Food and Commercial Workers Union representative, displayed an
exhibit showing nationwide Wal -Mart stores that include grocery elements. He urged
support the proposed ordinance. He felt short- and long -term effects of this ordinance
would be crushing.
Patricia Willmar, registered municipal advocate representing the San Luis Obispo
Chamber of Commerce, stated city consumers would like to have a shopping choice;
passing this ordinance would limit choice. Government should not dictate the kinds of
legal merchandise that can be sold in stores. She urged rejection of this ordinance.
Sharon Brickell, 1632 Ramona Avenue, Grover Beach, Santa Maria Costco sales
auditor, stated tax revenue generated by Costco is very generous and noted 40 percent
of the store's business comes from north San Luis Obispo. She felt those who would
come to San Luis Obispo to shop at a Costco would frequent other city stores and
restaurantsl. She felt if Costco and Wal -Mart were unionized, they would not be before
the Commission this evening. She noted that Mr. Ivey, a previous speaker, represents
grocery workers and not the grocery stores.
Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, spoke in favor of an ordinance.
Seeing no further speakers come forward, the public comment session was closed.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
find them to be inconsistent with the General Plan and in conflict with the present city
practice of allowing free = market competition to determine the type and operation of
business in the city. Commr. Aiken seconded the motion.
Commr. Loh felt the General Plan thoroughly lists the land use, zoning, etc. Another
layer of piecemeal ordinances is not necessary. She noted that retail warehouse stores
such as Costco would not be located in neighborhoods or downtown; they are regional
stores and would be located near freeway access. 1 -29
Draft Planning Commission Minutes
December 6, 2000
Page 5
AMCHMENT -
Commr. Aiken clarified that the motion read: recommend that the City Council not
adopt any ordinance and find them to be inconsistent with the General Plan and in
conflict with the present City practice of allowing free - market competition to determine
the type and operation of business in the city.
Commr. Loh confirmed the motion as reread.
Commr. Osbome spoke in opposition of the motion as phrased. He could support
establishing an ordinance similar to the County's that would limit non - taxable sales in
these very large stores. He felt pay scales should be addressed as well because big
businesses are driving down the standard of living in many aspects.
Commr. Cooper spoke in favor of the motion, noting every development should pay its
way, but felt this would be the wrong mechanism to achieve this.
Commr. Loh felt the City can rely on its Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance to
help limit the sale of taxable and non - taxable items for grocers.
AYES: Commrs. Loh, Aiken, Cooper, and Ready
NOES: Commr. Osborne
REFRAIN: None
The motion carried 4 -1. Commrs. Whittlesey and Peterson were absent.
3
The Commission agre to cancel the December 20, 2000, meeting.
January 10, 2001 — Jet -Ski D lopment, 11955 Los Osos Valley Road proposal, La
Verne University review, and a frat ity use permit.
4. Commission:
A. Budget Goals:
Staff reviewed the Commission's 1998 -2000 goals an ated this the opportunity to
recommend 2001 -2003 goals to the City Council. Council be holding a community
goal- setting forum on January 17, 2001.
Commr. Cooper suggested exploring extending the commercial cor towards mid -
Higuera, felt a coordinated downtown parking plan is needed, and felt the re ionship of
the downtown physical plan to the General Plan should be addressed.
1 -30
ATTACHMENT - 6
Dear Commissioner,
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
rimc �I�ii�T - 6
12/5/00
Regarding Mr. Ivey's attempt to persuade local governments to limit business growth in SLO:
"Not a big box monopoly" as quoted by Mr. Chris Ivey, in the Tribune, but there is a super -
grocery monopoly. Instead of a Costco, he would probably support a Von's Pavillion. There
already is (in his words) "irreversible damage" to retail in SLO. Grocery stores already have
done the damage, by expanding into bakery, video rentals, donuts, flowers, plants, one -hour
film processing, dry cleaning, pharmacy, prescriptions, and in -store banking. Mega - Merger
grocery chains are stealing business from many local merchants already. Maybe the measure
or the ordinance should also restrict any grocery store over 45,000 square feet from devoting
any more than 25% oftheir stores to taxable merchandise or service centers. That would help
preserve a few local jobs, and prevent Food - for -Less and Ralph's from expanding beyond
their current 49,00 square feet with variances or exceptions.
I encourage the Commission to limit all types of new multi- category retailers or abandon this
union driven effort to limit businesses from attempting to keep retail dollars from escaping
SLO to other communities.
Thank you,
Frank Scott
SLO resident
1 -31
Diane Stuart - SLO Planning Commission'— gut
r, r•;, e n 77 m {
r,1 r.; WiL :i
I 1 1.1
From:
<Iferrero @co.slo.ca.us>
To:
<dstuart®slocity.org>
Date:
12/5/00 5:16PM
Subject:
SLO Planning Commission Input
Diane,
Please forward this message to the commissioners, prior to their meeting
tomorrow evening at City Hall. If you have any questions, please contact
me at this e-mail address or by telephone at 788 -2600. Thank you.
TO: JIM AIKEN
MARY WHITTLESEY
ALLAN COOPER
ALICE LOH
STEPHEN PETERSON
ORVAL OSBORNE
PAUL READY
My apologies for sending this message to you, in this manner. I will not
be able to attend your meeting on Wednesday evening but wanted to provide
my comments relative to the ordinance coming before you with respect to
large merchandise stores ( °big box° as they seem to be called) and
limitations pertaining to non - taxable merchandise areas within those
structures.
I do not profess to know the technical aspects or the political motivations
behind this proposal, except for the fact that it is tied to interests of
the United Food & Commercial Workers, and similar labor- oriented groups.
I'm sure it relates to some fundamental balance of trade issues with
respect to smaller and larger enterprises.
A more fundamental concern to me is what appears to be yet further erosion
of authority and latitude remaining in the hands of appointed and elected
officials. I would guess, in the past 30 years of my life (from the time I
left college until now), a book could be published to document the steady
removal and withholding of decision making from local (and even State)
officials, in the interest of favoring, or at least protecting more
narrowly oriented interests.
I think the Planning Commission and City Council should have a reasonable
level of authority to apply restrictions and place conditions as they might
see fit, from one sort of project to another. Furthermore, they should
have the opportunity to delay and research further before making decisions
within a somewhat free and broadbased selection of possibilities.
Piecemeal ordinances and regulations (installed to address very specific
issues) have the ability to undercut viable proposals... and that is not
fair. It also adds considerable expense in terms of time and material.
I urge you to give thought to taking specific actions and delivering
specific limitations, on projects on a case -by -case basis ... for the sake of
yourselves and your successors.
Thank you.
Lee Ferrero
President & Chief Executive Officer
Private Industry Council (PIC) of San Luis Obispo County
4111 Broad Street, Suite °A° �_��
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Diane Stuart - To: Planning Commission Members Page 1
From:
<WaagDiver@aol.com>
To:
<dstuart@slocity.org>
Date:
12/5/00 2:11 PM
Subject:
To: Planning Commission Members
To: Planning Commission Members (Jim Aiken, Mary Whittlesey,
Allan Cooper, Alice Loh, Stephen Peterson, Orval Osborne, and
Paul Ready)
Subject: proposed amendment to the General Plan which would put limits on
large new stores.
Dear Planning Commission Members,
1 am strongly opposed to the proposed amendment to the General Plan
which
would put limits on large new stores on the percentage of floor space devoted
to nontaxable sales items. This is anti -free market and anti - capitalism; this
is not my opinion - -it is an indisputable fact. This would strongly discourage
or rule out entirely such stores as CostCo and Home Depot. Currently, I make
one trip per month to CostCo in Santa Maria to buy supplies for my business,
as well as bulk grocery items for my family - -and I'm not the only one to make
these trips on a regular basis. Not only does SLO deserve the sales tax that
such
stores generate, but the environment does not need the added pollution
generated by otherwise unnecessary trips to Santa Maria. Also, I do not
believe
that such stores would put anything but the weakest grocers out of business.
The reality is that this is NOT about limiting big business in SLO, but
really about
bringing in union jobs at the expense of Right -To -Work corporations like
Costco
and WalMart. Let unions compete on a level playing field - -don't tilt the field
before the game even begins!
Tim Waag
Home Phone & Fax (805) 544-2109
Work Phone (805) 783 -2300
1757 Frambuesa Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
email: WaagDiver @aol.com
r., i, v, m.`., u 1
1 -33
James A. Cashin
1 Highland Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone 805 - 549 -0101 Fax 805 -545 -8330
December 5, 2000
Planning Commission
San Luis Obispo, CA
Gentlemen,
ATTACHMENT ' 6
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEC -62p
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Tonight you will be discussing a local ordinance regarding non- taxible food sales in
big box stores. I am totally against it. If the city wants to stop big box stores, just
pass an ordinance limiting the maximum square footage of new building construction
for retail sales.
This proposed ordinance, backed by grocery chains and unions, seeks to have the
local government dictate what large stores can sell. If passed it gives the grocery
stores a total monopoly in San Luis Obispo. I assume your are aware that within the
last year food prices at grocery stores in town have risen nearly 20 %. 1 keep hearing
if a big bad Costco ever opens in SLO it will severely hurt the poor grocery stores.
Baloneyfl Here is some real information:
Albertsons -1999 sales -$35.9 billion. Sales up 144% over 1998. They own Lucky,
Acme Markets, American Drug Stores, and Jewel Food Stores. (albertsons,com)
Ralphs -1999 sales -$45.4 billion. Sales up 6.1% over 1998. They own Food 4 Less
and are a division of Kroger Company, the nation's largest food retailer. (ralphs.com
or kroger.com)
Vons -1999 sales -$28.8 billion. Sales up 17.5% over 1998. They are owned by
Safeway who also own Pavillions. (vons.com)
Costco-1999 sales $32.16 billion. Sales up 17% over 1998. (type: Costco Wholesale
Corporation on Yahoo for info.)
We are not talking about little mom and pop grocery stores here. They are all massive
conglomerates and do not need the government to pass laws to give them a total
monopoly to sell food and guarantee their huge profits. All of us that are business
people have to compete without government help in the free, open market. It is not
always easy but it is our country's free enterprise system.
I urge you to recommend a "no" vote on this ordinance.
1 -34
Arras ,4ti,.nrT -.6
Robert L.Veldkamp.
240 O'Connor Way
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Email: slodeas►&-onenugin.com
(805) 541 -3241
Fax (805) 541 -5356
SENT VIA FAX
12/6/00
To: All San Luis Obispo Planning Commission Members
Fax: 781 -7173
Re: Proposed ordinance to limit grocery sales in big box stores.
Dear Planning Commission Members
CITY OF SAN LUIS 08ISPO
DEC _ 6 2V
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT I
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be unable to personally attend the meeting
tonight and wanted to give my input to the above proposed ordinance, so will have
to resort to this method.
My wife and I have lived in San Luis Obispo for 23 years and have 5 children. We
live just outside of the city limits but feel like we are a part of the city as most
decisions made affect us also. We make regular trips to Santa Maria to shop at
Costco and Home Depot because of the cost savings. We rejoiced at the news of the
proposed Costco here in San Luis Obispo. To limit what these stores sell is
protectionism at its greatest. Free enterprise is what has made this country great. I
have been in the carpet cleaning business here in San Luis Obispo for 23 years. My
competition is always changing and I have to keep up with the times if I want to stay
in business. Every time we go to Santa Maria to shop we see 3 to 10 people that we
know from San Luis Obispo. If the stores are limited in what they can sell, we and
I'm sure others will continue to go to Santa Maria. Keep the tax dollars here!!
Please do not limit the grocery space of these stores!!
Thank you for listening!!
Veldkamp
1 -35
=ROM : JV Ent h -r!ONE NO. : 544 1099 Dec. 0E 2000 10T :55RrIPI
77 6d. 1411-
December 7, 2000
The Honorable Alan Settle
Mayor
City Hall
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mayor Settle:
'1
<< .� C;
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
December 7, 2000 1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 -3278
(805) 781 -2777 • FAX (805) 543 -1255 • TDD (805) 541.8416
David E. Garth, President /CEO
Planning Commission
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Commissioners,
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
1 20M
j COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
On December 6, you will have before you a proposed amendment to the General Plan of the City of
San Luis Obispo which could have serious negative consequences to our city and its residents. This
ordinance, as it applies to limits on non - taxable items in large new and/or expanded stores,
challenges the very foundation of the free market system. It would bring into law an idea that is anti-
competitive and anti- choice.
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the process now in place whereby
each project before the city can be decided on its own merits and not arbitrarily eliminated based on
a percentage of non - taxable items formula. The whole notion defies common sense. For example,
should we also have an ordinance limiting how may dermatologists can go into a certain medical
building or what percentage of its square footage a bank may dedicate to its loan division?
This ordinance is being promoted as a way to stop "big box" stores from coming to San Luis Obispo
thereby protecting the small business owners. Nearly 80% of the Chamber's 1350 members are small
business owners who recognize the challenge to the free enterprise system that this amendment
represents. Whether we want or don't want a Costco or a Walmart in San Luis Obispo should not be
allowed to cloud the primary question at hand: Is the proposed amendment, on its own merits,
appropriate to put into law.
We encourage you to veto this ordinance and allow the current process that is in place to continue
to guide future projects.
Sincerely,
�z C_?��
Dave Cox
Chairman of the Board
1 -37
e -mail: slochamber ®slochamber.org • websites: www.slochamber.org www.visitsio.com
/o� c9 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
ti u+OORPORATEO 9y CITY COUNCIL ATTACHMENT �d
T AND
nnr +o. +o++ * PLANNING COMMISSION
C �P
C'Iel �' NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council and Planning Commission of the City of Arroyo
Grande will hold Public Hearings on the following item:
CASE NO. NIA
APPLICANT: City of Arroyo Grande
LOCATION: Citywide
PROPOSAL: Amendment to portions of Chapter 7 and Chapter 9 of Title 9 of the
Arroyo Grande Municipal Code establishing maximum building size
for commercial uses.
ENVIRONMENTAL
DETERMINATION: Exempt Per CCR Section 15061(b)(3)
REPRESENTATIVE: Kerry McCants, Community Development Director
This ordinance will amend portions of Chapters 7 and 9 of Title 9 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal
Code establishing a maximum square footage building size for commercial uses. The ordinance
proposes a maximum building size of 102,500 square feet in the General Commercial, Office
Professional and Highway Commercial Districts. A maximum building size of 30,000 square feet is
proposed for the Village Commercial.
In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines that there is no possibility that the
activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
Any person affected or concerned by this issue may submit written comments to the Community
Development Director before the Planning Commission or City Council hearings, or appear and be
heard in support of, or opposition to, the project.
Any person interested in the proposal can contact the Community Development Department at
214 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, California, during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m.). The proposed Ordinance will be available for public inspection at the above address.
IF YOU CHALLENGE AN ITEM IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY _THOSE
ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS
NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OR CITY COUNCIL AT, OR PRIOR TO, THE PUBLIC HEARINGS.
FAILURE O CONSTITUTE
COURT TO INVALIDATE THE ACTION OF THE LEGISLATIVES
FOR ANY BODY FOR WHICH
THE NOTICE WAS GIVEN.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
Date and Time of Hearing: Tuesday, December 5, 2000 at 7:00 P.M.
Place of Hearing: Arroyo Grande City Council Chambers
215 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, California 93420
CITY COUNCIL
Date and Time of Hearing: Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 7:00 P.M.
Place of Hearing: Arroyo Grande City Council Chambers 1-38
215 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
TO: CITY COUNCIL
MEMORANDUM
FROM: KERRY McCANTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: TERESA MCCLISH
ASSISTANT PLANNER
ATTACHMENT
ATTACHMENT
SUBJECT: PROPOSED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MAXIMUM BUILDING SIZE FOR
COMMERCIAL USES
DATE: DECEMBER 12; 2000
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council introduce for first reading by title only the proposed
ordinance entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
Amending Portions of Title 9 of the Municipal Code to Establish Maximum Building Size for
Commercial Uses" (reference Attachment 1).
FUNDING:
No fiscal impact.
DISCUSSION:
Recently, by consensus, the City Council directed staff to amend the Development Code
to establish limits on building size for commercial uses. The ordinance is intended to
address the impact of large retail stores on the City's fiscal and environmental resources
and protect the City's rural atmosphere that is emphasized in the General Plan.
The proposed text sets a maximum building size limit of 102,500 square feet applicable
only to retail stores or businesses. This building size limit would not impact independent
stores that occupy adjoining buildings and is intended specifically for "big box" stores.
As written, the proposed ordinance will not cause any existing commercial uses to
become non- conforming. The proposed amended text is included on pages 3, 7, and 12.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed code revisions on December 5, 2000
and adopted Resolution No.. 00 -1775 by a 4 -1 vote recommending that the City Council
adopt the proposed ordinance (reference Attachment 2). At the request of the Planning
Commission, staff has re- examined the definition of "Retail Store ", and made a minor
revision to provide a more accurate definition. • 1_39
ATTACHMENT 6
City Council
Ordinance Establishing Maximum Building size for Commercial Uses
December 12, 2000
Page 2 of 2
Since several members of the audience spoke about how the proposed ordinance affects
the Arroyo Grande WalMart store, Commissioners raised the issue regarding the potential
of WalMart to expand onto an adjacent building pad. The City Council adopted
Resolution No. 3200 in 1997 upholding an appeal regarding the revised development
plans submitted for the Central Coast Town Center (Five Cities Center). In the
Resolution, the City Council found that the intent of the 102,500 sq. ft. limit for building
pad Al (WalMart), was to limit the size of the largest major anchor store and to
incorporate many other additional shop areas so as to be compatible with the surrounding
land uses, community and respect the General Plan elements with regard to the rural
character of our community. The proposed ordinance now under consideration is
consistent with Resolution No. 3200.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Staff has reviewed this project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), the CEQA Guidelines and the City of Arroyo Grande Rules and Procedures for
Implementation of CEQA. It has been determined pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
CEQA Guidelines that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect
on the environment.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
A public hearing notice, 1/8 page in size, was placed in the Times - Press - Recorder. Staff
has received one letter opposing the proposed ordinance (reference Attachment 4) and one
phone call in favor. Several members in the audience at the Planning Commission meeting
spoke on record or signed a letter, which is incorporated in the attached draft Planning
Commission meeting minutes. `
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are presented for Council consideration:
Introduce the Ordinance;
Modify and introduce the Ordinance;
Reject the Ordinance,
Provide direction to staff.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 Proposed Ordinance in legislative format
Attachment 2 Draft Planning Commission minutes from 12/5/00
Attachment 3 Resolution No. 3200
Attachment 4 Letter from International Mass Retail Association
1 -40
memomnaum
DATE -0
ITEM # 7A
January 14, 2000
ty%a6
0,
TO: Council
- =' ;10911
"' IT T'cA:1
❑ r,L:c-_ c:
❑ SEC Dh
�[�g2Fit(6
❑ UTIL DIR
FROM: Sherry Stenda6 -
❑ PERS DIR
SUBJECT: Food Sales Ordinance
v Q, wh�sev�ctvl�
Agenda Item 1- January
16, 2001 Council Meeting
Phone messages and a -mails addressed to the Council have been received regarding the proposed
ordinance and specifically about Costco. Many are the result of the Costco correspondence to
Costco members. Provided below is a summary of those communications. Some of the
messages asked that Council vote yes or no on building Costco, while others spoke directly to the
ordinance. This summary represents those comments. Phone messages and copies of a -mails are
available for review in the Council Reading File if you haven't already read them on your
computer.
As of 1 -14 -01
For Costco 150
Against Costco 43
For the ordinance 6
Against ordinance 24
Normal distribution (red folders) will be made as letters arrive in the mail.
c: CAO
ACAO
Atty.
City Clerk
Whisenand
Stanwyck av
January 15, 2001
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Mary Kopecky, Assistant City Clerk
SUBJECT: Red File Correspondence for Public Hearing Item No. 1. Ordinance
Limiting the Floor Area of Non - Taxable Goods in Retail Warehouse
Stores Exceeding 90,000 Square Feet in Size
The attached letters, post cards, and facsimiles all pertain to Public Hearing Item No. 1
for the January 16, 2001 meeting. They are from different individuals and express
different points of view. They are not included in the January 14, 2001 "Food Sales
Ordinance" memorandum Sherry Stendahl prepared for you.
cc: Ken Hampian
Wendy George
JeffJorgensen
Lee Price
John Shoals
Ron Whisenand
Gazette
Tribune
Naomi C. Hoffman
20 Buena Vista Ave.
San Iris Obispo CA 93405
I
MEETING AGENDA '
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FROM : T PHONE NO. : 18055468928 Jan. 12 2001 10:10AM P2
JOIN E. VAN ETTEN
63 Coatenta Court • San Luis Obispo, CA__93441 • Phone (845)
Friday, January i 2, 2001
Mayor Allen K. Settle and
San Luis Obispo City Council Members
City Hall, San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
Re: Ordinance to prevent Costco in San Luis Obispo
Honorable Mayor and Council Members:
MEETING AGENDA
DATE L 1&-01 ITEM #
❑ I.IGMT TEAM
In
❑ FIN DIR
❑ FIRE CHIEF
❑ FW DIR
❑ rOLICE CHF
❑ REC DIR
❑ UT1L DIR
❑ PERS DIR
RECEIVED
.JAN 12 2001
3LO CITY COUNCIL
My wife, Sue, and i are opposed to the ordinance under consideration at the January
l6, 2001 Council meeting.
Once again, Alex Madonna has offered to fixing a busi ness to San Luis Obispo that
would offer a competitive advantage to the consumers of our city. Costco has agreed to
build a store on the Froom Ranch, where the Home Depot is now being developed.
Special interest anti - competitive forces, through the proposed ordinance being
considered, are attemting to prevent this addition to the . Froom Ranch that would be of
great benefit to the consumers of San Luis Obuispo.
Such an ordinance would discriminate against a large number of citizens who would .
benefit from such a business. Thcse citizens, mainly young families and seniors, are in
need of such-stores offering competitive prices that would enable them to survive on
limited incomes.
It seems ridiculous to force these citizens to continue driving the 60+ mile round-trip
to Santa Maria to patronize such stores offering these benefits. The other contradiction is
the thousands of dollars of tax being paid by these consumers to an area that does not
benefit the city of San Lids Obispo and county of San Luis Obispo. It is time to bring
these tax dollars back to our city and county.
In addition, such uneeeessary driving to Sanata Maria contributes significantly to
additional Air Pollution_
We urge you NOT TO PASS such a discriminatory- ordinance.
i
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e ✓1a
Phone: 805- 781 -9201
Mayor Allen Settle
City Hall
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mayor Settle:
CViNiitia Pekax
6163 Alta Mira Lane
San Loris Obispo, CA 93401
Fax: 805- 543 -8901
January 10, 2001
MEETING AGENDA
pATE -mail: pekargf @aol `com
✓jshoals d P.wni5P,na rat
It is with a heavy heart that I drive by the construction taking place on Los Osos Valley
Road. When we moved to San Luis Obispo four years ago, we believed that we had found
paradise. We felt that the slow growth and no -box store philosophies existing then would protect
this unique environment. The roads were not jammed with traffic. The hills were gloriously free
of rooftops. The downtown was alive and thriving, even winning awards.
Four years later we are saddened by the changes to this town. Maybe it's because people
who have lived here a long time no longer appreciate what they have. Maybe it's because there is
a Madonna who has an ax to grind with the very city that helped make him wealthy. In any event,
the roads have become congested thruways. There has been a rape of the beautiful Islay Peak
where ugly houses now sit where cows used to roam. The beautiful view of the hills of Los Osos
Valley Road is being destroyed by of all things a big box store. As for the downtown, the death
knell has started. I can tell you that I have lived in cities where the downtown tamed to vacant
storefronts as malls and box stores were built in the outskirts. Do we want this to happen to our
city? I do not.
I urge you to do whatever needs to be done to .protect San Luis Obispo. Unfortunately, it
is too late to stop the Home Depot. Its impact will be deadly to our wonderful local hardware
stores. But we can halt the Costco intrusion. Please support the ordinance that would limit the
amount of food warehouse stores can sell. That at least will be a step in the right direction and
give the message that we are not going to go the way of those other counties that have allowed
big box stores to ruin their cities.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Vr 'a Pekar r--
se.N 1 2 2001
SLO CITY COUNCIL
❑
p'lar ❑ u-!
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✓jshoals d P.wni5P,na rat
It is with a heavy heart that I drive by the construction taking place on Los Osos Valley
Road. When we moved to San Luis Obispo four years ago, we believed that we had found
paradise. We felt that the slow growth and no -box store philosophies existing then would protect
this unique environment. The roads were not jammed with traffic. The hills were gloriously free
of rooftops. The downtown was alive and thriving, even winning awards.
