HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-23-2018 - Item #3 - Seaborne1
Tonikian, Victoria
From:Cohen, Rachel
Sent:Thursday, May 17, 2018 11:08 AM
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:FW: 790 Foothill Blvd project
Attachments:790 Foothill Blvd.docx
This item has been removed from the PC agenda on May 23, 2018; however, it was noticed and I would like to
pass on the email and attachment to the Planning Commission as requested.
Thank you,
Rachel Cohen
Associate Planner
Community Development
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E rcohen@slocity.org
T 805.781.7574
slocity.org
From: Marianne Seaborne <
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 4:10 PM
To: Cohen, Rachel <rcohen@slocity.org>
Subject: 790 Foothill Blvd project
Dear Ms. Cohen,
Please find attached a letter to you addressing my concerns about this project.
I look forward to the May 23 meeting at 6 pm at City Hall when this project will be further discussed.
Sincerely,
Marianne Seaborne
680 Rancho Dr, SLO
Meeting Date: 05-23-2018
Received: 05-17-2018
Item #: 3
May 15, 2018
Dear Ms. Rachel Cohen, SLO City Planner:
I am writing you today as a concerned neighbor, homeowner and recently, landlord in the
neighborhood north of Foothill. I am shocked that another high-rise is being considered in our
neighborhood, even before we can learn the full safety, traffic and health impact of the still
uninhabited 22 Chorro student housing project across the street. I am not in favor of the proposed
development at 790 Foothill for the following reasons:
Parking/additional cars in the neighborhood:
I don’t believe there’s room for additional cars in our neighborhood. As a landlord, I know that
students are encouraged to and will ride (buses or bicycles) to campus, but I also know they
come to our town with their cars. These are parked on the streets. We’ve provided our student
tenants with a 2-car garage, a 2-car driveway and 2 parking passes for the street, and all spaces
are used. I agree with all those who have already spoken up about the parking issues that are
likely to follow. People probably won’t be waiting for those mechanical lifts.
Safety concerns:
I am perplexed and dismayed that the city is considering such a population increase (mostly
students) to an area that is close to one of the most dangerous intersections in our city. The
intersections of Chorro, Broad and Foothill Blvd. are already very difficult to navigate.
Who will benefit here?
Do we really need more luxury student housing in this family neighborhood? It seems that type of
housing should be built on campus. From what I've learned, the type of housing we really need in
our beautiful city is housing for our workforce and housing that is affordable for low income
families. This developer added low income units to this project for one reason only and that is the
loophole that buys you additional height (43 feet versus the allowed 35 feet). I am also wondering
how these families will enjoy living with students who can afford $1300 a bed in a dorm-type
atmosphere? I think not.
Our scenic mountain views are being obliterated.
Please drive west on Foothill Blvd. and notice how the mountain views to your left are gone,
blocked by the building at 22 Chorro. Now imagine driving in the same direction (toward Patricia
drive) and NOT seeing our beautiful Bishop Peak. We don't want the high rises and traffic that are
infamous in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Many of us live here as permanent residents to
escape that.
Planning:
I spent the day in Santa Barbara last weekend and noticed the beauty of balance and proportion
in this city. Buildings are approximately the same height, and seem to "fit" together. On Foothill
Blvd., it seems odd that we are now planning 4-story buildings next to one story homes and
businesses. Is that town planning or "town cramming"?
Thank you for considering the views (pun intended) of a local. I hope to hear more at the next
meeting on May 23rd at 6 pm. Specifically, that the scale, proportion and massing of this project
has been considerably downsized.
Marianne Seaborne
680 Rancho drive, SLO 805‐816‐0484