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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/5/2017 Item 12, Taylor From:Kent and Kerry Taylor <kktt2@live.com> Sent:Tuesday, July 04, 2017 To:E-mail Council Website; Kent and Kerry Taylor Subject:San Luis Ranch Project Dear Madame Mayor and Members of the City Council, I was heavily involved in the Save San Luis Obispo effort twelve years ago and have followed the status of the former Dalidio Ranch property with interest. As a long time resident, I have always understood that it was inevitable that this island of unincorporated property would someday be annexed to the City and developed for urban uses. All along I have hoped that when that time came, the development would offer some sparkling amenities or benefits to the community that would warrant paving over this high quality farmland. After reviewing the staff report for the project, I'm filled with sadness, dread, and a general sense of resignation. I'm disappointed that the project does not guarantee that at least 50% of the property will be kept as agriculture or open space. I thought this was required by the General Plan. I'm disappointed that the project does not provide the 5.8 acres of developed parkland as required under City rules. I worry about the viability of agricultural operations long term, given that less than half of the property will be retained for that use. Lastly, as a resident of the Laguna Lake area, I dread the inevitable traffic and added congestion that will result both during and after construction. I grew up in Orange County and experienced the conversion of once pleasant communities into a sea of un-broken urban blandness. That process wasn't sudden; it happened one well-intentioned project approval after another. I suspect the Council will be attracted to the project's promise of additional housing which I understand is a high Council priority. If you decide to approve it, I hope you will (1) require that at least 50 % of the property remain as agriculture/open space and (2) require that the developers provide the full 5.8 acres of developed park land on site. Sadly, with the reduction in coverage of local issues by The Tribune, my sense is that many in the community are unaware of the timing and scope of this immense project. In light of that, perhaps the Council could consider postponing its final decision until your next meeting in July as an additional opportunity for the public to give you feedback. Thank you for considering my comments. Kent M. Taylor 1295 Descanso St. San Luis Obispo, CA 1