Four years later we are saddened by the changes to this town. Maybe it's because people
who have lived here a long time no longer appreciate what they have. Maybe it's because there is
a Madonna who has an ax to grind with the very city that helped make him wealthy. In any event,
the roads have become congested thruways. There has been a rape of the beautiful Islay Peak
where ugly houses now sit where cows used to roam. The beautiful view of the hills of Los Osos
Valley Road is being destroyed by of all things a big box store. As for the downtown, the death
knell has started. I can tell you that I have lived in cities where the downtown tamed to vacant
storefronts as malls and box stores were built in the outskirts. Do we want this to happen to our
city? I do not.
I urge you to do whatever needs to be done to .protect San Luis Obispo. Unfortunately, it
is too late to stop the Home Depot. Its impact will be deadly to our wonderful local hardware
stores. But we can halt the Costco intrusion. Please support the ordinance that would limit the
amount of food warehouse stores can sell. That at least will be a step in the right direction and
give the message that we are not going to go the way of those other counties that have allowed
big box stores to ruin their cities.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Vr 'a Pekar r--
se.N 1 2 2001
SLO CITY COUNCIL
FROM : McGonagi11
PHONE NO. : 605 541
5440
Jan. 12 2001
12:04PM P1
❑ FIN r:�
San Luis Obispo. CA 93405.4754
JAN 12'0:
3 ''.1 No.CC�a
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MEETING AGENDA
DATE 1' ITEM # 1
JOHX & MAR3LYN WIDEN
COUNCIL
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2095 Valle VmtaPlace
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San Luis Obispo. CA 93405.4754
G]'ATTORNEY
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Mayor ADM & Seek
FAX 781 -7109
Dear Mayor Settle:
We support a COSTCO store coming to San LUis Obispo for MUjOILS reaso &s:
1. There will not be any treed to travel to Sum Maria to gel suppLadgroceries-
2- An=ka was bulitt on free enterprise and the wish to keep it that way.
3. We resent loom goveaunent passing laws that are unnecessary and aritl-
competidve..
4. It would greatly increase tax dollars coming to San Luis Obispo.
Please consider the above and approve a COSTCO store.
Ices sabseitte4
john and Marilyn Kuden
I 1AAI
1 ?
sc 0 200
CITY
UN��L
MEETING AGENDA
DATE �-_ ITEM #
January 5, 2001
Last evening my daughter and I (registered voters) attended the Costco meeting at the
county library, and I am writing this letter to inform you of our views regarding Costco
coming into our area.
The men who were presiding over the meeting told us that there are 15,000 people in San
Luis Obispo County already holding Costco Membership Cards, and who are shopping
regularly at the Santa Maria Store. They cited the fact that since they market groceries in
larger quantities, and a limited assortment, the other grocery stores would not be affected.
They stated that contrary to what most people think, they do not pay minimum wages.
The starting salary is $10.00 an hour with added health benefits and chances for
advancement. They have a small turnover in employees. .
They, as you know, plan to widen Los Osos Valley Road to four lanes, and Mr. Madonna
has reserved enough land for an additional two more lanes if the need arises.
We both feel that having a Costco store in San Luis Obispo would be advantageous to the
residents here. We are already shopping at a Costco in Santa Maria, as are many others. It
would be convenient to shop in SLO, and I am sure you are well aware of the money it
would bring into the city.
They pay their employees a good salary, and this would benefit those looking for
employment that pays above minimum wages.
Their plans to widen Los Osos Valley Road would alleviate the traffic problem that has
existed for quite some time.
In closing, we ask you to please study the plans of the proposed Costco store, and the
positive influence it will have on our city, and vote `yes" when you meet to decide on
this issue.
Thank you for your time.
/� s o r� jr=-s cr i7 Ns o
-5- A1v, c-A - n 0 yo -s�-
'1QN 12 2001
3t0 CITY COUNCIL
2fOUNCIL
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To The City Council:
P- Wh'tsena
vd
Last evening my daughter and I (registered voters) attended the Costco meeting at the
county library, and I am writing this letter to inform you of our views regarding Costco
coming into our area.
The men who were presiding over the meeting told us that there are 15,000 people in San
Luis Obispo County already holding Costco Membership Cards, and who are shopping
regularly at the Santa Maria Store. They cited the fact that since they market groceries in
larger quantities, and a limited assortment, the other grocery stores would not be affected.
They stated that contrary to what most people think, they do not pay minimum wages.
The starting salary is $10.00 an hour with added health benefits and chances for
advancement. They have a small turnover in employees. .
They, as you know, plan to widen Los Osos Valley Road to four lanes, and Mr. Madonna
has reserved enough land for an additional two more lanes if the need arises.
We both feel that having a Costco store in San Luis Obispo would be advantageous to the
residents here. We are already shopping at a Costco in Santa Maria, as are many others. It
would be convenient to shop in SLO, and I am sure you are well aware of the money it
would bring into the city.
They pay their employees a good salary, and this would benefit those looking for
employment that pays above minimum wages.
Their plans to widen Los Osos Valley Road would alleviate the traffic problem that has
existed for quite some time.
In closing, we ask you to please study the plans of the proposed Costco store, and the
positive influence it will have on our city, and vote `yes" when you meet to decide on
this issue.
Thank you for your time.
/� s o r� jr=-s cr i7 Ns o
-5- A1v, c-A - n 0 yo -s�-
'1QN 12 2001
3t0 CITY COUNCIL
January 10, 2001
Mayor Allen K. Settle
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Mayor Settle:
P 01
MEETING AGENDA
DATE 1-16-Of ITEM # I
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I really feel a Costco will be beneficial to the San Luis Obispo community. Not only for
the convenience but the tax revenue it will bring to the area. With a lot of the range
ground and ranches being bought by trusts and then donated to a public entity and taken
off the tax roles, this area is losing a lot of tax revenue. Why have an ordinance that
would prohibit large stores on how much space they can have for groceries? The more
items sold, the more tax revenue to the city and county. It seems that the city and county
need to realize that this area will really be in trouble (schools and roads) if there isn't a
way to generate a tax base. Especially with the loss of Diablo Canyon taxes, this area. is
going to really feel the crunch in a few years. All this ordinance will do is hurt everyone
in the long haul. Please support Costco as is.
Thanks.
Gary B. Ketcham
Mailing address:
C/o Farm Operations, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
01 /11 /01 10:37 $18059295786 STATEWIDE SAFETY 0 001
Tamara Nicholas
January 11, 2001
Dear Mayor Settle:
MEETIN
AGENDA
JAN 1 5 1001
SLR =CLERK
I would like to express my support for a new Costco at the Froom
Ranch Development. I believe it would be in the best interest for our
community to have a Costco in our County.
However, I am not in support of the ordinance going before the SLO
Council on January 16, 2001, prohibiting large stores which devote
more than 5% of their floor space to groceries in SLO. As long as
supermarkets sell retail products, as well as, groceries, I think it is
only fair for Costco to be given the chance to come in and be just as
competitive.
From personal experience, I currently shop at Costco in Santa Maria
several times per month. I would much rather spend my money in
our own community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me
at (805) 489 -6129.
Sincerely,
Tamara Nicholas
CC: Alex & Phyllis Madonna
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Ronald A. Abrams
Attorney at Law
1653 Colina Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 544 -2155
January 8, 2001
Mayor Allen Settle
Vice Mayor John Ewan
Councilmember Christine Mulland
Councilmember.Jan Howell Marx
Councilmember Ken Schwartz
Re: Costco
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers:
MEETING AGENDA
DATE I " II k " ITEM #
I am writing in support of a new Costco in San Luis Obispo. I
believe this new store will be a great benefit to our city. The
project is consistent with the city °s general plan.
Like many of my friends and neighbors, I drive to the Santa Maria
Costco several times a month. The items I purchase there are not
usually ones I buy in this city. Costco brings a variety and value
that cannot be found in the city at the present time. It would be
unfair to deny the people of this city the benefit of a local Costco.
It is my hope that you will support
be located in San Luis Obispo.
Very;t ul yours,
Ron d A. Abrams
and allow the new Costco to
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SLO C1 I ' c' ` r.RK
January 7, 2001
Dear Mayor,
MEETING �� AGENDA
DATE a ITEM # 1
•11
JAN 1 5 1001
SLO CITY CLIERK
I am writing to request that you vote against the big box ordinance to limit the
amount of floor space that large -scale stores can devote to groceries. I
understand that it is backed by a coalition of grocery chains and clerk unions.
My family is one of the estimated 15,000 Costco members in San Luis Obispo
and while we don't live in the city, as a Los Osos resident, we shop mostly in the
city of San Luis Obispo. For us, going to Costco is an 80 mile round -trip. What a
shame to clutter up the highway and use all that expensive gas to go to Costco.
I know my neighbors make the drive regularly too.
Please take into consideration not only the city of San Luis Obispo but all of us
in the surrounding communities who depend on the city for our shopping needs.
Sincerely,
��esa
Shirley Gilbert
561 Santa Ysabel Ave.
Los Osos, Ca. 93402
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Mayor Allen Settle 4 C-4 twLtt)
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Allen:
MEETINU AGENDA
DATE.. -! .- ITEM # =
January 3, 2001
Re: COSTCO
It is our understanding that the City Council will be considering an ordinance
that could, in effect, prohibit or prevent COSTCO from opening a warehouse
in San Luis Obispo. We hope that you will not support such action but that
you will encourage COSTCO to locate here.
We have been COSTCO members for many years and shop regularly at their
outlet in Santa Maria. Not only does COSTCO have good quality and good
prices but their membership also has many other advantages. On a recent
vacation in Hawaii we rented a car for a week. We checked AAA, AARP,
Hertz, Avis, National, Budget, Thrifty, and other companies. We got the best
rate through COSTCO.
Through COSTCO sponsorship we have a "no annual fee" American Express
Platinum Cash Rebate credit card. Our annual rebate on such a card is always
over $150 or $200.
If you are not already a COSTCO shopper, you should be and you certainly
will want to be when a COSTCO comes to San Luis Obispo. We are regular
COSTCO shoppers all over the country (except in San Luis Obispo). As a
matter of fact, just last week while on Christmas vacation we spent over $600
at the COSTCO in Portland, OR. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have all of
the COSTCO advantages right here in San Luis Obispo? More of our tax
dollars would then be spent here.
As you know, we are not retired refugees from Los Angeles or the Bay Area.
We have lived in San Luis Obispo for over 45 years.
Please follow the recommendation of the city planning commission and
don't pass any ordinance which would prevent COSTCO from co ng MCEIVED
Sincerely yours,
�u J1
Mary Ruth and George R. Mach
1684 Alrita Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
JAN 1 5 2001
SLO CITY CLERK
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JRN 13'01 14:08 FR —0 7EI17109 P.01i01
MEETING a �� AGENDA
u usapLn DA ITEM #
& KOM C* San Lois Obispo, Ca 95401 FAX: (8o5 We7=wn.wm
T acsimile
To: Mayor Settle. Councilmembers Mulholland,
Schwartz, Marx. and Vice Mayor Ewan
@Fax: (805) 7817109
From: David Cole
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2001 @ 9:48AM
Re: Costco
Pages: 1. including this
I am writing this letter to let you know of the strong support my wife and I have for the
proposed Costco development. I feel that by having Costco in our town would only be
a benefit to this great city. The threat of having San Luis Obispo turn into a "big box"
town is very, very far from reality. It is far from reality because of people like yourselves
making good sound decisions that will benefit not only current residents of SLO. but future
residents as well. Please vote in favor of the Costco development.
David & Kelli Cole
L7 CPUNCIL
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01/12/2001 15:20
8057723258 MYERS DRILLING PAGE 01
MEETING AGENDA
ATE ITEM#.
Q
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DRILLI A
IL MVEK INC PQ B-- 74.2 • Norm
BaY, CA 934Q • UC-,V A572254
12 January 2001
Sari Luis Obispo City Council. .
AML: Allen X Scttex. Mayor.
Mayor SetdWand S20 Luis Obispo. City Councilmen: .
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Tis letter in being w = In
5Wport of the proposed building of a Cxistoo store . on the
Froom Ranch property, - it is disheartening to dftk that this project might be shelved 4m
time due to the proposed ordinance. prohibiting law storm which devote more than 5% of
their floor EP309 W groceries from being built in San Luis Obispo. 716 ordinance is
sponsored by a labor Um''on' for grocery cic& and does not reflect the opinion of the
general public.. A quick walls- through of the new Ralph's Markaplace(a union shop) m
Niadouria
Plaza would show that grocery stores in San Luis Obispo Are now sell ri
gymydimg from televisions to motor oil.
When casting your vote on January 16, 2001 for or against this ordinance please consider
who proposed this ordinance and why. Please also consider the economic benefits this
projects generates for &m Luis Obispo Temporary jobs will be created during the
construction of this project and long-to► employment OPPOMmitieii Will C369t upon ProJer".
completion SdCS taxes; generated will stay in our city because local rcsidmu will no
longer need to go the Santa Maria to shop at CaACO. Please do not cxvc into ft dW=dS
of a small labor union when the majority of your constiinents wiH benefit if this ordinance
is not approved.
Thank you for YOM consideration
sinur-ontly, -
Ronald I. Was
.4
MEEIiNG AGENDA
DATE t-4)] #=
• / San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
January 8, 1 1039 Chorro Streei a San Luis Obispo, California 93401 -3278
(805) 781 -2777 FAX (805) 543 -1255 • TDD (805) 541 -8416
David E. Garth, President /C
15COUNCIL O CDD DIR
ICAO O FIN DIR
Mayor Allen Settle 94CAO O FIRE CHIEF
Members of the City Council tj ATTORNEY O PW DIR
E�`CLEFWORIG O FOLICE CHF
City of San Luis Obispo 0 NIG'MT��Q' 0 REC DIR
990 Palm St. P1'1� O UTIL DIR
Wff_&a2UALE E3 PERS DIR
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 J. 5►+oals
Dear Mayor Settle and Council Members, ?,• Whis ena.nd
On January 16, you will have before you a proposed amendment to the General Plan of the City of
San Luis Obispo which could have serious negative consequences to our city and its residents. This
ordinance, as it applies to limits on non - taxable items in large new and/or expanded stores,
challenges the very foundation of the free market system. It would bring into law an idea that is anti-
competitive and anti- choice.
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the process now in place whereby
"ch project before the city can be decided on as it is proposed and not arbitrarily eliminated based
a percentage of non - taxable items formula. The whole notion defies common sense. For
example, should we also have an ordinance limiting how may dermatologists can go into a certain
medical building or what percentage of its square footage a bank may dedicate to its ioan division?
It's interesting to note that the union organizer who promotes this ordinance refers to it as an
"insurance policy." Who would be the beneficiary of such a policy? Certainly not businesses who
believe in the free enterprise system and the customer's right to choose.
This ordinance is being promoted as a way to stop "big box' stores from coming to San Luis Obispo
thereby protecting the small business owners. Nearly 80% of the Chamber's 1350 members are small
business owners who recognize the challenge to the free market system that this amendment
represents. Whether we want or don't want a Costco or a Walmart in San Luis Obispo should not be
allowed to cloud the primary question at hand: Is the proposed amendment, on its own merits,
appropriate to put into law.
We encourage you to veto this ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission and allow
the current development review process to continue as our guide for future projects.
Sincerely,
�, 7 ave L
Chairman of the Board
-11OW00 u10 018
100a 6 0 Ndr
e -mail: slochamber@slochamber.org c websites: www.slochamber.org www.visitsio.com
Lee Price - January 16 Mtg: Public Hear Comments on Ordinance on Floor Space Page 1
MEETING AGENDA
DATE ' -Iio ° f ITEM # =
From: "Vickie Backman" <vbackman @charter.net>
To: <asettie @slocity.org >, <jewan @slocity.org >, <jmarx @slocity.org >,
<kschwartz @sloclty.org >, <cmulholland @slocity.org>
Date: 1/16/01 3:55PM
Subject: January 16 Mtg: Public Hearing Comments on Ordinance on Floor Space
City Council members:
I am a ten year resident of SLO and a 25 year resident of SLO County. My
children were bom here, and are in school here, or will be some day. I
care about this town, its people, and its environment, and that is why I
must comment on your proposed actions. I have talked with many of my
neighbors, and they all shared my concern on this issue.
The anti - Costco ordinance limiting types of merchandise that "warehouse"
stores can sell should be rejected. I am amazed that the city council would
consider such an anti- environmental and anti - resident proposal. The
proposal is anti - environmental since it results in greatly increased auto
emissions. Thousands of SLO city residents currently make monthly sojourns
to COSTCO to buy food and other items at bargain prices. These people are
driving their SUVs, large trucks, and vans 70 miles or more round trip,
wasting their own precious time on the commute, and polluting every city
they pass through.
The proposal is anti - resident since it attempts to maintain an artificially
high cost -of- living in SLO. Why can't we have reasonably priced shopping
here? Do you really feel the need to protect the small, family run grocery
stores in town such as Vons, Albertson's and Ralph's? Who are you kidding?
COSTCO does not compete with small shops, and their extra large items and
limited selection are not for everyday shopping. I have a baby, and
diapers and wipes from COSTCO are saving us at least $20 every month. Most
residents of SLO, including the students, are leaving town at least once a
month to shop at Costco, K -Mart, Wal -Mart, or Target. Do you have any idea
how much sales tax money you are throwing away?
I do not believe it is the council's job to look over developer's shoulders
and approve their lessees. Stores come and go over time. I have seen
Korbs, Sears, Penney's, and Riley's all leave downtown, and seen Beno's (and
many others) come and go at Madonna Mall. Products come and go too. Our
downtown has done very well, and we can be proud of the mix of local and
national stores we have. The Copeland project was a great success, and has
given downtown a new lease on life. When the council tries to get involved
we have terrible disasters, such as the Gottschalks /Embassy Suite travesty.
The council needs to concern itself with the overall size and appearance of
proposed developments, and consider their physical impacts on
infrastructure, and get out of the marketing side of the stores.
We do not live in a communist country, although some council actions seem to
suggest it at times. Stop trying to legislate which stores belong here and
what they can sell. Start working on the city greenbelt and infrastructure.
Vickie Backman
Poppy Lane
San Luis Obispo
EIVED
JAN 16 2001
SLO CITY CILERK
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Dear Allen Settle, 01 /1 0
Regarding Mr. Ivey's attempt to persuade you to limit business growth in SLO:
This is not a Costco issue, nor a traffic issue. It is about the Retail Clerks Union pressuring
elected officials to penalize any large volume business that is non - union. Mr. Chris Ivey
would like to preserve the current super - grocery monopoly. (Instead of a Costco, he would
probably support a Von's Pavilion.)
Traffic issues are always handled quite well in the planning approval process. Let these
developers pay for the widening of LOVR. Traffic over the LOVR/101 interchange will
probably decrease since Morro Bay and Los Osos residents will not use it to go to and from
Santa Mafia's Home Depot or Costco.
There already is (in his words) "irreversible damage" to retail in SLO. Grocery stores already
have done the damage, by expanding into bakery, video rentals, donuts, flowers, plants, one-
hour film processing, dry cleaning, pharmacy, prescriptions, and in -store banking. Mega -
Merger grocery chains are stealing business from many local merchants already. Maybe the
measure or the ordinance should also restrict any grocery store over 45,000 square feet from
devoting any more than 25% of their stores to taxable merchandise or service centers. That
• would help preserve a few local jobs, and prevent Food - for -Less and Ralph's from expanding
beyond their current 49,000 square feet with variances or exceptions.
If this ordinance passes, we will need to pass others that prevent grocery stores from losing
business ... such as Video stores selling candy bars, Gas Stations selling sodas and snacks,
Farmer's Market selling produce. Imagine, if by appeals, by precedent, or stretching the laws,
Mr. Ivey could attempt to have this ordinance apply to any Farmer's Market over his square
footage limit. (not too far a stretch, we used lawsuits to recount Florida votes)
I encourage the City Council to continue the public's and Planning Commission's opposition
to this anti- business effort by Mr. Ivey. The City Council should not limit all types of new
multi - category retailers and should abandon this union driven effort to limit businesses from
attempting to keep retail dollars from escaping SLO to other communities.
Thank you,
Frank Scott
SLO resident
GreatScott@.fix.net
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01/16/2001 09:19 E05237-12 SWEETWATER PAGE 02
h,EETI►VO AGENDA
DATE V641 ITEM #
•
January 13, 2001
TO: San Luis Obispo City Council
Re: Costco
This letter is to request approval of the Costco store in San
Luis Obispo. While we understand the desire to protect smaller
retail stores from the "big box" competition, it is our feeling
that this won't be a big factor in the long run. We lived in
Santa Cruz at the time a Costco opened there (with similar
opposition). It proved to be no problem to the downtown area,
because people who traveled any distance to go to Costco seemed
to "make it a day of shopping" and visited the downtown stores as
well. We shopped there only for big items that our local
groceries did not always carry and continued our regular grocery
shopping at our favorite store. Previous to Costo's opening, we,
and many of our friends and neighbors, drove to Seaside to shop
at Costco, which is the same situation here with people we know
driving to Santa Maria.
It doesn't seem that the appearance of a big box store in the
designated location will be out of line, since it has already
become an area of big businesses.
Alex Madonna has always been good for the City and his
development will be an asset and not a liability.
Thank you for your consideration.
azwy C� +E�.lL 47,
Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Trompeter
1922 Pebble Beach Court
Paso Robles, CA 93446
ECEIVED
JAN 1 � 2001
Sao CITY COUNCIL
01/16/01 09:34 F.4% 8055469993 MBE 01
VIETH G AGENDA
DA EM #
•
January 15, 2001
Bud Wampler
10 Verde Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Mayor Allen K. Settle
FAX: 781 -7109
Dear Mayor Settle:
The ordinance coming before the City Council on January 16th prohibiting large stores •
which devote more than 5% of their floor space to groceries is a discriminatory business
practice and against the free enterprise system upon which our country was built upon.
I have lived in this community for over 48 years and would very much like to see
COSTCO come to San Luis Obispo. The sales tax generated by COSTCO will stay in
our City rather than going to Santa Maria. COSTCO will also provide new jobs for our
local residents and another much needed shopping alternative.
This ordinance should not be passed as it is unnecessary, anti - competitive and totally
supported only by large grocery chains. Please do the right thing and welcome
COSTCO into our community.
Sincerely. , 7
l�lJ
Bud Wampler
;EIVED
SLO CITY COUNCIL •
FROM H.F.MAGER.INC. (805)54 1193 FAX541 -5346
January 16, 2001
Mayor Allcn K. Settle
San Luis Obispo City Hall
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
01.16.2001- 10:55 P. I
H. F. MAGER, INC.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
1149 MARSH 8T. 807.641 -2197
BAN LUIS OBIBPC. CALIF. 90401
:IZETI Gib - AGENDA 1
E UE ibl i i 41 #
RE.: Sul)pc►rt fur a Costco store al Mr. Alex Madonna's Froom Ranch Project
Dear Mayor Settle,
1 strongly urge you to support a Costco store at the Froom Ranch project. In my opinion
the project and site are excellent fbr the following reasons.
i . Access to the site is an easy off and back on to the freeway situation due to the
existing Los Osos ]toad exit. This also means there will be substantially no impact on the
currently clutlered traffic situation in downtown San Luis Obispo with its already
artificially narrow streets and poor parking availability.
2.. Being as close as it will be to Highway 101 puts the project in a. prominent location
perfect for snagging revenue from travelers passing along this busy San Francisco to L.A.
corridor that otherwise may travel on through our city without stopping.
3. Shopping prices in San Luis Obispo are definitely higher than fair in all respects. We
are without a doubt the most expensive community in our county and I frequently hear
people talking about taking their big shopping day business to the South county areas. I
have never mct anyone f om the 5 cities area South of us that would ever choose to Shop in
San Luis Obispo instead of Santa Maria even though they are equidistant from both cities.
We need this Costco store to promote more competitive prices.
4. The site is in an area already built up with car dealerships and other commerce.
Thelefore, it will not be out of character when developed. Hopefully out of [owners coming
to those car dealerships, stopping at the exit gas station, the nearby motels, Margie's Diner,
oT -,it can he further enticed to shop at the Costco store and vice versa.
i
FROM H.F.MAGER,INC. (805)541 -2193 FAX541 -5346 01.16.2001 10:57 P. 2
j H. F. %LAGER, INC.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
1149 MARSH ST. BOS-541 -8193
BAN LUIS OBIBPO, CALIF. 97401
I was born in San Luis Obispo in 1950 and except for 3 years, have lived here all of my
lilb. 11 is truly annoying to listen to self proclaimed "long term residents" who moved here
From the L.A. area 5 years ago or so talk :about the need to limit growth now that they are
here of course. I am watching each of my 4 children grow up an leave the area due to lack
of adequate opportunities. The City of San Luis Obispo has forever been a special club
for downtown and Cal Poly only related ;businesses that behave for all practical purposes
like a trust doing their selfish best to ullfairly limit competition. The opposition to this
Costco store is no exception. It is ridiculous to listen to hypocritical complaints against
C,()S1GO leaving floor space for groceries when one can go to Von's for instance which also
contains a bank, a pharmacy, nursery products, etc.
)'lease do your best in support of the Froom Ranch l'mject.
Sincerely,
1.1.'. Magcr
SE, 2:376, CE 28066
2
•
•
Jan 16 01 11:37a C--troller P ^5- 597 -8506 p.l
•
•
Wade O'Hagan
1233 Oceanaire Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805)544 -4002
Mayor Allen Settle
City of San Luis Obispo
900 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mayor Settle:
NI i ';! rl `
—' r' ^' 1
M I �' � l Lfdi if
January 16, 2001
SENT VIA FAX: 781 -7109
This letter is in support of the proposed Costco at the Froom Ranch site and in opposition
to the proposed ordinance that would prevent stores with a certain proportion of retail
space from selling grocery items.
This ordinance is an example of a law trying to regulate the free market economy and
limit the personal choices of its citizens. The proposed ordinance before the City Council
is too much of a blunt planning instrument and it endangers the potential viability of not
only the Froom project but others in the future. I know many citizens are concerned with
growth and the effect of big box stores in our community. But lets deal with these
projects through planning and careful review of those projects. If this ordinance goes
through, what products will we try to dictate to private businesses that they can sell next?
Maybe Carl's Jr. should'shut down the Green Burrito since it is competing with Taco
Bell, or Barnes and Noble should not sell CD's since it is competing with The
Wherehouse, or maybe Albertsons or Ralphs should pull all retail items from their
shelves since they are competing with other retailers like Costco.
Also, Costco would bring much needed business to the City and County. We are already
seeing the effects of the Diablo Canyon write down of assets and the effect on the tax
base. How is that revenue going to be replaced? San Luis Coastal schools are already
cutting back on education programs. How much longer before the city and the county
need to start reducing their budgets and staffs?
Home Depot is already going into the project and Costco will only add to the chances of
success for the center. Please let the project go through as needed and vote against this
ordinance that runs contrary to the freedom of choice and faith in our free market that our
economy is based.
Thank you Mayor Settle for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Wade O'Hagan
JAN 1 6 2001
SLG '1 : E F
From: <webserver @ slocity.org> -1 L -- i' =al d
To: <behrbar@slocity.org>
Date: 1116/01 8:06AM
Subject: City_Web_Visitor_Comments
Today's Date: 1/16/01
Visitor's Name: Marcia Burns
Address: 1028 Chorro Street
City: San Luis Obispo
State: CA
Zip Code: 93401
Phone: (805) 541 -4616
Fax:
Email Address: Marciaburns@hotmail.com
Comments /Questions: While I will not be able to attend the discussion on the subject of COSTCO this
evening, I would like those making
decisions on the matter to realize that the choice is not whether or not we shop at COSTCO. We already
do. Your choice is only whether we do
our shopping in San Luis Obispo or in Santa Maria.
JAN 1 6 2001
SLO " f ='RK
•
'0116 '01 13 :14
•
Jan 15, 2001
ID :SSF
City Hall
Mayor Allen K. Settle,
FAX :805239a4�4
PAGE 1
We are North County residents and are regular shoppers of Costco, Santa Maria. We would love
to see the new Costco find a home in San Luis Obispo. It would be a wonderful addition to
shopping in your city.
Supporters of Costco - Paso Robles
JAN 1 6 2001
SLG C. ; CLERK
01 -16 -2001 01 :46PM FROM Madonna Construction Co. TO 7E17109 P.01
iIET11NG AGE -INS
ATE J -1 -1 i`Livi #_._L_
January 15, 2001
Mayor Allen K. Settle
City of San Luis Obispo
FAX: 781 -7109
Dear Mayor Settle:
I am writing this letter in support of the proposed building of COSTCO on the
Froom Ranch in San Luis Obispo. I am currently driving 60 miles roundtrip to
Santa Maria to shop at COSTCO and am tired not only of the drive; but, of leaving
my tax dollars in their community for their benefit.
The ordinance you will be considering on January 16th is solely an attempt by the
grocery chains to stop competition from coming to San Luis Obispo. Not only is this
ordinance unnecessary, it is against our free enterprise system and should not be
approved.
Please do not give into the demands of a small special interest group when the
majority of the community members would greatly benefit by the arrival of
COSTCO in our town.
Tim Twisselman
P. 0. Box 4709
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
I JAN 16 7001
SLO CITy C��NC/C
•
n
JAN -15-01 MON 15-:27
January 15, 2001
To: Mayor Allen K. Settle
c/o City Hall, San Luis Obispo via fax #781-7109
Re: Costco application for a development plan
Dear Mayor Settle:
I am writing to express my smoQrt of the development plan submitted by Costco
to be located on the Froom Ranch.
P. 01
As a 18 year residence of the City of San Luis Obispo, a business owner, and an active
participant with the development of a sustainable economy in our County, I feel a Costco
would fit well in our City. Costco's presence will provide an excellent source of tax revenue
currently lost to Santa Maria and provide products not currently available in our City. It is
unquestionable that millions of County dollars leak to Santa Maria each year due to Costco's
presence there. It is time to keep these local dollars in the local economy.
I do not support anti-competitive ordinances, such as the floor space product requirements. If
this were to be enacted, other industries such as hotels, restaurants, office supply, automotive,
construction supply, etc. could then argue that competing products with their industry should
be curtailed so as not to potentially over supply the area, and reduce their market share. This flies
in the face of the free -enterprise system our country was founded upon. Costco must be allowed
to choose their product mix that fits their business plan, and be approved accordingly.
I support Costco's request to build their store & stock the shelves as they feel fits our area.
Yours and the Councils support is respectfully requested. Thank you.
Res tfully sub fitted,
Bill Hockey
389 Montrose Dr.
San Luis Obispo
cc: A. Madonna
01/15 '01 14:13 ID:SSF FAX:8052394164 PAGE 1
Jan 15, 2001
City Hall
Mayor Allen K. Settle,
We are North County residents and are regular shoppers of Costco, Santa Maria. We would love
to see the new Costco find a home in San Luis Obispo. It would be a wonderful addition to
shopping in your city.
M 0- e� V., V-%- S " r t' e—Q.t�-V-A
Supporters of Costco SLO V 1�So L411-.
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MEETING AGENDA
CashinDATE1-,=1TEM #_
San %uts O ispo, CA 93405
905/549-0101
January '16,2.0(11
San Luis Obispo City t_owicil Member
Vice Mayor John Ewan
RF: Costco Warehouse and Food Space Limitation Ordinance
We moved our business to SLO approxiulately three years ago. If we were aware then of the
high cost of individual living we would never havemoved our compeuty here. The cost of living
for our employees is prohibitive. You.need to do everything you can to help make life more
affordable for the worker-, of your community. Restricting a store such as Costco isnot helpful to
the average person.
Yes, we love the downtown area, but it does not serve the everyday living needs of average
working people. It is wonderful street to hold a street fair or the Farmers Markct. It is a
wonderful street for -special" items or clothes, h»t it is not an everyday shopping trip place. Yes,
we love and appreciate Ile open areas of SLO. We thoroughly support the green belt prnjPct anti
would love to see more land placed into that project. I Ioweve'r, it seenis that somewhere in this
area there is room for one Costco.
We feel thal yuur ntuve to limit the size of a store like Costco is devisive and 1 am sure unlawful.
Thesc are very large companies, they do itut need to be protected by you. I thought that in this
country we advocated free enterprise. Since when does the local goverlwiertt get involved in
dictating where and how people shop? Itis not your job to support unions and that is what your
doing if you pass this ordinance. If you limit c: osteo will you in tum limit the grocery stores? Will
you tell Ralph's to stop selling smd1l appliances and camping equipment? Have you seriously
walked down the aisles of the new Ralph's and noticed all the "nun -food" items they sell? What
about the photo sections or the dry cleaners that Von's has? Flowers, since when have flowers
been a food.related item? You are opening a Pandora's box with this ordinance.
I realize that.most everyday the Tribune has.letters from people protesting these "hox stores,` but
tell me, if so many people hate them why are the parking luts full? Look at the shoppers in the
Gottschalk mall. Look at the shoppers at the Arroyo Grande Wal-Mart store. A lot of
somebodies-, that don't write letters are out shopping.
Please, let me spend my utuney in SLO and not Santa Maria. I might add that T wiU continue to go
to Santa Maria rather than over the grade. to Atascadero should they beta Costco.
Thank you for reading my cnmmentc.
Very truly yours,
FeliCia M. Cashin
JAN -16-01 03:53 PM HEGGARTY
805 237 2425
MEETI --I pi ENDA
DATE
J
P.02
i
From: "Rita M. King" <RKing@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle @ slocity.org>, <jewan @ slocity.org>, <cm ulholland @ slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 14, 2001 10:15 AM
Subject: Reaction to Possibility of Costco in SLO
January 14, 2001
To: Mayor Allen Settle
Vice Mayor John Ewan
Councilmember Christine Mulholland
Councilmember Jan Howell Marx
Councilmember Ken Schwartz
From: Dr. Rita King, Professor
Cal Poly State University
Subject: COSTCO POSSIBILITY IN SLO
Please do not bring Costco to San Luis Obispo. I know that bringing large-scale retail businesses here will
destroy the life that people who live here value.
You must receive this message often, but San Luis Obispo residents are blessed to enjoy relative
calmness in a way that most people in our state and nation wish they could achieve in their communities.
There is not a doubt in my mind that bringing big retail businesses to our town such as Costco will erode
our inner and outer serenity. I just travel in any direction and realize how grateful I am to live here.
Therefore, I ask you from my heart to please vote "No" to bringing Costco to San Luis Obispo.
From: Jeff& Ryan <jeffandryan@thegrid.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 14, 2001 8:37 AM
Subject: Costco
Get the place put in. It's about time the money stayed in San Luis rather
than going to
other cities.
Jeff Kimball
From: Jacqueline Thomson <jgthmsn@ibm.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 8:40 PM
Subject: Hearing 1/16/01
John R. Thomson
640 Rancho Oaks Lane
San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401-8107
Phone 805/543-3146 Fax 805/543-6983
January 13, 2001
Mayor Allen Settle, Vice Mayor John Ewan, & Council members
Christine Mulholland, Jan Howell -Marc, and Kenneth Schwartz.
990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401
Re: Costco in San Luis Obispo
Dear Mayor Settle, Vice Mayor Ewan and Council members
Mulholand, Howell -Marx, and Schwartz.
I am a 63 -year resident of San Luis Obispo, graduated from SLO High
School with the class of 56 and have owned a business here for 37
years. Although my residence is just outside the city limits, I do own
property at 385 San Miguel, which has been in my family since 1952 AND a
family member still resides there, it's not rented to Students. In fact
my family has resided in this community for seven generations. .
As a native resident of San Luis Obispo I feel that I must voice my
opinion about the proposed Costco on the Froom Ranch. I am in favor of
a Costco, including grocery items in San Luis Obispo. I am one of about
15,000 people from San Luis Obispo who are members of Costco and drive
to Santa Maria to shop. My wife or I go to Costco on the average of 4
to 6 times a year and spend approximately $450 per hour while we shop.
Every time we are there we see more than a few of our customers, friends
and neighbors (all from San Luis Obispo) and have asked how often they
shop there. Most say they shop on a monthly basis. So who is benefiting
from the taxes we all pay? The City of Santa Maria!
As for the "small businesses" you are trying to protect. Luckys, Vons,
Albertsons, Smart & Final and Ralphs are not small businesses but large
corporations and Scolari's and Food 4 less aren't far behind. What
small business would Costco impact? We still shop at the locals
including the home town book store (did you worry about them), clothing,
tire, ear and eye doctor, photo shop (not the 1 hour kind) and use to
always shop at a home own pharmacy until there were no more (did you
worry about them?) And we shop several times a week at one or more of
the large chain grocery stores. This morning my wife and I decide to
list all the "small business grocery stores" that we could remember in
San Luis Obispo and we came up with 31.
MONTEREY STREET: Berkemeyer's Meat Market-Chorro & Monterey, Sauer's
Market with meat mkt -848 Monterey, Sinshimer Bros — 849, Muzio's (with
meat mkt) 870, Uptown Market -1200 blk, Scotts Grocery- 1371, Monterey
Market (now a video store across from Pepe Delgado's), O'Riley's Market
(later Burkes) at the comer of Monterey and Grand.
HIGUERA STREET: C.H.B. Market -661, Mission Market 699, San Luis
Grocery (J.J. Andre owner) 710, San Luis Market 715, United Meat Market
—714.
MARSH STREET: Sears Market — Broad & Marsh(Goodwill was there
recently), Pioneer Drive In Market — 890 (Barnes and Noble).
SANTA ROSA STREET: Northside Market — Murray & Santa Rosa, Sebastian's
(later Bjorkelunds) at the corner of Santa Rosa & Mill.
OSOS STREET: Welch Bros —1638 (Now Gus's), Osos Street Grocery (Floyd
Cook owner) 1601, Bells Grocery (then Parkside with a full butcher shop,
now a deli/convience store) 1401.
BROAD STREET: Wilsons Market- 2039, Broad Street Grocery -2040, Also
Polin/Truckan's Hawthorne market at Broad & South Street, and the Handy
Market at Orcutt & Broad.
HIGH STREET: Page Cash Store —420 and High Street Market—380(still
there).
SANTA.BARBARA STREET: Del Monte Grocery —301 (now a cafe).
CALIFORNIA STREET; Tuttle's Market (at Teft) with Butcher shop.
FOOTHILL: Edgemands and Martines' Foothill Market.
N. Broad: Ellsworths Market complete with butcher shop.
AND 1 more on Lower Highera Street where Ben Franklin's is now, Corly
Fry(an Old timer) was the butcher.
Now all these stores are either gone or have changed the type of
merchandise they sell. We the public have progressed to a different
level of shopping than our parents and grandparents.
But did the City Council of the 40's, 50's & early 60's "protect" these
store owners? No. Have you in the past few years protected the small
book store owners, the independent pharmacies? Do you protect the
small clothier from the department stores?
The city needs to progress with the times and think of the future not
stand still. The City stopped progress years ago when we didn't buy
into the water projects at Nacimento & San Antonio Lakes. It's roads
are overcrowded (try Broad Street at 5pm) because we keep encouraging
new business and residents but don't follow through with planned road
expansions ( why is Johnson Ave 4 lanes? Because it was the first phase
of future plans for the city when they widened it.)
And You all are about to buckle again, think only of NOW and not of the
future. I'm for Cosco, it hasn't made ghost towns of the cities and
towns where there are stores now. San Luis Obispo HAS changed since
was a child. I really think it was the best then. How many of the
present citizens of SLO lived here then? Did we (the residents of that
time) put up roadblocks to the progress of the past 50 years? Do you
have that right to do it now that you are a citizen and official of SLO
? Do you have the right to make this city so exclusive that our
children and grandchildren cannot make a living or afford a home in SLO?
It is for these reasons that my wife and I are asking you to reject any
ordinance that would prohibit Costco from establishing a store here.
Sincerely,
r
John R. Thomson
Jacqueline P. Thomson
Cc: The Tribune
New Times
From: "Ione Donati" <Donati@thegrid.neb
To: <iewan@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: Costo Store
Dear Vice Mayor John Ewan,
If we had a Costco Store in San Luis Obispo, it would save us — and others like us -- from driving all the
way to Santa Maria every two weeks or so to purchase groceries.
Along with Costco's quality and selection, their prices are the best available, and we would much rather
have our taxes go to San Luis Obispo than go to Santa Maria. I know we could use the tax money to pay
for needed repairs to our streets or other necessities.
Thank you,
Darwin and Ione Donati
1990 Hope St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Donati@thegrid.net
From: Ed Swain <ed.swain @ gte. net>
To: jewan <jewan @ slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 3:56 PM
Subject: Stop Costco
>From: ed.swain@gte.net
>To: jmarx@slocity.org
>Subject: Stop Costco
>Date: January 13, 2001
>------ —
»From: ed.swain@gte.net
>>To: asettle@slocity.org
>>Subject:. Stop Costco
>>Date: January 13, 2001
>>It has been 5 years since my wife and I moved to San Luis Obispo. Prior to this I was the president of a
>>major chain of retail stores,with several hundred locations. Many of these locations were whats now
called
>>a"big box" type operation. Earlier in my career I was responsible for finding locations and doing what
ever
>>was necessary to get the location approved by the various city councils and agencies. I attended
dozens of
>>city council meetings in small towns,all ways promising that we were not going to hurt the existing retail
>>environment. We assured every one that the smaller merchants could compete: "just give better
service"
>>specialize in merchandise that we don't carry,"and so on and on ... you get the idea.
>>Now a number of years later I very much regret my part in the damage done to many small towns thru
the
>>intrusion of stores that completly change the retail environment.
>>Each of the two new stores proposed for San Luis Obispo(Home Depot and Costco)will need to
generate
»60 million dollars in annual sales. When you take 120 million out of the existing retail mix in the city
>something
>>has to give. I understand that Home Depot is a done deal: this will only kill off the smaller hardware
stores
>>and lumber yards. When you add Costco, or another general merchandise operation,much more
serious
>>damage will occur,even to our unique downtown.
>>If it is your desire to preserve the San Luis Obispo
to
>stop
»Costco.
>>Ed and Darlene Swain
»5619 Tamarisk Way
>>San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
life style please take what ever steps are necessary
From: "David & Loretta Connolly" <fatboyfunn@yahoo.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cum ulholland @slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 3:37 PM
Subject: Costco
I am voicing my opinion on the Costco issue. A big YES!
I have lived in SLO for 40 years and would like a Costco here. I don't like to drive to Santa Maria all the
time for the bargains. To me that is taking money and jobs out of our area! So, please consider allowing
Costco here. Especially since you have allowed other big box stores such as W. W. Grainger, Food 4
Less, Staples, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Gottschalks, ect..... So, why not allow Costco in this
area. Also regarding your concern for the environment how good can it be for hundreds of cars a week to
be driving to Santa Maria with the emissions and fuel consumption required.
Thank you!
Mr. & Mrs. David Connolly
2501 Broad St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: "Barbara Ciesielski" <bciesielski@email.msn.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 1:37 PM
Subject: Proposed Ordinance Banning Costco
I want to let you know that I very much oppose the proposed ordinance
banning food sales in warehouse -type stores, such as Costco. Passing this
ordinance would virtually eliminate San Luis Obispo's opportunity to have a
Costco.
My husband and I drive to Santa Maria approximately six times a year to shop
at Costco and take advantage of their prices. We buy more than just food
there and, consequently, are leaving our sales taxes in Santa Maria. We
still shop for most of our groceries on a weekly basis at a San Luis Obispo
supermarket.
It seems to me that passing this ordinance will limit the shopping choices
we have in San Luis Obispo, eliminate competitive shopping that might become
available to us and, pass up a chance. for a significant increase in SLO's
sales tax revenue.
I hope that the city council will NOT pass the proposed ordinance.
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: "Stanton E.ower" <bower@surf ree.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 1:08 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear City Council Member,
This is simply to inform you that Beverly, my wife, and I are in favor of a costco store in San Luis
Obispo. It would not be difficult for me to write you 20 pages of 'why' ?... Be that as it may, please know
that we favor the project.
Sincerely,
Stanton E. Bower, D.V.M.
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kswartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<CalPsy@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Sat, Jan 13, 2001 11:57 AM
Subject:
Costco
Dear Vice Mayor Ewan:
I am a member of a fifth -generation San Luis Obispo family. My family
and I have watched our hometown change in shape and scope over the last 150
years. While I am extremely protective of our unique small-town appeal, I
also believe that progress does not have to be equated with a four-letter
word.
I realize that this last election resulted in a no -growth mindset with
regard to the majority of City Council members. Therefore, I am concerned
that this Council will try to stop the building of a Costco in our community
by passing the proposed ordinance regarding the sale of food. It seems
ludicrous to argue that one is protecting the rights of the mom and pop
stores (I only know of two in town) when the majority of grocery stores in
San Luis are the mega -chain conglomerates like Ralph, Von's and Albertson's.
In essence, you as an elected official would only be limiting my choices and,
options as a consumer. Ido not believe that this is your function as a
Council member.
My husband and I have shopped at Costco on a regular basis since their
opening in Santa Maria. We have spent literally thousands of dollars that I
would rather have spent here in my own community. I urge you to vote no on
the proposed food ordinance on January 16th and protect the rights of San
Luis Obispo consumers, rather than the special interests of big business
unions.
Sincerely,
Kathe Nunes Pults
1655 EI Caserio Ct.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: MILO E HUTCHISON <overload8@juno.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 13, 2001 8:48 AM
Subject: Costco
to Vice mayorJohn Ewan and concilmembers Christine Mulholland, Jan Howell
Marx, Ken Schwartz/
We support the building of the Costco Wholesale co. in San Luis.
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
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I AM TOTALL IN SUPPORT OF THE COSTCO COMING INTO SAN LUIS OBISPO!
Todd LeMay
Owner/Hairdesigner
The Bladerunner Day Spa
www.thebladerunner.com
From:
<TKLEMAY@aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Sat, Jan 13, 2001 7:08 AM
Subject:
COSTCO IS COMING
I AM TOTALL IN SUPPORT OF THE COSTCO COMING INTO SAN LUIS OBISPO!
Todd LeMay
Owner/Hairdesigner
The Bladerunner Day Spa
www.thebladerunner.com
From:
<JKingma@aol.com>
To:
<asettle @ slocity.org>
Date:
Fri, Jan 12, 2001 10:34 PM.
Subject:
Costco
Dear Council Member:
I am writing to you to voice my support for the proposed Costco for San Luis.
I am a very good customer of Costco and have been a member for at least ten
years. I feel that they have quality products that are hard to find other
places. They carry only the best items and have the easiest return policy
ever. I drive to Costco at least twice a month and spend around $800.00 a
month there. Then since I am already down there I go to Target, Home Base,
the mall and then to In and Out Burger for lunch. Putting a Costco here would
eliminate all the sales tax people like me leave behind in Santa Maria. San
Luis Obispo is a great place but there is no store for buying general
household merchandise. I am tired of paying two times what something is
worth in this town. Its not as though the pay scale here allows people to do
so. Please give Costco a chance!!
Judy Kingma
288 Los Cerros Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Dear Mr. Ewan:
<Davidrhumm @aol.com>
<jewan @ slocity.org>
Fri, Jan 12, 2001 3:58 PM
Poposed ordinance to be considered Jan 16
We are writing this because we understand you are considering an ordinance
that would make it impossible for Costco to locate in San Luis Obispo.
We are regular shoppers at the Santa Maria Costco and I understand that more
that 15,000 other families from this area also buy from that store. It saves
us a lot of money and is worth the extra time and gasoline that we waste
going there.
Surely a Costco here would be a benefit to many local people. Don't you
think the money from sales tax and property tax can be used for the good of
the city and county?
Please don't scuttle the effort of the proposed Costco effort to come to San
Luis. It would be a great addition to the city!
Very truly yours,
David and Nanette Hummel
1619 Frambuesa Drive
544-0642
From: "Kristine Walters" <walters0l @earthlink.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 12, 2001 11:24 AM
Subject: Costco in SLO - "YES"
WE WANT COSTCO in San Luis Obispo!!! We Are San Luis Obispo County
residents and drive regularly to Santa Maria to shop at Costco and Home
Depot.
The property which is proposed for development. already has an approval for
Home Depot. The shopping center will be quite large whether Costco is
approved or not. It a perfect site for large stores such as Costco,
being located on the outskirts of town. We are sure with all of the studies
that are required, the traffic will not be a problem if the roads are
designed to expected traffic loads. Let's keep the tax revenue in our
county and/or city, too!
We do not think this will adversely affect other businesses in San Luis
Obispo. It will only create an atmosphere of healthy competition. The
smaller stores in town often attract customers due to their excellent
customer service and expertise, such an Warnes Paints and Mission Office.
Most customers will remain loyal. In addition, the downtown core has a
charm that nothing can take from it. People will always want to shop
downtown and hang out there. It is an active, fun place to be. As for the
grocery stores, the competition will do them good in both pricing and
customer service. We will still shop at regular grocery stores in addition
to Costco. We do not always want the large portions that must be purchased
at Costco, nor do we always wish to wait in line there.
This property is being developed anyhow, so let's approve something that we
want!! Please vote "YES" for Costco.
Sincerely,
Lee & Kris Walters
1042 Pacific Street
San Luis Obispo
From: <ThereseSol@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 7:1.9 PM
Subject: Support for Costco in SLO
Please add our votes to those that have been cast in favor of opening a
Costco in San Luis Obispo.
While our first preference would have been to tear down the empty stores in
the Madonna Plaza eyesore, we are two of those locals who don't want to drive
30 miles nor give Santa Barbara county our tax support if we can help it.
As long as somebody has approved building so many more homes in SLO
(especially the Mountain View Terrace development), then the city ought to be
ready to support building stores to support the needs of those residents.
Please vote in favor of Costco on January 16th.
Therese and Bob Solimeno
From:
<RKFRANTZ@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Fri, Jan 5, 2001 6:48 PM
Subject:
Traffic congestion on Los Osos Valley Road
Dear Mr. Ewan,
I am very upset that the Home Depot project has begun on Los Osos Valley
road, yet I see no evidence that the roads are being improved to help deal
with the increase of traffic that the new store will bring. There already is
terrible traffic on that section of the read during the morning and afternoon
rush time. There must be more lanes added to deal with this additional
traffic. Also, Costco is proposing to add a store to the same area. This
city will soon be like any other congested city in California. I moved here
from San Diego to get away from all the congestion. Can't we stop all of the
new commercial growth before we become like Southern California?
From: Betty <BETTYSORRENTINO@webtv.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org> .
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 4:37 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Council:
I do NOT want a Costco in SLO. I'm totally against any big box
additions, and ANY unrestrained growth. Just take a look at the hills
down in PB/AG or the Five Cities area. Completely covered by houses.
We are on our way to another LA. Have you been down there lately? It
used to be pretty, desirable, etc. No more. Why? Because of growth.
Can't we learn from what's happened to LA? We're covering our ag land
with cement.
Betty Sorrentino
SLO
From: 'Jonathan and Carolyn" <SnorkySLO@email.msn.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 4:11 PM
Subject: Costco
My husband Jonathan and myself are definitely in favor of a Costco coming
to San Luis Obispo. We feel any derogatory reasons are vastly outweighed by
the good reasons to have such a store here.
Carolyn Bunting
From: "John Garrigues" <johninslo@hotmail.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 3:47 PM
Subject: No Costco in SLO Please
Mr. Ewan,
As one of your constituents, I wanted to express my opposition to the Costco
that is being proposed for Los Osos Valley Road. I graduated from Cal Poly
in 1989 and relocated to Roseville, in the Sacramento area. For the seven
years that I lived up there, I longed for the quality of life that I loved
here in SLO. In 19961 finally acted on that longing and returned. I
purchased a great 1920's home near the historic railroad district and have
been living there happily ever since.
One of the things that makes SLO such a great place to live is the absence
of big box retailers like Costco. I witnessed the arrival of several big
box stores, including Costco, while living in Roseville. It changed the
character of the entire town - from a friendly place you'd want to visit, to
one cheapened by crass commercialism. I know that we are a long way from
becoming like Roseville, but allowing Costco in is a dangerous step in that
direction.
I am a member of Costco, and yes, I drive to Santa Maria occasionally to
purchase things there. I'm willing to do the drive though - it's a small
price to pay if it helps to preserve the quality of life here in SLO. Even
without big box stores here, SLO still has a vibrant retail economy that
generates a lot of tax revenues for the city. Yes, Costco would bring more
revenue to the city but it would do so at the cost of our character.
Please consider these comments when voting on issues related to big box
developments in SLO.
Thank you,
John Garrigues
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
From:
M B <zzmb27zz@yahoo.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulbolland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@sloc!ty.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: ,
Fri, Jan 5, 2001 3:47 PM
Subject:
Proposed Costco in SLO
Dear mayor, vice mayor, and council members,
I am a student at Cal Poly and an off campus resident
of SLO. I recently received a letter in the mail
informing me that Costco would like to open a location
here in town. I currently am a member of the store in
Santa Maria. Just this week I have needed two separate
trips to Costco. With high gas prices and an
inconvenient location, such trips are undesirable but
necessary. I would like to voice my support for the
new store as it would provide lower prices for an
already poor college student (prices of food & gas).
This new location will also be an opportunity for me
to find good paying employment to support myself
before I graduate. I would appreciate your
consideration for a new Costco location in SLO, thank
you.
-MIKE BRAZIL
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Photos - Share your holiday photos online!
httpJ/photos.yahoo.com/
From: <tlhansen@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle @ slocity.org>, <jewan @ slocity.org>, <jmarx @ slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 3:37 PM
Subject: Costco, PLEASE?? M
Dear representatives:
I am writing this in support of Costco coming to San Luis Obispo. Please be
assured that this will not affect my shopping habits as they relate to San Luis
Obispo small businesses and/or grocery stores. I will continue to support these
local shops, but will simply be spending more of my tax dollars in SLO as
opposed
to driving to Costco weekly for the items I purchase there. Please hear the
voice of your constituents, even though your personal convictions may be in
opposition to "big box° stores ... there are many of us who would welcome the
opportunity to spend more time/money here in our own town. Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Terri Hansen
1020 Capistrano Court
San Luis Obipso, CA 93405
(805)541-0202
From: Cynthia Boche <cynthia@baileymed.com>
To: Allen Settle <asettle@slocity.org>, Jphn Ewan <jewan@slocity.org>, Christine
Mulholland <cmulholland@slocity.org>, Ken Schwartz <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 2:05 PM
Subject: big box ordinance/costco
Dear Allen, John, Christine, & Ken,
I sent the following to Jan in response to a question from her. She
requested that I forward it on to you as well:
> I voted against Chris Ivey s ordinance when it came to the PC because I
> felt that it was a protectionist measure for the benefit of one industry
> (and that it doesn't even protect truly LOCAL businesses!). I think a
> better, more comprehensive solution is a total square footage limit on
> any retail store in the city. Could staff be directed to come back with
> a draft ordinance to that effect at the same meeting so you'll have more
> options?
> I have never set foot in a Costco (or a WalMart or any other big box
> store) and don't intend to ever do so, so I can't be terribly objective
> about their merits or lack thereof. I don't want any big boxes, but I
> don't see how we're going to get out of it, so if you think Costco is
> better than others, I'll take your word for it. But let's really sic the
> ARC all over them to make sure it doesn't LOOK like a box and, like you
> said, extract as much open space as possible from Madonna both in the
> Irish Hills and perhaps on Cerro San Luis too. Also, I don't imagine
> businesses like that use much water -- could the City get some wells on
> the property for our water reserve?
> It really makes me angry that Alex Madonna and the Board of Supervisors
> put us into this situation of being forced to accept these big box
> stores. I think one of our highest priorities ought to be to figure out
> how to prevent other landowners on the fringes of the City (such as the
> Dalidios) from blackmailing us the same way.
> I don't think I've helped much, but that's' my 2e for now.
> Cynthia
From: Joe Brundage<jbrundag@bass.cuesta.cc.ca.us>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 1:37 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mayor Settle and other members of the City Council
My wife and I are residents of the city of San Luis Obispo. We are sending
this email to you to voice our support for the building of the Costco store
in our city. For years, we have had to travel to other cities to purchase
items (either because of cost, or because of availability). It would be so
nice to shop at home.
We find that most of the stores downtown do not meet our needs (we are not
young college age students or tourists).
Other than concerns on proper design and other planning department issues,
please do not block this store, just because it is "big".
Thank you
Joe and Carole Brundage .
612 Patricia Drive
SLO
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ s locity.org>
From: "Steven Potratz, Jr." <steven.jr®parable.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 12:53 PM
Subject: Costco
First off let me say thank you for all the work you do as a city council to
keep San Luis such a great place to live, work, and raise my kids. As a
downtown business manager, I want to voice my support for allowing Costco to
come to our city. I must admit to feeling divided on this issue at first.
There is no question that Costco does compete with me on some level. Often
product I have and retail price is sold at Costco for less than or equal to
my cost. Despite this, I think Costco would be a great addition to our
city, not only because I often shop there, but also because a lot of others
people from San Luis Obispo shop at Costco as well. Too much of
our(collectively, all stores in SLO) business is driving out to Arroyo
Grande, Santa Maria, and north so they can shop at stores like Costco and
Wal-Mart. A shopper that has to drive to Santa Maria to shop at Costco is
unlikely to do any additional shopping that day in San Luis Obispo. I'm
sure you can relate to this on a personal level. But a shopper who only
drives across town is more likely to spend additional money here as well. I
urge you to support Costco and the healthy economy we have here in town.
Steven Potratz, Jr.
Manager
Parable Christian Store of San Luis Obispo
http://www.parablesio.com
mailto:steven.jr@parable.com
°I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they
go flying by.° -Dilbert
From: Amber & Aaron Williams <asw_asw@pacbell.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 11:16 AM
Subject: Costco
As a resident of San Luis Obispo, I generally support the entrance of Costco into our community. My only
hesitancy comes from the aesthetics of such a structure (or lack of). Should you require the company to
build its wharehouse in keeping with the charm of our downtown area, similar to something like our Barnes
and Noble/Downtown Cinema complex, I see no reason why it wouldn't be a contributing addition to our
fine city.
Thoughtful and controlled growth is inherent in a thriving city.
Kindest Regards,
Amber S. Williams
221 High Street
From: Marcia Slagle <execjan@thegrid.net>
To: "asettle@slocity.org" <asettle@slocity.org>, Christine Mulholland
<cmulholland@slocity.org>, Jan Howell Marx <jmarx@slocity.org>, Ken Schwartz
<kschwartz@slocity.org>, "asettle@slocity.org" <asettle@slocity.org>, Vice Mayor John Ewan
<jewan @ slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 9:39 AM
Subject: Costco SLO Development
I have received a letter from the Chairman of Costco requesting that we
contact you to help promote their development.
I shop at the Santa Maria Costco and have no regrets travelling the
short distance. Please keep these big box stores out of our town. We
have a very special small and quaint rolling green hill community with
cows, and open land. I have treasured Los Osos Valley Road for years
starting when I was the manager at Howard Johnson's Restaurant. Going
to work and looking at the cows in the field started the day. Even
today 13 years later I enjoy looking over to my left at the vacant
landscape.
Why & "How" Alex sold out the community is unforgiveable.
Progress is not the material things you treasure in life. It is what you
do with the beauty surrounding you that will matter in the end. Stop
the growth. Santa Barbara did, so why can't we?
Marcia A. Slagle
From: Fred Dyste <dicetea@thegrid.net>
To: 'Jackie Frank' <#rank@costco.com>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 9:15 AM
Subject: RE: Leave San Luis Obispo alone! .
Dear Jackie,
I regret that I was not able to attend the meeting last night as the flu
that is going around got the best of me. I will strive to be in attendance
at the other meetings. I do appreciate your immediate response to my
e-mail. It is hard not to paint with the same brush when the canvas is the
same. A large piece of land centrally located, paved over with a large
architecturally benign box erected to sell mass quantities of consumables
to urban sprawlers. I don't see how you differ except that you say your
business focus is the small business community.
In your mailer you say the you have 15,000 card holders from SLO. How many
of these are the small businesses that you purport to serve? I am quite
certain that there are nowhere near that many small businesses around here.
I can provide you with an Internet e-commerce strategy that would address
the needs of small businesses in SLO and save Costco the time and money of
building a new outlet here. If you are really going after the consumer
base, I strongly believe that San Luis Obispo has enough food and retail
outlet square footage and geographic presence to server the needs of the
community for years to come. The addition of a Costco will diminish the
traffic to distributed centers of commerce and focus the it into a narrow
corridor that appears doomed to be a retail megaplex if all the developers
have their way.
If your business model is such that you serve the small business community,
why does an ordinance that prohibits you from selling consumer grocery
items keep you from opening this facility? Sounds like your marketing plan
and your business plan do not agree.
As for the UCFW having their self-interest in mind, what the heck are you
doing? You need to keep your job with Costco and Costco needs to keep
growing to support its existence. Your corporate self -interests are the
ones that come into conflict with my communal self interest in the area I
live. I lived in San Diego for 8 -years watching what Costco, Price Club,
Food For Less, and Home Depot along with the commercial and residential
developers did to the land and the community. I moved back to San Luis
Obispo because I wanted to get away from the blight that surrounds your big
boxes. Now you have caught up to me. We all have our self -interests
involved here. What differentiates us is that I live here and you do not. I
have to drive by your box, you do not. I have to deal with increased
traffic and acerbic attitudes that go with it. You do not. I have to deal
with the fact that some of my favorite stores will have to close their
doors and I will lose the freedom of choice. You do not.
I do look forward to meeting you and carrying on a person to person
discussion about this.
Regards,
Fred Dyste
-----Original Message ----
From: Jackie Frank [SMTP:jf rank@ costco.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 20014:41 PM
To: 'Fred Dyste'
Subject: FW: Leave San Luis Obispo alone!
Importance: High
Mr. Dyste,
I just wanted to let you know that your e-mail has been received. I am the
vice president of real estate and have been, and will continue to be
involved in this project. I hope that you will attend the open house at the
library on Thursday evening. I would certainly appreciate the opportunity
to
discuss your concerns with you. Oftentimes Costco is painted with the same
brush as Wal -mart and other mass -merchant retailers, and differentiating
ourselves from them is always a challenge. As far as Costco putting small
businesses out of business, Costco was founded to serve the needs of the
small business owner who would otherwise be forced to pay a premium to
purchase product through traditional wholesale distribution channels. Our
primary customer base is small business who purchases for commercial use,
personal use and resale. Don't take my word for it. Please contact the
Santa
Maria local Chamber of Commerce. I don't believe that you will find any
evidence whatsoever as to any negative impact to small business. On the
contrary, we have been open in Santa Maria since 1988 and have been a
friend
of the community and a responsible corporate citizen ever since. By the
way,
the proposed ordinance is being sponsored by the UCFW, the grocery worker's
union. I suspect that their concerns are more focused on self interest and
market share, than the charm of San Luis Obispo. Please come to the meeting
on Thursday, if you can. And if you do, please introduce yourself to me.
Thanks for your letter.
Jackie Frank
> ---Original Message----
• From: Fred Dyste [SMTP:dicetea@thegrid.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2001 2:39 PM
>To: 'jbrotman@costco.com'
> Cc: 'Allen Settle'; 'John Ewan'; 'Christine Mulholland; 'Jan Howell
> Marx; 'Ken Schwartz'
> Subject: Leave San Luis Obispo alone!
> Importance: High
> Dear MIS folks; This is for the Chairman of your company, Mr. Jeffrey
> Brotman, please make sure it gets to him. Thanks.
> Dear Mr. Brotman,
> I received a mailer from you recently asking that I support Costco's
> desire
> to build in my home town of San Luis Obispo. As a member of Costco, but
> more importantly as a tax paying citizen of San Luis Obispo, I absolutely
> do not support you in your desire.
> We have been inundated with big -box stores trying to capitalize on the
> growing market in our quite little town. WalMart has been denied the
> opportunity and I hope you are too. If you know who Alex Madonna is, you
> should know that he is a pariah in this community. He is an overgrown
> child
> with way too much money for his and the community's good. He is doing
> everything he can to bring something in here so he can make more money.
He
> will ruin our landscape and our atmosphere all in the name of the holy
> buck. He should be run out of town on a rail along with those he does
> business with.
> I am in complete support of the Council's and the community's desire to
> keep big box retail centers out of here. I am happy with the cost and the
> service of the small local stores that you will put out of business. You
> are welcome to keep your facility in Santa Maria which is where I drive
to
> once or twice a month to buy things.
> If your market research folks have done their job properly, you know the
> battle you have ahead of you. Thanks for the update as to when the
> meetings
> are being held. I will be in attendance to support what is right for our
> community. Allowing you to build here is not right. I will also use the
> e-mail accounts you provided to let my ELECTED officials know where I and
> my family, friends, and most of my work associates stand on this matter.
> By
> the way, your list of myths are just that. I cannot believe that you do
> not
> impact a community in the ways you say you won't. I am a marketer by
> background and I know double talk and BS when I see it.
> I hope you do not judge this e-mail as coming from a crank or a person
> with
> an ax to grind. I am a senior executive with a local high tech firm as
> well
> as an entrepreneur and I am part of your target demographics. This town
> will not sit idly by and let you have your way with it.
> Please do me the courtesy to let me know you received this e-mail as I am
> responding to your letter to me.
> Sincerely,.
> Fred Dyste
> dicetea@thegrid.net
> 805.595.2148
CC: 'Allen Settle' <asettle@slocity.org>, 'John Ewan' <jewan@slocity.org>, 'Christine
Mulholland' <cmulholland@slocity.org>,'Jan Howell Marx' <jmarx @ slocity.org>, 'Ken Schwartz'
<kschwartz@slocity.org>, "'shredder@ newtimesslo.com"' <shredder@newtimesslo.com>,
"'letters@thetribunenews.com"' <letters@thetribunenews.com>, "'newsroom@thetribunenews.com
<newsroom @thetribunenews.com>
From:
"Stanley Saude° <s.saude @ worldnet.att. net>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>
Date:
Fri, Jan 5, 2001 9:15 AM
Subject:
Costco in SLO
Dear Mayor: In January, 2000 my eighty eight year old father lost his insurance covering prescription
drugs. He has 5 prescription he cannot do without. In comparing prices, we found that Costco
prescriptions were about twenty dollars cheaper per prescription. I find it hard to explain the major
difference. Since my father has only Social Security and a small pension as income, I have been driving
to Santa Maria to pick up his prescriptions and while there my wife and I shop. I would urge you to
support the construction of a Costco in San Lui9s Obispo not to save energy wasted by people driving to
Santa Maria or save the environment from added air pollution, both noble causes, but to save those
people unfortunate enough NOT to have insurance to cover their prescription drugs and who have to pay
for them out of their pockets. Thanks for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely yours, Stan
Saude P.S. to
the Mayor: You will get two copies of this because I couldn't figure out how to get the Cc's to
work the first time. Blast this new technology!
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: <jdemers@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <cmulholloand@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 9:07 AM
Subject: COSTCO
Dear Council Members:
I am excited about the prospect of COSTCO coming to San Luis Obispo.
I have lived in SLO for 12 years and have had to travel to Santa. Maria
in order to do my shopping at COSTCO.
I do not feel what I buy at COSTCO affects what I buy in San Luis
Obispo. I still purchase groceries at the local grocery stores and have
bought appliances at local stores. I feel COSTCO provides a unique
service and saves me money in the purchase of the items I buy. I also
feel the city of SLO would benefit from the taxes COSTCO would generate.
I do not feel big box stores, such as COSTCO should be restricted in
what they can offer (groceries). I have priced the groceries at COSTCO
and find that the area stores are very competitive. In fact, we (my
wife and 1) purchase 99% of our groceries at local stores.
I feel a COSTCO in our area would be extremely beneficial for the
thousands of SLO residents who have to travel the 60 miles (30 one way)
to shop at the COSTCO in order to shop.
I feel the benefits of box stores far would not negatively affect the
types of stores in our area. Please allow COSTCO to build a store in
SLO.
Sincerely,
Jerry DeMers
4633 Snapdragon Way
San Luis Obispo
From: Unny Menon <umenon@calpoly.edu>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 7:59 AM
Subject: PLEASE approve Costco@slo
I am registered voter an SLO resident, having lived in our wonderful
city for the past 22 years. I fully understand our need to preserve our
small-town benefits and the need for controlling growth and business
sprawl in SLO.
HOWEVER; we need to balance such ideals with moderation in the OVERALL
interests of the entire community including JOBS & CONVENIENT shopping
at discount prices.
PLEASE APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR a Costco store in SLO given the
travel reduction (why allow SLO resident tax dollars to flow to Santa
Maria??), 300 new jobs for SLO residents and more property tax revenue
for SLO.
We the residents of SLO want the convenience of a COSTCO in SLO and
avoid the wasteful driving to Santa Maria.
THANK YOU for listening,
Unny Menon, Ph.D.,C.Eng,
Professor
From:
"Mary Sansom" <msansom@bass.cuesta.cc.ca.us>
To:
<Asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Fri, Jan 5, 2001 7:43 AM
Subject:
COSTCO
am writing this note to give my support to COSTCO. I drive to Santa Maria
on average of twice a month to shop at COSTCO. I hope the SLO City Council
will make every effort to make COSTCO welcome in San Luis Obispo.
Mary Sansom
289 Marlene Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
From:
<kagler@calpoly.edu>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Fri, Jan 5, 2001 7:14 AM
Subject:
Costco
I live in San Luis Obispo and would love to keep my business in my town,
howerver I will continue to make the drive and spend my money in the
city of Santa Maria if that where the closest Costco is. Many of my
friends will not waste their time in writing you and expressing their
views ....they will just simply keep driving out of town to do their
business.... what a shame.
From: Steven P Goss <sgossl ®juno.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 9:33 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, Councilmembers,
My family and I are San Luis Obispo residents living in the Laguna Lake
area.
We strongly urge you to oppose the building of Costco in San luis Obispo.
We feel Costco will adversely affect the small businesses in town, create
insufferable traffic problems, and will change the character and charm of
the San Luis Obispo area that is cherished by residents and appreciated
by visitors.
Let's encourage the success of the current businesspeople in town. The
tax income to the area is not worth the asthetic loss. Let's not "sell" a
character that will never be regained.
Sincerely,
Steven and Regina Goss and family
971 Vista del Collados
San Luis Obispo, CA
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CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<TweCle@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Thu, Jan 4, 2001 8:13 PM
Subject:
Costco Support
Hello, John!
This is Terry & Cathi Evans!
We would like to let you know that we support Costco coming into our area.
Please count our support in this matter. There are many positives from them
coming, not all the negatives that are mostly heard.
Thank you for recording our support!
Terry & Cathi Evans
1565 Maxwellton ST.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: "Judy Swanson" <jswanson@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 6:52 PM
Subject: COSTCO
Council Members,
I am a Costco member, and received a letter in the mail asking for my support at a workshop and an
upcoming City Council meeting. I cannot attend, but would like to express my LACK OF SUPPORT for
building a Costco in San Luis Obispo. We do not need a store of this type here. The ones already built
(Cost Plus, Bed and Bath, etc.) are bad enough, and are a step towards making San Luis exactly like
every other town in California. Please vote no on this issue..
Thank you.
Judy Swanson
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland®slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: Josette Marsh <slomitsu@slonet.org>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 6:00 PM
Subject: Costco on Froom Ranch Property
1. This letter concerns Costco opening a store on the Froom
Ranch Property.
We have lived in San Luis Obispo since 1950. Ted taught
in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District from 1950 through
1981. Both of Ken Schwartz's children were in his class at Sinsheimer School.
Our four children were born and raised in SLO. Two of them are still
in the area with their children.
Since our retirement we have commuted to the Santa Maria
Costco to do much of our shopping, because our retirement pay does not
allow us to buy all of our goods at SLO stores.
We hope you will allow the Costco store to be built on the
Froom Ranch Property.
Yours truly,
Ted Foster
Josette Marsh -Foster
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland®slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<MMARAVIG@aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <Jewan@slocity.org>, <cmlholland@slocity.org>,
<Jmarx@solcity.org>, <kschwartz@solcity.org>
Date:
Thu, Jan 4, 2001 4:14 PM
Subject:
Costco
Via this e-mail I want to express my support for a new Costco in San Luis
Obispo.
I drive to Santa Maria about 3 times a year to go to Costco... primarily
around the holidays. Otherwise, I support local markets on a daily/weekly
basis. I would think that you would want to keep those tax dollars locally.
I would continue to go to Costco in Santa Maria if we don't get a store in
this area.
I believe most people who currently go to Santa Maria now will continue to go
and therefore you are gaining nothing. If we had a Costco here in SLO, the
taxes would be a plus.
By voting this down, would solve nothing!
Myrna Maraviglia
From: "Bruce Wiedmer" <brucew745 @ hotmail.com>
To: "Allen Settle" <asettle@slocity.org>, "Christine Mulholland" <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
"Jan Marx" <jmarx@slocity.org>, "Ken Schwartz" <kschwartz@slocity.org>, "John Ewan"
<jewan @ slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 2:50 PM
Subject: Costco
We are opposed to bringing Costco to our beautiful San Luis Obispo.
The store is an eyesore in Santa Maria and all the extra traffic on an
already very busy Los Osos Valley Road would create congestion and
accidents. We are Costco members and do not want one in our town.
Bruce and Vicki Wiedmer
32 Las Praderas Drive
San Luis Obispo<br clear=all><hr>Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at <a
href="http://explorer.msn.com">http://explorer.msn.com<ta><br></p>
From: 'Terry Conner°<t.w.conner@inetmail.att.net>
To: <asettle @ slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 2:19 PM
Subject: Costco
Ladies and Gentlemen ... I am opposed to the Costco proposal -whatever it may
be. I believ we have enough shopping opportunities in SLO. For those who
insist on driving to Costco, etc. out of the City limits -let's see a
concerted educational program to keep them at hometown. I am opposed to the
Marketplace project as well. We need an overpass at Prado, but not at the
expense of the Market Place. Let Bill screw up some other town.
Terry W. Conner
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<CZiolkows@aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Thu, Jan 4, 2001 1:56 PM
Subject:
I support Costco
Dear Councilmembers,
As a resident of San Luis Obispo, I support bringing a Costco warehouse store
to San Luis Obispo.
I am a current member of the Costco in Santa Maria. I find that several
times a year, I make a 35 -minute drive to Santa Maria to shop there. Because
of the distance, I tend to make such a trip an all -afternoon affair. This
means that not only do I shop there, but while I'm in Santa Maria, I will
stop at Target, Toys R Us, sometimes the Mall, etc. and then of course, I
will eat lunch or dinner there. All the while, I am spending money in Santa
Maria that I would much rather use to support San Luis Obispo. A Costco in
San Luis Obispo will help to stop this out -flow of dollars leaving the SLO
economy.
Although I generally have a distaste for "big -box" stores and worry that a
proliferation of big -box stores will taint the charming character of San Luis
Obispo, I do not believe Costco to have the negative connotation of "big -box"
like stores such as Wal -mart, K -mart, Home Depot, etc. have. I think Costco
would be a good addition to the existing stores of San Luis Obispo.
This is why I urge you on January 16th to vote for Costco.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Jacinth
492 Mitchell Drive
San Luis Obispo
From: "Chris Goetsch" <cgoetsch@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 1:54 PM
Subject: Costco
Hello,
I understand there is an issue being discussed concerning COSTCO being built
in San Luis Obispo. I would like you to know that I do shop at COSTCO and
when I do, I usually shop at other businesses in Santa Maria and down the
coast. That is business that could have been done in San Luis Obispo.
I believe COSTCO in San Luis Obispo would be a.benefit to the entire area,
not a detriment.
Sincerely,
Chris Goetsch
From: <Jeffcarlacole @ aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 1:34 PM
Subject: COSTCO
Dear Mayor Settle & Councilmen Ewan, Schwartz & Councilwomen Marx &
Mulholland:
I have been a resident of San Luis Obispo for over thirty three years.
During that time, I have seen our wonderful community grow at a very
reasonable growth rate and prosper. I have always tried and will continue
to shop for our family's needs in our city, but unfortunately, not everything
is always available at an affordable price. Therefore, I drive to COSTCO in
Santa Maria at least twice a month to purchase other items. I spend
approximately $500 per month there. It really bothers me to shop in Santa
Maria and give them my sales tax dollars.
As a housewife and working businesswoman, I have rarely purchased grocery
items at COSTCO. Most grocery items there are in large quantity and
therefore don't serve the average family well. I usually purchase items that
I can only find at COSTCO.
Unfortunately, everytime I go there, I end up shopping at "other" businesses
in Santa Maria which again takes revenue from our City.
I would urge all of you to approve the COSTCO application. It would serve
the members of our community as well as bring others to our town to shop from
both the north county and south county as well.
COSTCO is a "win, win" for SLO. By the way, this town will never be like
others simply because previous councils have done a great job in planning for
our city, but the facts remain, a vast majority of our residents travel to
Santa Maria to shop.
Thanks for you time and consideration.
Carla Cole
i
From: Richard Phillips <rich20 @charter. net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<imarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 12:30 PM
Subject: Costoco
Dear Mayor Settle, Vice Mayor Ewan, and Council members,
As a Costco Member I have just received a letter from Costco informing
me of a SLO proposal to keep them from installing another one of there
warehouse structures along Los Osos Valley Road.
I applaud the proposal and give you my full support in opposition to
allowing another eye soar to be erected in our town. I firmly believe
that this type of "box style warehousing" is not good for the
community. The small stores we have here are enough to suit our needs
and I believe the smaller stores will be threatened out of business as
°the box style warehouse outlets are allowed to creep in. I suggest
they (Costco) should consider their next installation further on up the
101 highway where plenty of open space is available.
Please keep your campaign promises and discourage The Box Style
Warehousing Industry from our lovely town.
I figure if I write a letter, it must mean others feel the same way but
may not have the time to do it. This letter must be worth another'1000
folkes that fell the same way.
Thank you and very best regards,
Richard Phillips
Homeowner
From:
Laurie <ricelaur @ pacbell. net>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Thu, Jan 4, 2001 11:47 AM
Subject:
Costco
I wish to register my concern over the ordinance proposed for hearing on
Jan. 16th regarding Costco. Although I have requested a copy of the
ordinance, I have not yet received it and therefore have not read ft.
My understanding is that it singles out certain kinds of stores based on
square footage.
As a member of Costco in Santa Maria since its opening, I travel to
Santa Maria once a month to shop there. If we are concerned about air
quality, are we only concerned with that in the City of San Luis
Obispo. As residents, I assume we have to breathe outside our city
borders. Locating next to Home Depot would seem to be a consistent
use. My information says the building would be consistent with our
general plan. As a citizen, I want Costco in San Luis Obipo.
Laurie Rice
From:
"Karin Gray' <karin@karinsworld.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Thu, Jan 4, 2001 11:44 AM
Subject:
Pleas let COSTCO IN!!!
Dear Mr. Ewan;
I am a resident of Los Osos and a business owner in San Luis Obispo. I
wanted you to know that opening a Costco warehouse in San Luis Obispo would
be of great benefit to me and to my business. The time and money it would
save me would be of tremendous benefit. It would also keep my Costco
dollars in the City and County of San Luis Obispo.
I have heard some of the objections to having a Costco in the City. I can't
say that I agree or credit many of them. In particular - those that say the
Costco would be ugly/unattractive... That part of San Luis Obispo is
already fairly "ugli-fied° with the automobile dealerships.
It also seems to me that having a Costco developed on that property would
also give assistance to the City in improving what is already an well
impacted traffic area. I'm certain that as part of the development
agreements - the city could arrange for road widening/traffic control
contributions from the developer, I believe this is common practice.
Again, I should stress that my monthly trips to Costco in Santa Maria will
not lessen if you do deny Costco occupancy in San Luis Obispo. I would
surely appreciate the opportunity for my hard earned personal and business
dollars (in the form of taxes, etc.) to be used in my own City/County of
residency.
I sincerely hope that you will consider my viewpoints. Thank you for your
time.
Karin A. Gray
Turbine Controls Corporation
805/546-0475
243 D Granada Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
karin@karinsworld.com
From: <bugme@thegrid.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmullholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 10:42 AM
Subject: Ordinance
Dear Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council,
As a twenty-nine year resident of San Luis Obispo, I am writing in
opposition to the ordinance you will be considering at your meeting on
January 16, 2001.
Since Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Settle have lived here much longer than the
remaining members of the council, I'm sure they will remember such
things as the United Meat Market and Delight Bakery on Higuera Street..
Those are the things I miss in downtown San Luis Obispo. We were unique
long before the Downtown Center became a reality, now we are a different
kind of unique that attracts tourist dollars.
I happen to live in the Lakewood Tract just opposite the Froom Ranch
property. I am ecstatic that Home Depot is going to be built and would
welcome a Costco closer than thirty miles. I don't anticipate running
to Costco for a head of lettuce nor would most grocery shoppers. Just as
Smart & Final isn't your everyday need type of market, neither is
Costco. If 15,000 San Luis Obispo residents pay annually to shop at
Costco, wouldn't it make more sense to keep the sales tax revenues here
in San Luis Obispo County than in Santa Barbara County? The larger
grocery stores certainly weren't worried about the small markets when
they came to town. I don't think Pacific Home Improvement Center, as it
used to be called, really had much concern for Hanna's Hardware on
Garden Street. I don't remember the City Council stepping in to stifle
the addition of PHIC.
It seems rather obvious that those in opposition to a Costco store in
San Luis Obispo are really out of touch with what most residents really
want. Preventing Costco through an ordinance will not stop people from
traveling to Santa Maria to shop so please do the right thing for San
Luis Obispo and welcome Costco to our community.
Sincerely,
Kathryn A. Beetle
1890 Lima Drive
San Luis Obispo
From: "Herman & Sue Rickard" <herman_and_sue@thegrid.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 10:26 AM
Subject: Costco Warehouse
This is to inform you that I would very much like to see the Costco
Warehouse building be approved for the Froom Ranch Property on Los Osos
Valley Road.
I prefer shopping in San Luis Obispo and think this would be beneficial to
the majority of the residents of the city.
Eleanor Rickard
3436 Edgewood Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA
From: Rod Trett <trett@thegrid.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmullholland@slocity.org>,
<jmant@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 10:24 AM
Subject: In Opposition to Costco
Dear Sirs:
In the very near future you will be considering allowing a Costco into
San Luis Obispo. While normally I would applaud a business that would
aid the wholesale customers of the area, in this case I must voice my
opposition based on one very important issue: alcohol.
As you are aware, it is currently against San Luis Obispo city ordinance
for a business to sell gasoline and alcohol. Costco wishes to sell both
products from its new location, a clear violation of current city
statute.
I urge you to oppose this new business on these grounds.
Thank you,
Sam G. Trett
Owner
Trett's Chevron Food Mart
From: "Kent Brahams" <kbb@thegrid.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 8:53 AM
Subject: Costco
Vice Mayor John Ewan,
We are very much in favor of Costco coming to San Luis Obispo. We average two trips a month to
Costco in Santa Maria. It would be an advantage to the city of San Luis Obispo in jobs, taxes, environment
and to us as senior citizens.
Thank You,
Kent and Betty Brahams
From: <TresTile@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 7:15 AM
Subject: Costco
I was and still am against Big Box stores coming to San Luis obispo, however,
since the Frome Ranch is in the works and will be developed and it in a
relatively innocuous location my opinion is to let Costo build there BUT:
-someone must pay to improve the intersection at LOVR and 101. What
happened to requiring developers to fund the costs of such things?
_Please do NOT allow the Market Place to expand into the Dalidio
property. Keep that beautiful green space as an entry to our unique
city (unique because we will be the only city without an ugly mall
greeting you as you drive in). If the Market place wants to expand
why not expand into the central coast mall which is dying fast and will
soon be a blight on the city.
Thank you for listening. Tres Feltman
From: "David B. Bruns" <dbruns@slonet.org>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 11:46 AM
Subject: Anti Costco Ordinance
As one of the 15,000 Costco members in San Luis Obispo County, I am
writing you to express my opinion that the ordinance that the San Luis
Obispo City Council will consider at the public hearing on January 16,
2000 isnot in the best interest of all the citizens of both the City
and the County. The ordinance serves the interests of a very narrow
group comprised of the retail clerks union and the large supermarket
corporations. Its purpose is to stifle competition which as you know
will eventually lead to higher prices and reduced service from those
supermarkets who would be protected by this proposed legislation.
The contention that the introduction of a Costco to San luis Obispo
would cause local supermarkets to close and thereby reduce the retail
clerks union membership is ridiculous. Evidence is easily available to
confirm or deny this contention. Just check how many supermarkets have
gone out of business or indeed have been added since the opening of
Costco stores in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and Oxnard. I believe you
will find a net increase of supermarket stores in all three market areas
since the introduction of Costco.
I urge you to vote NO on this ordinance which serves only a special
interest group.
mil
From: "Phil Wagner" <pwagner@slonet.org> up
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>,
<cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 3:32 PM
Subject: grocery'space ordinance
Mayor and Councilmembers - I am not generally in support of large-scale ("big box") retailers in SLO like
Costco, Home Depot, etc., However, I do not support artificial controls which are heavily backed by
economic special interest groups as in the ORDINANCE -LIMITING THE FLOOR AREA OF
NON-TAXABLE GOODS IN RETAIL WAREHOUSE STORES EXCEEDING 90,000 SQUARE FEET IN
SIZE that you will be considering for adoption on January 16. The City of SLO has rigorous requirements
in place which can make the projects more acceptable economically and environmentally without
succuming to pressures by a special interest group. Take the path of intergity.
I urge you not to adopt the proposed ordinance.
Thank you.
Phil Wagner
1201 Manzanita Way
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: <jbanders @ calpoly.edu>
To: . <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 4:08 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council Members:
We reqularly drive to Santa Maria to shop at Costco. We prefer to keep our
business here in SLO, and will do so if Costco opens a store here. We are in
favor of a Costco warehouse store on the Froom Ranch property near the coming
(we hope) Home Depot.
We are opposed to an ordnance that would ban Costco and similar stores, and
we are opposed to any law that would constrain the size of their food operation.
Sincerely,
Jim and Nelma Anderson
671 Serrano Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA
549-9155
From: Robert Veldkamp <sloclean @ onemain.com>
To: "'jewan @ slocity.org"' <jewan @ slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 7:40 PM
Dear Vice Mayor John Ewan,
I am writing to strongly' urge you to deny the ordinance coming up before you that would limit the
amount of grocery space in large warehouse stores. First I do not believe it is in the people's best interest
mainly because I firmly believe in open competition. This is partly why we have such a great country. I
am in business for myself and I cannot expect the city to protect my interest's by keeping out my
competition. I must continue to be better than others so I can give my customers the best in service and
prices. The market is constantly changing and we must change with it. Secondly, we want Costco to be
able to build a store in San Luis Obispo. It had been sorely needed here for years. My wife & I have five
children and elected to keep her at home rather than working. This means We must watch our dollars and
one way we can do this is at Costco. We make regular trips to Santa Maria because itis cost effective to
do so. On every trip=we see several people from San Luis Obispo shopping also. If the store is denied
here, we will continue to go to Santa Maria even though I would rather see the tax dollars spent here. I
must give my customers reason to buy from me. Costco has given me reason to buy from them. Please
allow them to build here. Even though we live just outside the city limits, we are greatly affected by what
the city does. Please allow Costco to build here. Thank You - Bob Veldkamp ServiceMaster of San Luis
Obispo - 240 O'Connor Way San Luis Obispo. Phone: 541-3241
From: "Linda Meyer" <lindaabc@hotmail.corn> N
To: <jewan@slocity.org>v �`
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 9:25 PM �J
Subject: Costco
Please read the following attachment expressing my support for a new Costco
in San Luis Obispo.
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
CC: <cmulholland @ slocity.org>
From: "Denny & Daphne Wheeler" <dwheele9@ix.netcom.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 11, 2001 9:50 AM
Subject: Contact .
To all City Council members, we would like a Costco in our town, we have
been residents for over thirty years, do not see a problem regarding 'over
powering" our local merchants.
We also drive to the Santa Maria Costco store for goods that are unavailable
locally.
Thank you for your consideration.
Denny and Daphne
From: <MZALYCE@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 11, 2001 10:18 AM
Subject: costco store
As a business owner in the city of San Luis Obispo, I believe it would be a
great asset to the community to have Costco to do business with. I went to
the new Ralph's store and discovered they are selling everything from
groceries to televisions. By that reasoning, Costco should be able to sell
groceries. Please do not stop a needed service to the business people of San
Luis Obispo.
alyce baker
la casa mortgage company
CC: <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <jamarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: <edbettymcd@juno.com>
To: <kschwartz@solcity.org>, <jmarx@solcity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity>,
<jewan@slocity.org>, <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 11, 2001 10:21 AM
Subject: Ordinance under consideration restricting floor space for food items.
Dear Mayor and City Council members:
We as residents, and property owners for 27 years, of the City of San
Luis Obispo are very interested in what we feel is the best interest of
the city. We understand that there are 15,000 members of Costco that
live in the county of San Luis Obispo that go to Santa Maria to shop.
Just think of the tax dollars that is going to the city of Santa Maria
and the County of Santa Barbara. We feel that our City and County could
use these tax dollars. We also feel that the ordinance, under
consideration, that you are considering is unfair. We are referring to
the ordinance that restricts a business of this nature to limiting 5 % of
their floorspace to food items. This ordinance would discriminate those
business and we question, the legality of this ordinance under our State
and the Federal constitution. If the City adopts this or a similar
ordinance prohibiting business of this nature from coming to our City,
our purchasing merchandise from Costco will not change thus giving our
sales tax money to Santa Maria and Santa Barbara County. A big loss of
revenue from our purchases that our city could use. Let us move forward
so we don't become stagnant.
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From: Sherry Saul <ssaul @ myexcel.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 11, 2001 11:15 AM
Subject: COSTCO
Dear Vice Mayor Ewan,
I am writing to express my support for Costco in San Luis Obispo. I
am a small business owner in this town and have been since 1983. 1
make a trip at least once a month to Santa Maria for the sole purpose
of shopping at Costco. According to Costco's own research 15,000
residents in this county do as I do. As a small business owner, I
have always been amazed that the city/county of San Luis Obispo would
give up that much tax revenue.
Costco is successful because they have done their research - they
give consumers what they want. By allowing Costco in San Luis Obispo
we will increase tax revenues, provide good paying jobs and reduce
trips out of the county for shopping purposes.
I urge you to take the steps necessary to ensure that Costco is
welcome in San Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
Sherry Saul
464 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo
P.S. Tired of the RAT RACE? Want out? Check out this site:
http://www.excelir.com/saul
D
From: "Bonnie Andresen" <bonnieaw@tcsn.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 11, 2001 5:46 PM
Subject: Costco
Don't know if I am too late with my comments, but thought I would give it a
shot anyway:
If we must have big box.stores in San Luis Obispo, Costco would get my
vote. It is a quality operation which draws a lot of San Luis customers to
Santa Maria.
I am not at all happy about the addition of a Wal-Mart. The cheap/discount
feeling of Wal- Mart doesn't, in my opinion, fit with San Luis Obispo.
Bonnie Andresen
From: " Lurinda Ruth" <Iuruth@charter.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 12, 2001 5:41 AM
Subject: COSTCO
Dear Mr. Ewan,
I want Costco in San Luis Obispo. It's a great company, and we could use the tax revenue. What's wrong
with that? Besides, I'd save a lot in gas by traveling in town instead of spending my money in Santa Maria.
Please consider approving COSTCO in San Luis Obispo.
Thank you,
Lurinda Ruth
SLO resident and frequent shopper.
From: <sspar@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <cmullholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocitiy.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 9:42 AM
Subject: Costco Decision
SLO City Council Members: I am writing in support, surprisingly, of the
decision to allow Costco to come to SLO. Honestly, I have been a
staunch slow -growth advocate for the 25 years I've lived in San Luis
Obispo; hence, my use of the word "surprisingly" in terms of support of
this proposal.
I am in support of this proposal because I feel SLO does need a store
such as this. My family already shops at the Santa Maria store and we
recognize the significant tax revenues that SLO is losing with so many
locals traveling out of the city to shop at the Santa Maria Costco.
Yes, I do feel we need to limit the number of these stores in the city
area. No, I do not believe it will significantly change the shopping
habits of other local shoppers, because many of us are already going out
of town to shop at Costco elsewhere. My family, like many others, also
relies heavily on our local business for other shopping and will
continue to do so. I have read several accounts of other communities,
including Goleta, who have adjusted successfully to having large -box
stores in their city areas.
Please consider this proposal on its own merits and listen to the
general consensus shared at the upcoming meetings. I am not aware
whether the community consensus is yea or nay on this proposal but I do
hope that you listen to and support that general opinion when it is
voiced.
Thank you, susan sparling (sspar@calpoly.edu)
From: "ROBERTS 1599" <ROBERTS_1599@email.msn.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 9, 2001 8:19 PM
Subject: Costco
No Costco in SLO!!
As a citizen of SLO for 17 years, and a PCC member for the last couple of
them, I strongly feel that Costco does not fit into the picture of the
unique, beautiful paradise that we have here.
How about this new promotional slogan?: SLO--Come up for the giant jars of
mayonnaise.
BTW, I dropped my Costco membership last March through May 2000 (it took me
2 months and a lot of correspondence to accomplish, since they automatically
rebill membership), yet I received their "membership" letter regarding the
proposed Costco for SLO. Makes me wonder ... think those membership numbers
might be inflated?
Thanks for listening!
Diane Hunt Roberts
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: "Huskey" <lochedog@inreach.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 9, 2001 8:06 PM
Subject: Costco Ordinance
Dear Vice -Mayor Ewan:
As a long-time SLO area resident, I am writing you to express my concerns in
regards to the San Luis Obispo City Council proposal to prohibit Costco from
opening a store in SLO.
I am the head of a family of five. Each month I drive down Los Osos Valley
Road and then south on US 101 to Santa Maria to visit the Costco in Santa
Barbara County. I have found that despite the long distance, this monthly
shopping trip significantly reduces my costs for sundries, canned and boxed
foods and various other items. I know of many other area families who make
similar monthly trips for this same reason. San Luis Obispo is losing
property tax and sales tax revenues to Santa Maria by refusing to allow
development of a Costco in our city.
My monthly trip would be vastly reduced by the proposal to build a Costco
locally. This would be very valuable to me and would not increase traffic,
since myself and many other area residents are already making a routine trip
to Santa Maria. Further, there would be significant reductions in
pollution, as the 70 mile round trip to Santa Maria would no longer be
necessary.
I strongly urge you and the City Council to support Costco's efforts to
build a store in our city and to fight the proposal to prohibit this
endeavor.
Thank you for your time and efforts.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Huskey
From: "Penny Sullivan" <pennysullivan@hotmail.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 9:49 AM
Subject: Costco
Dear John, Although my husband and I are members of Costco, we only make
trips to the store 3 to 4 times a year. We are do not need or want this big
box store close by. I resent the fact that costco, with all their big
corporate funds, sent mailings out asking customers to champion their cause
before the city council. Please hold the line on this. Thanks, Penny
Sullivan and Tim Plumb
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
From: "slokarg° <slokarg@email.msn.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:40 PM
Subject: Costco warehouse
Dear Councillor,
I am one Costco member who uses the store in Santa Maria and I prefer to continue to do so rather than
see one of those places built here in SLO. I urge you to support the ordinance that would prohibit Costco
from opening a warehouse here in SLO.
Robert Karger, M.D.
25 Buena Vista Ave
SLO
CC: <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>.
_J
From: Fred Dyste <dicetea@thegrid.net>
To: "'jbrotman@costco.com"' <jbrotman@costco.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 2:39 PM
Subject: Leave San Luis Obispo alone!
Dear MIS folks; This is for the Chairman of your company, Mr. Jeffrey
Brotman, please make sure it gets to him. Thanks.
---------------------------------
Dear Mr. Brotman,
I received a mailer from you recently asking that I support Costco's desire
to build in my home town of San Luis Obispo. As a member of Costco, but
more importantly as a tax paying citizen of San Luis Obispo, I absolutely
do not support you in your desire.
We have been inundated with big -box stores trying to capitalize on the
growing market in our quite little town. WalMart has been denied the
opportunity and I hope you are too. If you know who Alex Madonna is, you
should know that he is a pariah in this community. He is an overgrown child
with way too much money for his and the community's good. He is doing
everything he can to bring something in here so he can make more money. He
will ruin our landscape and our atmosphere all in the name of the holy
buck. He should be run out of town on a rail along with those he does
business with.
I am in complete support of the Council's and the community's desire to
keep big box retail centers out of here. I am happy with the cost and the
service of the small local stores that you will put out of business. You
are welcome to keep your facility in Santa Maria which is where I drive to
once or twice a month to buy things.
If your market research folks have done their job properly, you know the
battle you have ahead of you. Thanks for the update as to when the meetings
are being held. I will be in attendance to support what is right for our
community. Allowing you to build here is not right. I will also use the
e-mail accounts you provided to let my ELECTED officials know where I and
my family, friends, and most of my work associates stand on this matter. By
the way, your list of myths are just that. I cannot believe that you do not
impact a community in the ways you say you won't. I am a marketer by
background and I know double talk and BS when I see it.
I hope you do not judge this e-mail as coming from a crank or a person with
an ax to grind. I am a senior executive with a local high tech firm as well
as an entrepreneur and I am part of your target demographics. This town
will not sit idly by and let you have your way with it.
Please do me the courtesy to let me know you received this e-mail as I am
responding to your letter to me.
Sincerely,
Fred Dyste
dicetea@thegrid.net
805.595.2148
From: Hunter Small <hunter.small@veritas.com>
To: "'asettle@slocity.org"' <asettle@slocity.org>, "'jewan@slocity.org"' <jewan@slocity.org>,
"'cmulholland@slocity.org"' <cmulhol land@ slocity.org>, "'jmarx@slocity.org"' <jmarx@slocity.org>,
"'kschwartz@slocity.org"' <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 9:13 AM
Subject: Proposed Ordinance Banning Costco
Dear Sirs and Mesdames:
As a resident of San Luis Obispo and a Costco customer, I would like to
voice my opposition to any ordinance which bans Costco from San Luis Obispo.
As it is, l shop at Costco at least once a week and must drive to Santa
Maria to do so. Beside the inconvenience, I would rather not drive 50 extra
miles (25 both ways) using both more fossil fuels and causing needless
pollution. Since a Home Depot is already being built at the proposed site, I
can see no good reason to disallow a Costco from being built also.
Thank you,
Hunter Small
6455 Squire Canyon
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805)782-4439
From:
<AFABJOE®aol.com>
To:
<ASETTLE @ slocity.orp
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 9:11 PM
Subject:
ORDINANCE
MY WIFE AND I ARE AGAINST THE ORDINANCE TO PREVENT COSTCO'S OPENING A
WAREHOUSE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO. WE LIKE THE LOCATION THEY HAVE CHOSEN. THIS
TOWN NEEDS THE COMPETITION.
THANK YOU
JOSEPH CAMPBELL
6991 MONTE ROAD
SAN LUIS OBISPO
From: <rgreenz@sanluisobispo.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 8:28 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Vice Mayor Ewan,
I read recently that the city council will be voting on an ordinance that would prohibit Costco from
building a warehouse store in San Luis Obispo. I strongly oppose this and hope that you do too. A Costco
in our city would be a positive thing; it would provide jobs and keep a significant amount of tax dollars here
instead of Santa Barbara county. There is a common misconception that a Costco can be harmful to
cities, such as San Luis Obispo. In a recent Tribune article, the city of Goleta has found just the opposite
true. They have found it increased business in the downtown core and other areas. How can this be bad?
We keep tax dollars here and help local business's at the same time. Please do not support this
proposed ordinance. At the same time, I would like to see you support the Costco. Thank you.
Edward Davidson
1471 Southwood Drive
SLO
547-1313
Do you have a Real Cities Passport?
Get your free @cityname.com address from http://www.realcities.com
From: Stuart Goldenberg <sgoldenb@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 5:03 PM
Subject: Costco - Good for our community
For a number of years, my wife and I have made a monthly trek to Costco,
Santa Maria, for the purchase of numerous items. We typically spend
between $300 and $400 there each month. We find this sort of purchasing
works well for us, reducing the time we spend shopping. Most of what we
purchase is food stuff. We feel the trip is worth while because the
quality of the merchandise is always good, the prices are good (not
guaranteed the best), and their return policy is unbeatable. It is
extremely rare for us to visit any other merchant in Santa Maria when we
go to Costco. A few times we have had dinner prior to our shopping
expedition, and occasionally we visit Harbor Freight so I can play with
the tools, and do drop a couple of dollars there.
We are not particularly excited about other "big box stores" coming
here. We have found, for example, the big hardware stores often don't
have the little -special item we want or need. We have also found that
their service leaves something to be desired. We know what to expect of
Costco, which includes very limited selection, quality merchandise, and
excellent service.
We would very much like Costco to become one of our neighbors. We don't
particularly like the 35 plus miles drive each way to Santa Maria, but
will continue to do so on a monthly basis, spending between $3600 and
$4800 a year at Costco whether it is in San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria.
««««««««««««««« »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»>
Stu Goldenberg Mathematics Department
Office 25-216 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Phone (805) 756-2130 FAX (805) 756-6537
mailto:sgoldenb@calpoly.edu http://www.calpoly.edu/-sgoldenb
From: <Kenobound@aol.com>
To: <a.settle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <Cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 6:01 PM
Subject: Costco
To all City Council members: I,as a native of San Luis Obispo, 63 years,
would like to make a statement regarding Costco: I feel that San Luis Obispo
has long been denied the opportunity of a larger variety of shopping. I have
been doing business with Costco for approx 20 years, in the beginning I
traveled to Burbank in order to buy from them, then to Oxnard and now Santa
Maria, I have been going approx 3 times a month since they have been in Santa
Maria, I would like to think that I no longer have to go so far to be able to
shop at the place of my choice. I feel that passing an ordinance not
allowing them or any other large stores to come into SLO is terrible. Costco
would bring much needed job opportunities with a very good pay scale. SLO
would also benefit thru the Sales Tax collected and in so many other arears.
Please consider allowing them to come into our town, it is about time that we
have some decent stores to choose from.
Thank you,
Sue Anne Rocha
1170 Seaward
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93405
805-544-2226 phone 805-544-4388 fax
From: "Don Hines" <slohines@msn.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:48 PM
Subject: Approving Costco .
Dear Vice Mayor Ewan,
We are writing in regards to the Workshop of January 4th, and the City Council public hearing to be held
on January 16th concerning Costco. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend either of these meetings,
but want very much to express our wishes on the approval of Costco being allowed to be built, and open
next to Home Depot.
This is something long overdue to the residents of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. It is a
shame that we, and thousands of other residents, have for years been forced to drive the 70 miles weekly,
or bimonthly, to Santa Maria to shop. It is a shame that the tax monies from all of us shopping there, could
not have been kept here. The city is missing out on an enormous amount of revenue, that it will for a
certainty receive, if Costco is permitted to come in. No matter how much the downtown merchants want
to prevent this, they do not provide competitive prices, nor commodities to fulfill our needs. They make no
effort to provide for household support, but cater to the tourist theme and students. That is fine, but please
stop denying us, the regular daily taxpayers, the right to have the shopping we need, and deserve. If
Costco is denied, we will certainly continue to do what we have done for years. Shop Santa Maria and
were ever else there is a Costco.
Someone should have decided years back to allow downtown to cater to the tourists, and allow the stores
we need to come to the city, away from downtown. We are so relieved to now have the Home Depot
coming, and applaud that it was finally approved.
Please do the right thing for the most of us, and approve Costco. We need this store.
Sincerely,
Mary and Don Hines
3536 Cedar Court
San Luis Obispo,
Ca. 93401
Dear Mayor and SLO City Councilmembers,
You can count us in as being in favor of having a Costco here is SLO. We
shop Costco alot and it would be nice to have all our tax dollars stay here
in SLO country for a change. Having a Costco in SLO will not keep us from
shopping our local businesses also. It will also furnish a good working
envirement for many of our young folks that find it hard get employement in
SLO.
Please keep this in mind when making your decision on the unnecessary
proposed ordinance that you will be voting on soon. S. Burdette family
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmax@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<CAMTMOM@aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:42 PM
Subject:
FYI
Dear Mayor and SLO City Councilmembers,
You can count us in as being in favor of having a Costco here is SLO. We
shop Costco alot and it would be nice to have all our tax dollars stay here
in SLO country for a change. Having a Costco in SLO will not keep us from
shopping our local businesses also. It will also furnish a good working
envirement for many of our young folks that find it hard get employement in
SLO.
Please keep this in mind when making your decision on the unnecessary
proposed ordinance that you will be voting on soon. S. Burdette family
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmax@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: Masoud Mehdizadeh <amehdiza@calpoly.edu>
To: <kschwartz@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jewan @ slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:40 PM
Subject: COSTCO
I and my family love to see COSTCO in San Luis Obispo. This will help the
city and we do not need to drive to Santa Maria to do our shopping. I am
sure a lot of people in this town share the same idea.
Sincerely,
Masoud Mehdizadeh
128 Twinridge Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Dear Mr. Ewan
Having lived in San Luis Obispo for the past 27 years, I have seen many
changes take place in our city. Some good and some not so good.
Like many other residents of this city, I travel to Costco in Santa Maria on
a monthly basis spending approximately $300.00 - $500.00 per visit.
I do not feel that the presence of a Costco in San Luis Obispo would be
detrimental to the small businesses in this community. The non-taxable items
that are sold at Costco are usually packaged in large quantities. Since not
all people buy in large quantities, the competition to the groceries stores
will be minimal. Those of us who do buy in large quantities will continue to
do so even if it means driving to Santa Maria.
By having a Costco in San Luis Obispo, we will be keeping those tax dollars
in this city instead of sending them to Santa Barbara County.
Glenda Powell
From:
<TigerTown@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:16 PM
Subject:
Proposed Costco
Dear Mr. Ewan
Having lived in San Luis Obispo for the past 27 years, I have seen many
changes take place in our city. Some good and some not so good.
Like many other residents of this city, I travel to Costco in Santa Maria on
a monthly basis spending approximately $300.00 - $500.00 per visit.
I do not feel that the presence of a Costco in San Luis Obispo would be
detrimental to the small businesses in this community. The non-taxable items
that are sold at Costco are usually packaged in large quantities. Since not
all people buy in large quantities, the competition to the groceries stores
will be minimal. Those of us who do buy in large quantities will continue to
do so even if it means driving to Santa Maria.
By having a Costco in San Luis Obispo, we will be keeping those tax dollars
in this city instead of sending them to Santa Barbara County.
Glenda Powell
i
From: <JohnNeugent@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 2:11 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear council members,
I will be unable to attend the public hearing on January 16 because I will be
away on business. I would like to let you know that I approve the proposed
Costco warehouse on Los Osos Valley Road.
I am currently a Costco member and travel to Santa Maria. While there I would
do other shopping that I would normally do here. Further it is an
inconvenience, wastes gas, increases traffic and adds to air pollution by
driving to Santa Maria.
I understand and agree with the concept of keeping SLO small. That's why I
moved here. But that is no reason to deny good services to current residents.
I do not believe that the appearance of Costco will negatively impact small
business. I was a small business owner for many years and realized, as all
good small business people do, that they offer services that people will pay
for. Anyone experienced with shopping from local business' realize that they
pay a premium and are happy to do so. Bargain hunters do not "increase"
based upon a locally cheaper store.
1 believe that blocking Costco from SLO is a true disservice to the residents.
Sincerely,
John Neugent
218 Patricia Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
From: <MCHiIICPA@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 1:31 PM
Subject: Costco
I am a Certified Public Accountant and have had an office in San Luis Obispo
off and on for the past 24 years. At one point in time, I was a member of
the Downtown Business Improvement Association. This was the point in time
where parking structures and the "mall' were the big issues for the City. It
took many, many years to finally get some of the parking necessary for the
downtown area to thrive. The plans for the mall were compromised so badly
that it failed and was a joke to the visitors of our beautiful city until
recent developments brought it to life.
I am certainly in favor of.careful planning and controlled growth but protest
the idea that the City of San Luis Obispo cannot have viable businesses
within its boundaries to contribute to the economic growth of the City as
well as make it easier for the residents to have shopping alternatives close
to home. For years, I have traveled to Santa Maria to shop at Costco, Home
Depot, Circuit City, et al. The reason for driving a long way is to have a
choice in product as well as price.
I encourage the City Council members to encourage the building of a Costco
store in our area.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Hill, CPA
From: mike and marshawn <stickman@fix.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 1:17 PM
Vice Mayor Ewan,
I recently received a letter from the Costco company asking for my support.
While I do enjoy being a Costco member, I do not feel that San Luis Obispo
is a good place for a warehouse store. One of the unique things about our
city is that it still hold some small town feel. If these large stores
move into our town we will lose this. Given that there are very few places
like San Luis Obispo left I encourage you to reject the idea of a Costco in
San Luis Obispo. If I want to shop there I can simply get in my car and
travel to Santa Maria. This is close enough for me. I would hate to see
our city become like Santa Maria or Paso Robles. Niether of these cities
have a small town feel any longer. It is a true shame for those of us who
have lived our entire lives here, and have chosen to stay. I realize that
one of their major draws is the amount of revenue brought into the city.
While this is important, it is not everything. Sometimes it is smart to
just say no thank you.
Please let Costco know that San Luis Obispo is not an appropriate place for
them.
Marshawn Porter
San Luis Obispo Resident
From:
<JosephAlA@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Sat, Jan 6, 2001 5:25 PM
Subject:
No to Costco
Dear Vice Mayor John Ewan
Councilmember Christine Mulholland
Councilmember Jan Howell Marx
Councilmember Ken Schwartz
Please say no to Costco. I don&• TM buy Costcoa• TMs Jeffrey Brotmand& TM arguments in
his December 29th letter to members.
la• TM a small business Costco member. I enjoy my occasional drive to Santa
Maria to shop at Costco and Circuit City. la• TM always reminded during this
drive how lucky my family is to live in beautiful San Luis Obispo, a unique
and lovely city with a real urban downtown. Unique so far in part because it
is without the typical glut of big box stores and freeway development such as
we see north and south of San Luis Obispo. Passing Arroyo Grandes• TMs Wall Mart
development is an especially depressing lesson about how this kind of
development can so easily destroy the character of a community.
It is said that member trips from SLO to SM Costco are infrequent because
they are planned. That is good. Wouldn&• TMt these trips significantly increase
if Costco were conveniently located here in San Luis Obispo? In any case we
will have an undesirable concentration of traffic and air pollution
localized in the area, if business is anything like that at the Santa Maria
Store. Motors starting, idling, stopping, and accelerating surely will
generate huge amounts of pollution which winds will carry into the south east
areas of the county.
The extreme size of a Costco store will contribute not just to excessive
traffic in the area but also the expansion and appearance of ugly urban
sprawl out of scale with the character of San Luis Obispo. Increasing street
width, and more traffic lights to accommodate the already heavy traffic in
the area will further de -pedestrianize the area and will sooner rather than
later prove inadequate. It should be self-evident to every one, when roads
are widened, there will soon be cars to fill them as before.
There is no joy in walking across the huge paved parking lots dominating the
fronts of this type of development, where the lonely pedestrian is forced to
experience the inevitable litter of shopping carts and trash that
accumulates. It is a dangerous and depressing experience, unlike the pleasant
experience of walking the streets of our downtown.
Costco claims it will create 250-300 new jobs??? However, does that number
account for the loss of business and employment in the various local stores
that close due to loss of income, or have to cut back on staff and services
in order to compete. We already have a dead and empty Madonna Plaza. Costco
is unfair competition to all our local stores (big and.small).
As for local grocery stores, we have too many already. What will happen to
them if Costco includes its huge grocery component? Their business will
surely declines 30% to 50% and likely result in more empty buildings? Then
there will be even more pressure for the community to grow in order to fill
the vacancies. We don&• TM need this kind of development in SLO
Please do what you can to prevent this local disaster from happening.
Thank you.
Joseph Amanzio
Architect
1188 Lexington Court
San Luis Obispo, 93401
P.S. By the way, please check out the interior of the two huge new
A* oewarehouse&• 'stores in the Promenade. Notice the dangerous multiple layers of
stock high above customer heads. What will happen to customers in the aisles
in the event of an earthquake? Clearly, this is manner of stocking
merchandise is a wholly unsafe condition and should not be tolerated.
copies:
Mayor Allen Settle
Councilmember Christine Mulholland
Councilmember Jan Howell Marx
Councilmember Ken Schwartz
From: . <NormanSusan@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 6, 2001 3:39 PM
Subject: NO! TO COSTCO!
This is to oppose the opening of Costco in SLO. Those who wish to shop at
Costco need to MOVE to Santa Maria since that is the ambiance they desire.
Can we get a petition going to move the A.A... Madonna to Santa Maria as
well? It is a crime what he has done to the once lovely Froom ranch.
Sincerely,
Susan and Norman Jacobson
1683 Knoll Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805)541-3256
From: <jemwhite@juno.com>
To: <cmulholland@sloc!ty.org>, <jewan@ci.san-luis-obispo.ca.us>,
<jmarx @ ci.san-luis-obispo.ca. us>
Date: Sat, Jan 6, 2001 12:30 PM
Subject: Upcoming Council Topics
1. Nontaxable sales at warehouse stores
Any thing that will keep the likes of Costco, etc. out of SLO has my
strong approval.
2. Downtown parking
We do not need an extension to the Marsh St. garage. I have never
understood the whining about parking downtown since I never have any
trouble. Of course, I am willing to park maybe THREE WHOLE BLOCKS away
(wow!) and walk, mainly because I don't want to pay for parking, but if I
really have to pay, I can always find a meter a short distance away from
the facility I'm going to.
3. San Luis Obispo Marketplace
Haven't we learned anything from this looser? He already went "bankrupt"
with a lousy mall and now is going to build one right next door? Please!
Not to mention the loss of open space. It seems to me when I arrived
here 30 years ago that the Plan was to have open space at all entrances
to the city. So now we are to have four — count 'em 4 -- malls all in a
row at the southern entrance. Enough, already!
4. Water supply
I voted against State Water and would do it again. I am also against
expanding the Salinas Reservoir. Why can't things be worked our re
Nacimiento?
As another Sierra Club member, I hope you will follow its' philosophy in
your decisions.
Janet E. White
1459 16th St.
Oceano
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From: "Jonathan Dow" <jonathandow@hotmail.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sat, Jan 6, 2001 1:43 AM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers of San Luis Obispo,
My name is Jonathan and I am a student attending Cal Poly. I have been
here for three years and recently joined the Costco in Santa Maria. As a
student, I am very much in favor of Costco building a store here in San Luis
Obispo. Santa Maria is a half hour away. I spend an hour in the car to make
a trip to Costco. I have already made two this past week. My friends like
Costco too. They don't have a car, so I make twice as many trips bringing
them along. I don't mind. They are my friends and I would drive them to
Santa Barabara if they ask me too. However, having a Costco in San Luis
Obispo would make it so much eaiser. I would still have to drive them, but
it wouldn't be such a long trip. I would also save gas. I am not working
right now as to concentrate on my schoolwork. I do not have a lot of money
to spend. Allowing a Costco to build here would save gas and money since
they plan to have a gas station. I do not understand the opposition to
Costco. I understand that people want to keep San Luis Obispo feeling like a
small town, but it isn't. There are around 43,000 people in this town. How
many of those people are students? I know that 15,000 of those people are
Costco members. 15,000 people get in there cars and drive thirty minutes
south to go shopping at least once a month. 15,000 is over a third of the
population of San Luis Obispo. I do not believe San Luis Obispo is a small
town. My parents live in Pleasanton, and on my way back here from visiting
them, I notice signs that say San Luis Obispo on them as far north as
Gilroy. That is 160 miles away.
I believe that allowing a Costco to open in San Luis Obispo is good for
the people. If you believe otherwise, please e-mail me back and we'll talk
about them. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my opinion.
Sincerly,
Jonathan Dow
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
From: "C & R Howard° <slofeet @ thegrid. net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 9:47 PM
Subject: Costco Support
Please vote "yes" for Costco.
I want the tax dollars I spend to be beneficial to my own community.
I believe all of you really do try to do what's best for the people who live in this town, but I can't help but
wonder If you really realize the monthly living expenses of a normal family these days as compared to their
salaries. And there are lots of normal families in this town. We should not have to drive (especially with
the price of gas) to another town to purchase supplies for our home at an affordable price, only to have
our tax dollars benefit another city/county. I would like to see San Luis Obispo stop catering to the wealthy
only. Thank you for your consideration.
From: <Sargfowler@aol.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2001 8:34 PM
Subject: Costco
My wife and I want Costco to come to town. We are tired of the drive to Santa
Maria, and besides why should Santa Maria get all that sales tax money?
From: <Pekargf@aol.com>
To: <aseftle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 11:56 AM
Subject: OPPOSED TO COSTCO
It with a heavy heart that I drive by the construction taking place on Los
Osos Valley Road. When we moved to San Luis Obispo four years ago, we
believed that we had found paradise. We felt that the slow growth and no -box
store philosophies existing then would protect this unique environment. The
roads were not jammed with traffic. The hills were gloriously free of
rooftops. The downtown was alive and thriving, even winning awards.
Four years later we are saddened by the changes to this town. Maybe it's
because people who have lived here a long time no longer appreciate what they
have. Maybe its because there is a Madonna who has an ax to grind with the
very city that helped make him wealthy. In any event, the roads have become
congested thruways. There has been a rape of the beautiful Islay Peak where
ugly houses now sit where cows used to roam. The beautiful view of the hills
of Los Osos Valley Road is being destroyed by of all things a big box store.
As for the downtown, the death knell has started. I can tell you that I
have lived in cities where the downtown turned to vacant storefronts as malls
and box stores were built in the outskirts. Do we want this to happen to our
city? I do not.
I urge you to do whatever needs to be done to protect San Luis Obispo.
Unfortunately, it is too late to stop the Home Depot. It's impact will be
deadly to our wonderful local hardware stores. But we can halt the Costco
intrusion. Please support the ordinance that would limit the amount of food
warehouse stores can sell. That at least will be a step in the right
direction and give the message that we are not going to go the way of those•
other counties that have allowed big box stores to ruin their cities.
Thank you.
Virginia Pekar
6163 Alta Mira Lane, SLO 93401
781-9201
From:
<WeatherSLO@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>, <asettle@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Wed, Jan 10, 2001 2:59 PM
Subject:
COSTCO
To the San Luis Obispo City Council:
For the record, I am very opposed to approving a new Costco warehouse in
San Luis Obispo. Further, I am offended by the letter I received from Costco
assuming that I am in favor of the proposed Froom Ranch Costco because I am
Costco member. I am more than happy to drive to Santa Maria, and support the
ordinance that would prohibit Costco from building in San Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
Sallie Weatherford
From: "meyn" <pandbmeyn @ msn.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2001 5:17 PM
Subject: Fw: Costco
----- Original Message -----
From: "meyn" <pandbmeyn@msn.com>
To: <asettle@slonet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 5:14 PM
Subject: Costco
> I am a Costco member and I live in San Luis Obispo. I DO NOT want a
Costco
> in San Luis Obispo.
> I am happy that the congestion in Santa Maria created by the Costco and
Home
> Depot stores is not on Los Osos Valley Road and I am very happy to drive
to
> Santa Maria in order to avoid that fate for our city. It is a tragedy
that
> the Home Depot will create an increase in traffic and a devastating visual
> blight on Los Osos Valley Road, but please don't add to the problem by
> allowing a Costco to go in there, too.
> Our city is unique --please do not allow the degradation of the character
Of
> our city.
> Please help our city to retain its unique character by voting to prevent
any
> big box stores in San Luis Obispo.
> Thank you,
> Barbara Meyn
> 5869 Brookline Lane
> San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: <AnneD521 @aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 11, 2001 10:05 AM
Subject: Grocery Store Ordinance
Mayor and Councilmembers,
It is my understanding that on Tuesday, January 16 you will be voting on the "
ordinance limiting the floor area of non-taxable goods in retail warehouse
stores exceeding 90,000 square feet in size.
I urge you not to adopt this ordinance. I believe that this ordinance is
heavily backed by economic special interest groups. I do not support
artificial controls created by such groups. The City of SLO already has
rigorous requirements in place which can make "big box" store projects more
acceptable both economically and environmentally without succumbing to
pressures by a special interest group.
Thank you for your consideration.
Anne Denman
1229 Vista del Lago
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
From: "Nathan & Stacey White" <whites@fix.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmark@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 2:32 PM
Subject: Proposed Costco at Froom Ranch
Recently I received a letter from Costco corporation that discussed, why I as a Costco member should
oppose a proposed ordinance that would ban Costco from developing in the city of San Luis Obispo. The
letter discussed why I should feel that the an additional Costco in the area is necessary.
I am writing this letter to inform you, as my representatives, that I am in opposition to further Costco (and
similar box stores of this type) development in this area. The existing store in Santa Maria adequately
serves the needs of those that choose to shop in that type of environment. Further development would be
redundant and is not worth the trade off of losing the land that it would be built on. I was disappointed
enough to hear that another Home Depot was to be built in this county. And, even more disappointed to
hear that it would be in San Luis Obispo. I urge you not to make a second mistake and allow Costco to
develop in our city.
Thank you,
Stacey White
661 Branch St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.543.1794
From: Nancy Watts <nanwatts @ pacbell.net>
To: John Ewan <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 8:10 PM
Subject: FW: Costco and an Earful]
----Original Message -----
From: Nancy Watts [mai]to:nanwatts@pacbell.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 12:31 PM
To: asett[e@slocity.org; jewan@solcity.org; cmulholland@slocity.org;
Jmarx@slocity.org; kschwartz@s]ocity.org; nanwatts@pacbell.net
Subject: Costco and an Earful[
Wednesday, January 03, 2001
Dear Mayor Settle, Vice Mayor Ewan, Councilmember Mulholland, Councilmember
Marx, Councilmember Schwartz,
So Costco wants my support. Let me give you part of an ear -full! I do not
want the Froom or Dalideo Ranch developed by anything but Equestrian trails,
Ice skating rinks (Madonna promised(?) one years ago), or homes. No Neon!
No large parking lots—which thus far have been dangerously executed. As for
the homes, I think people are the cockroaches of the earth. I am not in
favor of growth. And, if you build it down town, you better have parking
for it.
Personally, I hate the feel of San Diego and love the relaxation of seeing
seven hills or peaks as I drive in from the south. Personally, I think.
there was a time when "Historic San Luis Obispo" signs made sense. That was
the time when I could walk into Hanna's Hardware store and get help fixing
the hose. That was when the wooden floors were forgiving of my joints.
That was when I could park in front of his store.
Speaking of parking: I stayed with a travel agent and B&B operator in
Amherst Mass. He had tried to see the Mission but could not find parking.
Why do we want to bring tourists to SLO when the residents and visitors
cannot find parking?
Speaking of Visitors: Madonna Inn has been described as a Pink Denny's to
me. I took my English sister and her husband there and the famed men's room
stank, the women's room stank clear up to the copper breakfast... bar. There
was one swing when there used to be three or more. It is just dowdy
according to one of my sister in laws.
And why does Alex get away with storing his old humongous junkers on his
property? My English sister's husband-- large rancher and vacation -resort
owner of Devil's Bridge in Wales—totally was taken back ... and he did not see
the stored construction vehicles on the backside of San Luis Mountain,
visible if you climb the mountain.
Why did we save the mountains? We cannot see them with two and three story
From: <tellsworth @ co.slo.ca.us>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 4, 2001 4:15 AM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mr. Ewan,
I will be unable to attend the January 16th public hearing at which the
consideration of an ordinance which will effect the ability of Costco to
establish a store in our community, but I wanted to let you know my
feelings in this regard.
I urge a vote against the ordinance. I am in favor of a Costco store in San
Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
Thomas Ellsworth
2316 Banderola Ct
San Luis Obispo
From: "Kelly Condron" <kellyc@tcsn.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmullond@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 10:04 PM
Subject: Costco
Greetings Council Members,
I have lived and worked in San Luis Obispo since 1981. I'm writing to
express my support for a new Costco in San Luis Obispo. The basis for
supporting this project includes:
The proposed location (the existing auto row) is far away from the
downtown and other city scenic areas. The location next to Home Depot
(yes!) is well suited for a Costco.
' Hundreds, if not over a thousand, SLOers drive their cars to Santa
Maria to shop at Costco each week, and sometimes more often. Do the math.
1000 cars x 60 miles / 20 mpg = 3000 gallons of gasoline consumed weekly to
shop at Costco. It's an environmentally friendly project not to mention the
reduced potential for automobile accidents en route on 101.
' Costco offers the consumer, particularly those of us with limited
budgets, the opportunity to make our spending dollar go further. I spend
over $300 each time I go to Costco and will continue to shop there, even if
I have to take my shopping to Santa Maria.
No doubt you are already familiar with the tax revenues that SLO
would capture based on the sales volume.
Costco will draw shoppers from the North County as well as Pismo,
Arroyo, Nipomo, to San Luis Obispo. When folks make the trip to Costco,
they just might decide to frequent other SLO businesses while they are here.
For example, "let's go to Costco and then to Farmer's market, etc.".
' Costco will employ 300 SLO residents at a time when the economy
appears to be compressing.
Thank you for considering my expressed support for Costco.
Kelly J. Condron (Mr.)
1080 Capistrano Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-6152
544-8658
kellyc@tcsn.net
From: <Riczak@aol.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 9:15 PM
Subject: Costco
Mr. Ewan,
I am a resident and homeowner in San Luis Obispo. I am in favor of having a
Costco on the Froom Ranch property on Los Osos Valley Road. I feel having a
Costco in San Luis Obispo is a good fit and would not have a significant
negative impact on downtown businesses. I can think of no reason why it is
better for my family or other members of San Luis Obispo to travel to Santa
Maria in order to shop at Costco.
Richard Klimczak
2021 Wilding Ln.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: "Barbara M. Wolcott" <bwolcott @ thegrid. net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 5:38 PM
Subject: Costco
We would like to ensure that our voices are heard regarding the building
of a CostCo store. There are two aspects of our concerns, one of them
having to do with the prevention of stores selling more than a
prescribed percentage of non-taxable items, the other with CostCo
itself.
Item 1 - Disallowing stores selling non-taxable food items as a
percentage of floor space is a poor measure of their value to the
community. The underlying reason for such a restriction lies in an
effort to limit non-union employment. If a union cannot sell membership
to a companys employees on its own merits, there must be a good
reason. Employees are well able to discern and move to change their own
working environment without the heavy hand of government.
Item 2 - We have patronized Costco since it opened in Santa Maria.
Collectively, our family makes about 3-4 trips per month, which we would
like very prefer benefit our own community. The employees we encounter
treat us quite well, and appear to enjoy their work. We feel it is a
reflection of their being treated well by their employer. Their pay is
above average, especially for what is earned in San Luis Obispo, and
they get fringe benefits not usually offered in local retail trade. The
company provides items at lower cost, creates well paying jobs, reduces
driving for people in San Luis, increases sales tax revenues to the
community and offers other local benefits.
It's time we got over this so-called "Big Box" phobia and do what is
beneficial to local citizens like ourselves who vote in every election.
We need to enhance San Luis Obispo City and not send our opportunities
to the surrounding municipalities and beggar our future. We do not
relish the idea of living in a large city, but neither do we want to
live in a no -growth ghetto surrounded by thriving communities with more
reasoned approaches to commerce and development. To chase away CostCo
is to hand over county leadership to the rest of the county and foster a
dubious future for this city. Without enlightened leadership, new
districting based on the census will threaten our political
effectiveness by leaving SLO City to be split and attached to other
areas with superior planning.
John and Barbara Wolcott
From: "Karl Lashkari" <ricekobe @ charter. net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 5:34 PM
Subject: COSTCO
This is an appeal made to the City Council members to consider and approve construction of COSTCO
Wholesale in the City of San Luis Obispo. We shop at COSTCO in Santa Maria at least twice a month. It
would be a win win situation for both us, the consumers, and the City of San Luis Obispo if the
construction of this store is approved. San Luis Obispo continues to grow with or without COSTCO, and I
see no reason why the City Council will not approve this project, when they know how much revenue and
how many jobs this project is going to generate for the City, not to mention the convenience for its
residents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Goolu Lashkari
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>
From: "Wayne Cook" <waynecook999@hotmail.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 5:24 PM
Subject: Proposed City Ordinance
Dear Mr Ewan,
I've read articles and heard news stories lately regarding a proposed city
ordinance that would prohibit stores over a certain size from selling
non-taxable items. This measure would effectively prohibit stores such as
Costco or Walmart from entering the city. The measure is supported
primarily by the large grocery store chains and their unions who would
obviously benefit from the measure.
This is one of the most blatant attempts at market share protection by any
industry I've ever heard of. I'm all for high wages, unions, etc., but to
make a prohibition such as this is absurd. If a company wants to open a
store in SLO, they should not be prohibited from doing so just to protect a
certain industry within that city. This is especially true with the
protected industry is not small or locally owned. Do we really need to
protect Vons (aka Safeway) or Albertsons, which are national chains? I
don't think so. Their unions seem to be doing okay, also.
suspect there are other groups supporting this proposed ordinance who are
not so interested in protecting grocery stores as much as they are in not
allowing big box stores into the city. I say fine. Let them have their say
in the normal planning and permit approval process.
A similar regulation was voted down by statewide voters during a recent
election. The SLO City Council should likewise vote this ordinance down.
This ordinance is not good for SLO.
Wayne Cook
1345 Oakwood Court, SLO
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
�e1affiX
YES YES YES
DW Kleine
<DKleine500 @ aol.com>
<jewan @ slocity.org>
Wed, Jan 3, 2001 5:14 PM
costco
From: °Fred and Del Glenn" <fredel@onemain.com>
To: "COUNCILMEMBER KEN SCHWARTZ" <kschwartz@slocity.org>,
"COUNCILMEMBER JAN HOWELL MARX" <jmarx@slocity.org>, "COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTINE
MULHOLLAND" <cmulholland@slocity.org>, "VICE MAYOR JOHN EWAN" <jewan@slocity.org>,
"MAYOR ALLEN SETTLE" <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 9:54 AM
Subject: COSTCO
THIS MESSAGE IS TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO ALLOW THE CONTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A
COSTCO WAREHOUSE STORE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO.
WE TRAVEL TO SANTA MARIA AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH FOR THE SOLE PURPUSE OF
SHOPPING AT COSTCO. ALSO, AS LONG AS WE ARE THERE WE ALSO SPEND MONEY AT
OTHER STORES AND SOMETIMES A MEAL.
NONE OF THIS MONEY WOULD BE SPENT IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY IF WE HAD A COSTCO
HERE.
FRED L. GLENN
2700 JOHNSON AV.
SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA. 93401
805-543-8646
fredel@onemain.com
From: Greg Blume <gblumel @excite.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 1:27 PM
Subject: Support of New Costco
Dear SLO City Council Member:
I'd like to register my support of bringing a Costco Wholesale store into
our community. I, like everyone else in San Luis Obipso, treasure our
unique and special community. However, as a resident of San Luis I am also
aware that we who live here are also contemporary consumers. I have shopped
at Costco in Santa Maria since I moved here and know that everyone else that
I know in town also travels to Santa Maria to shop there. I'd much rather
see the dollars we spend at Costco provide some benefit to San Luis Obispo.
Please approve the project!
Sincerely,
Greg Blume
4606 Snapdragon Way
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
gblume@tactcom.com
Send a cool gift with your E -Card
http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/
From:
<Songiralmo@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Sun, Jan 7, 2001 2:03 PM
Subject:
Costco - we want it!!
Bring it on!!! the city could use it and we'd love to skip the drive. I
always have to spend money for food and all down there because it makes
into such a trip.
Vote YESH
Mark.and Sonja Giralmo
From: "Robert J. Mellema" <rjmellema@earthlink.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>,<jewan@slocity.org>,<cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 3:12 PM
Subject: Costco in SLO
San Luis Obispo needs a Costco here. I was glad when you allowed Trader
Joe to open a store here. I was tired of driving to Santa Barbara to
shop them. And I am tired of driving to Santa Maria for Costco. I
don't get it, if Home Depot is allowed to open a store here, why not
Costco? I believe you owe it to our city to approve a new Costco store
here.
Sincerely
Roberti. Mellema
368 High Street
SLO
From:
<TWNWJW @aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmuliholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarz@slociity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Sun, Jan 7, 2001 4:36 PM
Subject:
Costco in SLO
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Coucil members,
Please, please, please approve the Costco store at the Froom Ranch location.
I really hate driving to Santa Maria and spending my money there for items
that I don't buy in the local stores here. I have wondered for years why San
Luis has let this tax revenue get away from them.
The location is perfect for traffic and will draw people from Paso,
Atascadero, Templeton, Avila, and Pismo.
My family would love to have Costco right in our own community.
Sincerely,
Nikki Wright
3860 S. Higuera St. #207
From: <Slokay6l @cs.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmullholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 4:55 PM
Subject: YES TO COSTCO
I would like to register my approval of the COSTCO warehouse being built in
San Luis Obispo. I feel that the project is consistent with the City's
general plan. It seems that it would bring good paying jobs to the City also.
Personally, I am one of the many that travel to Santa Maria - using gas, and
paying higher sales tax for purchases. I also find that since I am going to
COSTCO I tend to do other shopping in Santa Maria that I would ordinarily do
in SLO. I moved from North County 3 years ago and I know of many from
Templeton, Atascadero, Paso, etc: that also make that trip.
COSTCO does not keep me from doing other grocery shopping locally. It just
gives me another choice - which I feel that the competition is good for all
of us.
San Luis Obispo is a GREAT place to live. Having a COSTCO here would not
change that!
I urge you to vote YES FOR COSTCO.
Thanks for reading.
La Quita Kay Goodwin
1179 Bedford Lane
SLO 93401
From: <DottyBear@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 5:44 PM
Subject: Costco
We have been a member of Costco (in Santa Maria) for some years now. It has
become our custom to go every Saturday to "make a Costco run." Then we go to
the various other stores where we need items. This is a lot of shopping, a
lot of money that is going outside of San Luis Obiso County.
Please support the building of a Costco in San Luis Obispo.
P.S. It would save on gas as well, and then perhaps your gas would not cost
so much. What do you think?
From: "Dave and Sherri Parkinson" <parkinson49@prodigy.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@sloc!ty.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Sun, Jan 7, 2001 7:14 PM
Subject: Costco and the limit on grocery space...
Please don't pass the ordinance that would limit the big box stores from
opening here. I am a stay at home Mom and CPA that grew up in this area and
have to drive 30 miles to go to Costco in Santa Maria. Lets keep that sales
tax revenue here in our city and not make me waste gas and time!! I would
rather play with my children!
Lets be good business people as well as stewards of our resources!!
Thank you,
Sherri Parkinson
San Luis City Resident
From: <LPippin985@aol.com>
To: <JohnEwan@aol.com>, <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 2:50 PM
Subject: (no subject)
My name is Louis Pippin. I am a thirty year resident of San Luis Obispo and
I want to urge you to support the Costco application to open a store in San
Luis Obispo
From: "Brent May" <bmay@bmaslo.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 12:51 PM
Subject: costco
January 2, 2001
Vice Mayor John Ewan
jewan@slocity.org
Dear Sir,
I am very much in favor of a Costco, as well as the proposed Home Depot, in the Froom Ranch
development.
My family and I are forced to drive 30 miles to the nearest Costco wasting gas, causing pollution and
congesting our freeways.. We enjoy the convenience, value and services that Costco offers and patronize
their establishment at least once a month. These stores provide my lower middle class family with low
cost, high quality products that are not currently available in San Luis Obispo.
I have lived in the City of San Luis Obispo my entire life and currently own a home in the Laguna Lake
area. I believe this development with the stores mentioned above would provide an increase in tax
revenue and create many new jobs for our city. If San Luis Obispo doesn't offer this type of shopping then
other cities nearby will, taking more business away from San Luis Obispo.
I strongly urge the City Council to allow Costco and Home Depot to open their doors in the Froom Ranch
development.
Sincerely,
Brent May
From: <Scwu@aol.com>
To: <asettle®slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 11:41 AM
Subject: Costco Warehouse
Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers of the City of San Luis
Obispo:
We have been SLO residents for more than 30 years. Both of us are retired. We
love SLO and hope to live here for another 30 years if possible. We also have
been members of Costco ever since it opened in Santa Maria. We shop at Costco
at least monthly, if not weekly. The regular shopping trips to Santa Maria
almost make us feel guilty in many ways. Just to mention a couple of them,
first of all, we are giving our tax dollars to Santa Maria instead of San
Luis Obispo. Secondly, The round trip driving is more than sixty miles. These
trips add up to thousands of miles or hundred of gallons of gasoline
annually. Like everyone else, we are concerned about our environment..
Whenever we drive, we know we are contributing to air pollution and
greenhouse effect. We encounter friends and neighbors during trips to Santa
Maria more often than at local stores. Obviously, we are not alone.
In recent years, US has experienced the longest peace time prosperity in
history with low inflation. We believe Costco and other warehouse stores are
partially responsible for the low inflation in recent years. The lack of this
type of stores is at least one of causes that Japan's economy, after decades
of spectacular growth, falls behind.
Many opponents of "box" stores believe a Costco store will change the
character of the City of San Luis Obispo. Downtown San Luis Obispo is cute
and let us keep A. However, progress is necessary and inevitable. Just as we
should not tear down all the buildings in San Luis Obispo and replace them
with teepees, we cannot keep San Luis Obispo in the 1920s and 1930s. San Luis
Obispo has parking garages, 84 Lumber, Motel 6 and Hometown buffet and San
Luis Obispo will have Home Depot. If these structures and stores don't damage
the characters of the City, a Costco Warehouse on the southern edge of the
City cannot do any harm either.
Who would benefit from a Costco Store in SLO? Obviously, the City and almost
all its residents. City gets the tax dollars and tax dollars spent wisely
will benefit all residents. Those who patronize Costco Store in Santa Maria
will drive less and sleep better at night knowing they are doing something
positive to the environment.
Who would benefit if. Costco is prohibited from ever opening a store? Possibly
a few downtown stores because of lack of competitions. However, these stores
will eventually pay artificially high rent. So, eventually, only a few
downtown landlords get the benefit.
We are prepared to boycott downtown stores if Costco is prohibited to open a
store in SLO. We are ready to ask our friends and neighbors to jointly
boycott downtown businesses. We hate to drive out of town to shop. If we are
forced to do so, it is not our fault.
From: <Nelsjoy@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 9:35 AM
Subject: (no subject)
I write to support the approval of the building of a Costco Store in San Luis
Obispo. 'Big Box Stores are already here in the confines of the city. They
are known as Ralph's. Von's, Rite Aid, Long's Etc and all deal in a wide
variety of merchandise.To deprive the city of a large tax income, many well
paying jobs and a purveyer of high class and excellent goods seems short
sighted. To deny the approval also means that large amounts of gasoline will
be used by the humdreds of customers who already .make the trip to Santa
Maria and who will continue to do so.
A. L. N. Blodgett, M.D.
M. Joyce Blodgett
From: Dodie Imel <dimel@lib.calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwarti@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 7:42 AM
Subject: Costco
I would like to urge you to vote against an ordinance that would
prohibit Costco from opening a warehouse in SLO. I am one of the many
citizens of SLO that drive to Santa Maria at least twice a month to shop
at Costco. While there, I also do the majority of my other shopping. I
would gladly shop in SLO if the items I needed were available at a
competitive price. I have lived in SLO since 1945 and am saddened that
I have to go elsewhere to find the items needed for my family at prices
that accommodate by budget. We need a store like Costco and I urge you
to do everything to expedite its construction. Thank you.
Dodie Imel
From: "Harold Oster" <saws®earthlink.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2001 7:03 AM
Subject: Fw: Costco
--- Original Message -----
From: Harold Oster
To: asettle@slocity.org
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 20017:03 AM
Subject: Costco
Please vote yes on the proposed Costco for San Luis Obispo.
Catherine D. & Harold C. Oster
3057 So. Higuera St. #108
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
saws2@earthlink.net
From: William O Priest <wpriestl @juno.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 9:14 PM
Subject: Costco Wholesale
My name is William Priest and I have lived in $LO county for 18 years. I
am now and have been retired for 15 of those years. I served on the Avila
Valley Advisory Council for approximately 8 years and am now Chairman of
the Squire Canyon Community Service District and general manager of the
Pismo Beach seniors 50 and over softball team.
I am writing this in support of a Costco store that is being considered
for SLO city. I currently travel to Santa Maria at least once a week to
shop for groceries there and have been doing that for better than 10
years. I do this because of not only there selection of items but also
there prices. On average I spend about $150 dollars every trip. I
understand there are over 15k card holders that live in SLO county. On
average this means that there is better than $20k spent in Santa Barbara
county every week. This also means that there is some 250 jobs that have
a starting salary of $10 per hour that could also benefit SLO city and
County. I have no idea what the sales and property tax benefits but I
would believe that they would be substantial. On a more personal note I
and many other SLO county citizens would benefit from the travel time
and cost of shopping in Santa Maria. However, if you tum down Costco
coming to SLO I and many other local citizens will still be traveling to
Santa Maria to do a small percentage of our grocery shopping. I believe
the proposed ordinance is to maintain higher grocery prices and protect
the market for a few selfish local business owners. I certainly do not
want another box store explosion like they are now experiencing in Santa
Maria. The city of San Luis Obispo is a beautiful and vibrant city and I
do not believe that one or two box stores will detract from that. I
therfore beliveve that the ordanance aginst box stores is un-neccasary
and that you reject it.
Sincerely
William O. Priest
430 Squire Canyon
SLO 93401
Wpriestl ®juno.com
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
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CC: <jewan @ slocity.org>, <cmulholland @ slocity.org>, <jmarx @ slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
MY WIFE AND I ARE AGAINST THE ORDINANCE TO PREVENT COSTCO'S OPENING A
WAREHOUSE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO. WE LIKE THE LOCATION THEY HAVE CHOSEN. THIS
TOWN NEEDS THE COMPETITION.
THANK YOU
JOSEPH CAMPBELL
6991 MONTE ROAD
SAN LUIS OBISPO
s
From:
<AFABJOE@aol.com>
To:
<ASETTLE@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 9:11 PM
Subject:
ORDINANCE
MY WIFE AND I ARE AGAINST THE ORDINANCE TO PREVENT COSTCO'S OPENING A
WAREHOUSE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO. WE LIKE THE LOCATION THEY HAVE CHOSEN. THIS
TOWN NEEDS THE COMPETITION.
THANK YOU
JOSEPH CAMPBELL
6991 MONTE ROAD
SAN LUIS OBISPO
From:
<PismoCheryl @ aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 8:31 PM
Subject:
Costco in SLO
I understand that the San Luis Obispo City Council is opposed to having a
Costco store in San Luis Obispo.
I strongly approve of a Costco in San Luis Obispo. The travel to shop at
Costco in Santa Maria is a very time consuming and gas costly endevourfor us
who live in this county.
I do shop at Costco for nearly all my shopping needs. It would greatly
help the people of this area to have this kind of store in this county. The
revenue it would generate to our city and the jobs it would create here would
be an advantage to the county.
Very truly yours,
Cheryl Jarvis
81 La Gaviota
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
773-8800
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: <rgreenz@sanluisobispo.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 8:28 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Vice Mayor Ewan,
I read recently that the city council will be voting on an ordinance that would prohibit Costco from
building a warehouse store in San Luis Obispo. I strongly oppose this and hope that you do too. A Costco
in our city would be a positive thing; it would provide jobs and keep a significant amount of tax dollars here
instead of Santa Barbara county. There is a common misconception that a Costco can be harmful to
cities, such as San Luis Obispo. In a recent Tribune article, the city of Goleta has found just the opposite
true. They have found it increased business in the downtown core and other areas. How can this be bad?
We keep tax dollars here and help local business's at the same time. Please do not support this
proposed ordinance. At the same time, I would like to see you support the Costco. Thank you.
Edward Davidson
1471 Southwood Drive
SLO
547-1313
Do you have a Real Cities Passport?
Get your free @cityname.com address from http://www.realcities.com
From: 'Howard Gordon" <hgordon @ surveyor.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 7:50 PM
Subject: in favor of Costco
Dear SLO City Council Members:
I recently heard of opposition to the building of a Costco warehouse in SLO,
and while it is not difficult to imagine concerns about the economic impact
of Costco on other local businesses, I believe that the net value of a
SLO-based Costco to the local community would be quite positive, based on my
experience with the company over the past 12 years. Here are some of my
thoughts:
1. My wife and I joined the Costco store when it first opened in Santa
Maria in (I believe) 1988, and we mostly shopped there for business needs,
buying much of the furniture, office supplies, employee snacks and soft
drinks, occasionally computers, printers, etc, to equip Xing Technology, and
later Surveyor Corporation. In our 12 years as customers, we have been
uniformly impressed with the quality of the employees and attitude toward
customer service, and our sense has been Costco's employee compensation,
training and benefit programs are significantly better than average for the
retail industry. In terms of retail jobs, I believe that Costco represents
the type of stable and enlightened employer we'd want to see in this
community.
2. Beyond payroll contributions to the local community, the tax benefits
have to be significant. I don't know the actual numbers, but one point, I
estimated that the Santa Maria Costco was generating $75-$100 million in
annual sales, which must have translated to substantial local tax revenues.
I'd like to see SLO instead of Santa Maria benefit from those revenues.
3. While I hate to see the irreversible loss of farmland and green belt,
unless I am misinformed, it appears that the location designated for Costco
has already been committed to retail space, and now it just a question of
who gets to move in. That being the case, it is my belief that the SLO
City Council would serve the community well by allowing Costco to move
forward with their plans.
Sincerely,
Howard & Heidi Gordon
Howard Gordon .Surveyor Corporation San Luis Obispo, CA
hgordon@surveyor.com http://www.surveyor.com
tel: 805.784.9000 x115 fax: 805.784.0925
a
From: 'Bennett Weiss" <bweiss@charter.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 7:48 PM
Subject: Fw: Costco
Vice Mayor Ewan,
We are writing to express our support for allowing Costco to open a store at Froom Ranch. We are
residents and voters in the city of SLO, have reviewed the issues and would like to see the project
procede.
Bennett and Tracy Weiss
From: "Thomas S. Ellsworth" <tellswor@slonet.org>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 7:29 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mr. Ewan,
I will be unable to attend the January 16th public hearing at which the
consideration of an ordinance which will effect the ability of Costco to
establish a store in our community, but I wanted to let you know my
feelings in this regard.
I urge a vote against the ordinance. I am in favor of a Costco store in San
Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
Nancy Ellsworth
2316 Banderola Ct
San Luis Obispo
From: "michaelv" <michaelv@charter.net>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 6:05 PM
Subject: Costo in San Luis Obispo
I have been a voter and tax payer of SLO for forty years. I am tried of giving Santa Maria my tax money to
Santa Barbara
County. It is about time we have a Costco and Home Depot in SLO county. I would appreciate it if you
would decide to
let the people in this city that have been born and raised here have some say on the subject.
Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Vallely
287 Highland Dr.
San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93405
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
zkschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<Kenobound@aol.com>
To:
<a.settle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <Cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue; Jan 2, 2001 6:01 PM
Subject:
Costco
To all City Council members: I,as a native of San Luis Obispo, 63 years,
would like to make a statement regarding Costco: I feel that San Luis Obispo
has long been denied the opportunity of a larger variety of shopping. I have
been doing business with Costco for approx 20 years, in the beginning I
traveled to Burbank in order to buy from them, then to Oxnard and now Santa
Maria, I have been going approx 3 times a month since they have been in Santa
Maria, I would like to think that I no longer have to go so far to be able to
shop at the place of my choice. I feel that passing an ordinance not.
allowing them or any other large stores to come into SLO is terrible. Costco
would bring much needed job opportunities with a very good pay scale. SLO
would also benefit thru the Sales Tax collected and in so many other arears.
Please consider allowing them to come into our town, it is about time that we
have some decent stores to choose from.
Thank you,
Sue Anne Rocha
1170 Seaward
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93405
805-544-2226 phone 805-544-4388 fax
From: Stuart Goldenberg <sgoldenb@calpoly.edu>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 5`03 PM
Subject: Costco - Good for our community
For a number of years, my wife and I have made a monthly trek to Costco,
Santa Maria, for the purchase of numerous items. We typically spend
between $300 and $400 there each month. We find this sort of purchasing
works well for us, reducing the time we spend shopping. Most of what we
purchase is food stuff. We feel the trip is worth while because the
quality of the merchandise is always good, the prices are good (not
guaranteed the best), and their return policy is unbeatable. It is
extremely rare for us to visit any other merchant in Santa Maria when we
go to Costco. A few times we have had dinner prior to our shopping
expedition, and occasionally we visit Harbor Freight so I can play with
the tools, and do drop a couple of dollars there.
We are not particularly excited about other "big box stores" coming
here. We have found, for example, the big hardware stores often don't
have the little special item we want or need. We have also found that
their service leaves something to be desired. We know what to expect of
Costco, which includes very limited selection, quality merchandise, and
excellent service.
We would very much like Costco to become one of our neighbors. We don't
particularly like the 35 plus miles drive each way to Santa Maria, but
will continue to do so on a monthly basis, spending between $3600 and
$4800 a year at Costco whether it is in San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria.
««««««««««««««« »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»>
Stu Goldenberg Mathematics Department
Office 25-216 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Phone (805) 756-2130 FAX (805) 756-6537
mailto:sgoldenb@calpoly.edu http://www.calpoly.edu/-sgoldenb
From: "Don Hines" <slohines@msn.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:48 PM
Subject: Approving Costco
Dear Vice Mayor Ewan,
We are writing in regards to the Workshop of January 4th, and the City Council public hearing to be held
on January 16th concerning Costco. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend either of these meetings,
but want very much to express our wishes on the approval of Costco being allowed to be built, and open
next to Home Depot.
This is something long overdue to the residents of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. It is a
shame that we, and thousands of other residents, have for years been forced to drive the 70 miles weekly,
or bimonthly, to Santa Maria to shop. It is a shame that the tax monies from all of us shopping there, could
not have been kept here. The city is missing out on an enormous amount of revenue, that it will for a
certainty receive, if Costco is permitted to come in. No matter how much the downtown merchants want
to prevent this, they do not provide competitive prices, nor commodities to fulfill our needs. They make no
effort to provide for household support, but cater to the tourist theme and students. That is fine, but please
stop denying us, the regular daily taxpayers, the right to have the shopping we need, and deserve. If
Costco is denied, we will certainly continue to do what we have done for years. Shop Santa Maria and
were ever else there is a Costco.
Someone should have decided years back to allow downtown to cater to the tourists, and allow the stores
we need to come to the city, away from downtown. We are so relieved to now have the Home Depot
coming, and applaud that it was finally approved.
Please do the right thing for the most of us, and approve Costco. We need this store.
Sincerely,
Mary and Don Hines
3536 Cedar Court
San Luis Obispo,
Ca. 93401
From: <CAMTMOM@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:42 PM
Subject: FYI
Dear Mayor and SLO City Councilmembers,
You can count us in as being in favor of having a Costco here is SLO. We
shop Costco alot and it would be nice to have all our tax dollars stay here
in SLO country for a change. Having a Costco in SLO will not keep us from
shopping our local businesses also. It will also furnish a good working
envirement for many of our young folks that find it hard get employement in
SLO.
Please keep this in mind when making your decision on the unnecessary
proposed ordinance that you will be voting on soon. S. Burdette family
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmax@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: Masoud Mehdizadeh <amehdiza@calpoly.edu>
To: <kschwartz@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jewan @ slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:40 PM
Subject: COSTCO
I and my family love to see COSTCO in San Luis Obispo. This will help the
city and we do not need to drive to Santa Maria to do our shopping. I am
sure a lot of people in this town share the same idea.
Sincerely,
Masoud Mehdizadeh
128 Twinridge Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
From:
"slokarg" <slokarg@email.msn.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:40 PM
Subject:
Costco warehouse
Dear Councillor,
I am one Costco member who uses the store in Santa Maria and I prefer to continue to do so rather than
see one of those places built here in SLO. I urge you to support the ordinance that would prohibit Costco
from opening a warehouse here in SLO.
Robert Karger, M.D.
25 Buena Vista Ave
SLO
CC: <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz*slocity.org>
From:
<Madymftch@aol.com>
To:
<asettle @ slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:35 PM
Subject:
TAXES
In order to Pave the streets of the city and so we are not embarrassed to
invite our out of town friends to visit, please let the Big Box stores in
like Costco. The sales tax from them could pave our disgraceful streets.
You want to put up new Street signs but the streets are terrible. I'm sure
you and/or your spouse have shopped ;in other cities because we have no where
to shop. We are on a fixed budget and cannot pay high prices for any items.
Have you driven down South Higuera lately??? If you haven't you should. I
have spent hundreds of dollars trying to eliminate the squeaks and rattles
from my nearly new car.
If you don't let in stores that you can reap any taxes from, we will be the
laughing stock of the county, where no one will come to shop.
Residents on South Higuera
Mady Mitchell
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From:
<TigerTown@aol.com>
To:
<jewan@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 4:16 PM
Subject:
Proposed Costco
Dear Mr. Ewan
Having lived in San Luis Obispo for the past 27 years, I have seen many
changes take place in our city. Some good and some not so good.
Like many other residents of this city, I travel to Costco in Santa Maria on
a monthly basis spending approximately $300.00 - $500.00 per visit.
I do not feel that the presence of a Costco in San Luis Obispo would be
detrimental to the small businesses in this community. The non-taxable items
that are sold at Costco are usually packaged in large quantities. Since not
all people buy in large quantities, the competition to the groceries stores
will be minimal. Those of us who do buy in large quantities will continue to
do so even if it means driving to Santa Maria.
By having a Costco in San Luis Obispo, we will be keeping those tax dollars
in this city instead of sending them to Santa Barbara County.
Glenda Powell
From: <FRaganSr@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>, <emlongdistance@costco.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 3:50 PM
Subject: Costco Application
My w'rfe and I respectfully request your favorable response to Costco's
application for permission to build one of their units in San Luis Obispo. .
Our total cost for pharmueceticals in 2000 exceeded $6,000. 1 have one
medication for which I pay Costso about $40.00 less per month. As we are
retired, making peiodic trips to Santa Maria is difficult and expensive. If
Costco is not allowed to build in San Luis Obispo, more and more people like
us will begin to buy our pharmueceticals in Canada, availing ourselves of
Internet facilities now existing.
Respectfully,
James Floyd and Ivandora Ragan
61 Broad St - Apt 111
San Luis Obispo 93405
From: <Quickdwc@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 3:36 PM
Subject: Costco in San Luis Obispo.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen
As a resident and business owner in San Luis Obispo, I would like to comment
on the interest Costco has on establishing themselves here in town.
Out of all the large businesses around, I would choose Costco as a valuable
addition to the towns services. They supply excellent quality merchandise at
great prices along with excellent customer service, retail and to the trade.
At this point the only real reason I go to Santa Maria is to shop at Costco.
I am not on my own here by a long chalk!
The extra tax dollars for S.L.O. would I'm sure be useful and the good
quality employment Costco provides, would be a boon to the area.
The proposed site of the store is in an already commercial area, so I cannot
see any disadvantage aesthetically.
Please consider the Costco proposal in a positive light.
Yours Sincerely
Bryan Jackson -Quick Draw Window Coverings.
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: Fred Dyste <dicetea @ thegrid. net>
To: "'jbrotman@costco.com'" <jbrotman@costco.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 2:39 PM
Subject: Leave San Luis Obispo alone!
Dear MIS folks; This is for the Chairman of your company, Mr. Jeffrey
Brotman, please make sure it gets to him. Thanks.
Dear Mr. Brotman,
I received a mailer from you recently asking that I support Costco's desire
to build in my home town of San Luis Obispo. As a member of Costco, but
more importantly as a tax paying citizen of San Luis Obispo, I absolutely
do not support you in your desire.
We have been inundated with big -box stores trying to capitalize on the
growing market in our quite little town. WalMart has been denied the
opportunity and I hope you are too. If you know who Alex Madonna is, you
should know that he is a pariah in this community. He is an overgrown child
with way too much money for his and the community's good. He is doing
everything he can to bring something in here so he can make more money. He
will ruin our landscape and our atmosphere all in the name of the holy
buck. He should be run out of town on a rail along with those he does.
business with.
I am in complete support of the Council's and the community's desire to
keep big box retail centers out of here. I am happy with the cost and the
service of the small local stores that you will put out of business. You
are welcome to keep your facility in Santa Maria which is where I drive to
once or twice a month to buy things.
If your market research folks have done their job properly, you know the
battle you have ahead of you. Thanks for the update as to when the meetings
are being held. I will be in attendance to support what is right for our
community. Allowing you to build here is not right. I will also use the
e-mail accounts you provided to let my ELECTED officials know where I and
my family, friends, and most of my work associates stand on this matter. By
the way, your list of myths are just that. I cannot believe that you do not
impact a community in the ways you say you won't. I am a marketer by
background and I know double talk and BS when I see it.
I hope you do not judge this e-mail as coming from a crank or a person with
an ax to grind. I am a senior executive with a local high tech firm as well
as an entrepreneur and I am part of your target demographics. This town
will not sit idly by and let you have your way with it.
Please do me the courtesy to let me know you received this e-mail as I am
responding to your letter to me.
Sincerely,
Fred Dyste
dicetea@thegrid.net
805.595.2148
CC: 'Allen Settle' <asettle@slocity.org>,'John Ewan' <jewan @ slocity.org>, 'Christine
Mulholland' <cmulholland@slocity.org>, 'Jan Howell Marx' <jmarx @ slocity.org>, 'Ken Schwartz'
<kschwartz @ slocity. org>
•
From: <Smj66@aol.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 2:23 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Vice Mayor,
I urge you to support the ordinance which will allow Costco to build a new
store in SLO
Jim Stahl
Residence of SLO
From: <JohnNeugent@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 2:11 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear council members,
I will be unable to attend the public hearing on January 16 because I will be
away on business. I would like to let you know that I approve the proposed
Costco warehouse on Los Osos Valley Road.
I am currently a Costco member and travel to Santa Maria. While there I would
do other shopping that I would normally do here. Further it is an
inconvenience, wastes gas, increases traffic and adds to air pollution by
driving to Santa Maria.
I understand and agree with the concept of keeping SLO small. That's why I
moved here. But that is no reason to deny good services to current residents.
I do not believe that the appearance of Costco will negatively impact small
business. I was a small business owner for many years and realized, as all
good small business people do, that they offer services that people will pay
for. Anyone experienced with shopping from local business' realize that they
pay a premium and are happy to do so. Bargain hunters do not "increase"
based upon a locally cheaper store.
I believe that blocking Costco from SLO is a true disservice to the residents
Sincerely,
John Neugent
218 Patricia Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
From:
<MCHiIICPA@aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 2, 2001 1:31 PM
Subject:
Costco
I am a Certified Public Accountant and have had an office in San Luis Obispo
off and on for the past 24 years. At one point in time, I was a member of
the Downtown Business Improvement Association. This was the point in time
where parking structures and the "mall° were the big issues for the City. It
took many, many years to finally get some of the parking necessary for the
downtown area to thrive. The plans for the mall were compromised so badly
that it failed and was a joke to the visitors of our beautiful city until
recent developments brought it to life.
am certainly in favor of careful planning and controlled growth but protest
the idea that the City of San Luis Obispo cannot have viable businesses
within its boundaries to contribute to the economic growth of the City as
well as make it easier for the residents to have shopping alternatives close
to home. For years, I have traveled to Santa Maria to shop at Costco, Home
Depot, Circuit City, et al. The reason for driving a long way is to have a
choice in product as well as price.
I encourage the City Council members to encourage the building of a Costco
store in our area.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Hill, CPA
From: mike and marshawn <stickman@fix.net>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 2, 2001 1:17 PM
Vice Mayor Ewan,
I recently received a letter from the Costco company asking for my support.
While I do enjoy being a Costco member, I do not feel that San Luis Obispo
is a good place for a warehouse store. One of the unique things about our
city is that it still hold some small town feel. If these large stores
move into our town we will lose this. Given that.there are very few places
like San Luis Obispo left I encourage you to reject the idea of a Costco in
San Luis Obispo. If I want to shop there I can simply get in my car and
travel to Santa Maria. This is close enough for me. I would hate to see
our city become like Santa Maria or Paso Robles. Nether of these cities
have a small town feel any longer. It is a true shame for those of us who
have lived our entire lives here, and have chosen to stay. I realize that
one of their major draws is the amount of revenue brought into the city.
While this is important, it is not everything. Sometimes it is smart to
just say no thank you.
Please let Costco know that San Luis Obispo is not an appropriate place for
them.
Marshawn Porter
San Luis Obispo Resident
From: "Paul G. Stoltz" <paul@peaklearning.com>
To: <jewan@ci.san-luis-obispo.ca.us>
Date: Wed, Dec 27, 200010:33 AM
Subject: Saving the best of SLO
Dear John,
We've not met, but 2 years ago I made one of the biggest decisions of
my life. I run an multimillion -dollar, international consulting firm
with many companies like Marriott FedEx, Qualcomm, and M&M Mars as
clients.
After searching the planet for the best place to live, we brought my
entire family and company to SLO.
We moved here because of the unique combination of open space, sane
pace, clean air, recreation, lifestyle, and the intangible
specialness that is SLO. In short, we selected SLO because it WAS
NOT like other places.
Today, you and the city council face some real challenges that
threaten to degrade the reasons why SLO is one of the last remaining
bastiens of the California dream.
Those challenges include:
Preventing the big box stores (Costco, Target, Lowes, etc)
from invading this town
Preserving open space
Making sure sensible projects (like Copeland's) are allowed
instead of the big box, San Luis Marketplace stores
Managing parking, architectural charm
Enlarging bicycle access/path systems throughout the area
Keeping growth minimal and intelligent
I hope you will consider this my heartfelt plea to vote thoughtfully
and courageously on these issues, so SLO does not face the gradual
decline Santa Barbara and other towns have faced. I hope you will
fight hard to preserve what makes SLO so unique and not compromise on
those who lack the vision.
Paul G. Stoltz, Ph.D.
President & CEO
PEAK Learning, Inc.
(800)255-5572
(805) 595-7775
(805)595-7771 fax
paul@peakleaming.com
2650 Skyview Trail
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Laura Bjorklund, downtown business owner for many years, called to say she is against big box stores.
She owned a business in Paso for long time and learned the hard way that small businesses are
effected by big box stores - even when they don't sell the same merchandise.
She would like to talk with you. Her number is 543-3700.
CC: KHampian
From:
Sherry Stendahl
To:
Council
Date:
Mon, Dec 4, 2000 11:42 AM
Subject:
Phone message
Laura Bjorklund, downtown business owner for many years, called to say she is against big box stores.
She owned a business in Paso for long time and learned the hard way that small businesses are
effected by big box stores - even when they don't sell the same merchandise.
She would like to talk with you. Her number is 543-3700.
CC: KHampian
From:
<CAMTMOM@aol.com>
To:
<asettle @ slocity.org>
Date:
Mon, Jan 8, 2001 12:27 PM
Subject:
Costco
With your vote coming up on the proposal concerning the allowable floor space
for food in Costco I think it world be a good idea for you to walk through
the new Ralphs and see how much space they have with dry good in their new
store. It is like an appliance, stationery store, cafe, with groceries. We
need this Costco to keep all the tax money from going south for the SLO, AG, .
members. Costco membership from Paso Roble area will shop in our county and
not travel to the store in Salinas which put tax money in Monterey County
which is what is happening now.
Getting a Costco in SLO will satisfy many of the folks that think we need
other big box stores. Thanks D. Burdette
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmullholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: "Nancy Nielsen" <nn @ rarig.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Mon, Jan 8, 2001 12:07 PM
Subject: Costco Warehouse
I am a native of San Luis Obispo and have lived here since 1944. My husband has lived here since 1941,
my parents and grandparents since 1921. Please do not put in effect an ordinance to ban a Costco store
in San Luis Obispo. The land which Costco proposed to build on has never been anything but a field for
cows to graze on and it has always been sparse feeding for those cows. My family of 6 has always
shopped in Arroyo Grande or Santa Maria because we could never afford to shop in San Luis Obispo. We
shop at K -Mart, Wal-Mart and OSH in Arroyo Grande and Costco, Home Depot, etc. in Santa Maria.
My husband has now reached retirement age and we will be retiring next month. We still will be making
trips to Santa Maria to shop at Costco. We can't afford anything more. Wouldn't you rather have our tax
dollars stay in San Luis Obispo? We would rather shop here. What could possibly be your reasoning for
banning the construction of Costco? If you are going to have a Home Depot build in town, why not a
Costco? It can't possibly do anything but improve the shopping in San Luis Obispo.
Please think of the citizens of San Luis Obispo that want to shop here.
Thank you
Nancy Nielsen
From: Mick Isbell <misbell@apslegal.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Mon, Jan 8, 2001 11:56 AM
Subject: Costco
Dear Mayor Settle and City Council Members:
I have been a resident of San Luis Obispo for over 35 years and a local
businesman for most of that time. Like the other residents of SLO I live
here because of the quality of life. In my opinion it is the finest
community in the country to live and raise a family.
One of the continuing decisions made by local governing bodies is the choice
between maintaining that quality of life, which means little or no growth,
and making allowances for growth. One of the frustrating thing about living
in SLO is the lack of shopping at places like Costco. We drive to Santa
Maria at least once a month to buy supplies for our business and personal
use. Being a local businessman it is frustrating to pay tax dollars which
benefit Santa Barbara County and not the county where I live and work.
I believe that allowing Costco to build a facility in SLO would benefit the
community far more that any negative impact would impose. I would urge your
support of this project.
Very truly yours,
Michael Isbell
President
APS Document Management Group
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ s locity.org>
I
From: <TRAGAN@aol.com>
To: <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Mon, Jan 8, 2001 9:39 AM
Subject: Costco
John -- Lets put Costco here, saving a 60 mile round trip two or three times
per month. Thanks --- Ted Ragan
From: <webserver @ slocity.org>
To: <jdunn@slocity.org>
Date: 1/5/01 7:43AM
Subject: City_Web_Visitor_Comments
Todays Date: 1/5/01
Visitor's Name: Mary Sansom
Address: 289 Marlene Drive
City: San Luis Obispo
State: CA
Zip Code: 93405
Phone: 805 542-9608
Fax:
Email Address: msansom@bass.cuesta.cc.ca.us
Comments/Questions: I am writing this note to give my support to COSTCO. I drive to Santa Maria on
average of twice a month to shop at
COSTCO. I hope the SLO City Council will make every effort to make COSTCO welcome in San Luis
Obispo
From: "MARK AND CAROL HOLLIS" <HOLLIS2@email.msn.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 9, 2001 3:17 PM
Subject: please vote for costco in SLO
We would like to see Costco built in SLO not only for the convenience, but the jobs created and less
revenue going out of our county. Thank you for your consideration to vote YES to Costco. Sincerely,
Mark and Carol Hollis hollis2@msn.com
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>
From: <CMSLO@aol.com>
To: <asettle @ slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 9, 2001 2:54 PM
Subject: Costco
Dear Major Settle:
We believe that Costco brings many benefits to a community and are strongly
in support of having a Costco in SLO.
We have many friends who feel as we do and we hope that they will also take
the time to email you, expressing their support for a new Costco in San Luis
Obispo.
Sincerely,
Meg and Cliff Baker
CC: <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz @ slocity.org>
From: Paige Covell <Paige@hippieskivvies.com>
To: SLO Chamber of Commerce <slochamber@slochamber.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 9, 2001 11:56 AM
Subject: CostCo Store
SLO Chamber, et al:
I write regarding the desire of CostCo's desire to establish a
store at the Froom Ranch property in SLO. As a resident and business owner
in SLO, I'd like to speak out in favor of this happening. I shop on behalf
of both my family and business at CostCo now, obviously having to drive to
Santa Maria. Yes, I do have concerns about growth, but I also have
concerns about the stagnation caused when we don't provide our residents
with needed shopping outlets. I feel CostCo provides a positive
environment and feel the location chosen is appropriate for our city. I'd
like to see Los Osos Valley Road enlarged to four lanes all the way to
Madonna Road, but perhaps that's already in the works.
Paige Covell, CEO
Hippie Skivvies LLC
793 Foothill BI., Suite A-118
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Fon: (805)544-5566
Fax: (805)544-2235
http://www. h ippies kivvies.com
"...when ya gotta hide the hippie inside."
CC: Mayor Allen Settle <asettle @ slocity.org>, Vice Mayor John Ewan <jewan @ slocity.org>,
Councilmember Christine Mulholland <cmulholland@slocity.org>, Councilmember Jan Howell Marx
<jmarx@slocity.org>, Councilmember Ken Schwartz <kschwartz@slocity.org>
From:
<dnolte@calpoly.edu>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>,
<kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Tue, Jan 9, 2001 10:28 AM
Subject:
COSTCO
I am writing to let all of you know our homes FULL SUPPORT of Costco in
San Luis Obispo. We have been driving south for a number of years,
contributing to the sales tax base of Santa Barbara County. I am quite
sure that with Costco in the local area I will still continue to buy
groceries and supplies at most of my usual retail places. We would just
like to have one more local option available instead of the
inconvenience.
Debra A. Nolte
Catering Manager
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
805.756.2900
From: Kerry E Taylor <kkpt@juno.com>
To: <kschwartz@slocity.org>, <jmarx@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 9, 2001 9:19 AM
Subject: Costco
Dear City Councilmembers,
The president of Costco has sent out a mailing to Costco members urging
them to put pressure on you to vote against an ordinance you will
considering on January 16. According to his letter, the ordinance would
"prohibit Costco from ever opening a warehouse in San Luis Obispo."
Well, we are Costco members and we urge you to enact just such an
ordinance. We have a wonderful downtown area. We fear a Costco store
would destroy our healthy small businesses in San Luis Obispo as well as
the larger ones recently built at. Madonna Plaza. The County forced you
to go along with the construction of the horrible Home Depot project.
There is no such pressure in this case.
We urge you to vote yes on this ordinance and keep San Luis Obispo the
way it is!
Kent and Kerry Taylor
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From:
<Ohno9999@aol.com>
To:
<asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date:
Mon, Jan 8, 2001 7:51 PM
Subject:
COSTCO IN SLO
Hi. My name is Linda Jones and I live on South Higuera in SLO. I want to
voice my STRONG SUPPORT FOR COSTCO in SLO. I have lived in the county for 43
years and in the city of SLO for 32 yrs. I am an average citizen who works
full time for the County of SLO - not a great wage as a clerical person
trying to continue to live practically the only place I know and love. I
rely on places like COSTCO and TARGET (which I also support coming to SLO)
for many of my grocery and shopping needs. I generally make 1-3 trips a
month to Santa Maria and no longer buy hardly anything in SLO. Bring in
Robinsons May and I would be an even happier camper.
I also have a small business and don't support the idea of protecting
existing busines from competition nor do I support limiting the square
footage of grocery sales in Costco or similar stores.
Traffic is already heavy on South Higuera, but it is mostly from the
development in the Marigold and County Club areas and business in the Tank
Farm areas, as well as people coming into those areas to work. I feel the
location Costco wants to build on will not make a huge negative impact on
LOVR once they widen it. Just take a look at Santa Maria and the area near
Home Depot and Walmart to see how well traffic flows in those areas.
Maybe if we get Costco and Target in SLO and bring some sales tax to the city
everyone can quit bellyaching about the lost taxes from Diablo.
YES, PLEASE COUNT MY SUPPORT FOR COSTCO
& TARGET IF THEY ARE COMING BEFORE YOUR COUNCIL.
Thank you, Linda Jones
From: <SLODonna@aol.com>
To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>,
<jmarx@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>
Date: Mon, Jan 8, 2001 7:43 PM
Subject: I support Costco
Dear Councilmembers,
As a 30 year resident of San Luis Obispo County, I support bringing a Costco
warehouse store to San Luis Obispo. I have been a member of Costco since the
store opened and drive to Santa Maria at least twice a month to shop there.
Because Santa Maria is a 30 minute drive I usually plan to spend all
afternoon or evening and generally always make additional stops at Home
Depot, Target, and the Mall. I feel we need to have stores that will serve
the shopping necessities of the residents of San Luis Obispo not just the
"boutique" type stores found in downtown SLO.
I welcome Costco to San Luis Obispo and urge you to support Costco as well.
Sincerely,
Donna Nord
P.O. Box 381
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406