HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-23-2018 - Item #3 - Czech1
Tonikian, Victoria
From:Genevieve Czech <
Sent:Monday, May 21, 2018 4:36 PM
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:PC communication
Honorable Chair Stevens and Commissioners:
As you are about to consider the proposed 790 Foothill development, please bear in mind the main concerns of the
scope and height of the project given the constraints of the site.
Doug Davidson, Deputy Director DD urged the ARC review to limit their purview to matters like the materials and colors
proposed as if the project were a "fait accompli". The developer defended his submission as in harmony with 22 Chorro,
one of his projects, which is not even completed, and which is clearly out of proportion to its site.
The proposed design of 790 Foothill needs redrawn according to ARC's recommendations, and solar energy be
incorporated, which implies a 3 story limit. The public, myself included, is concerned with issues of traffic safety. The
juncture of Foothill, Broad, Chorro, to and from which California and Santa Rosa flow, is a high crash location, and a
corridor to Sierra Vista Hospital's ER. The traffic study completed by the City is premature as it has not projected the
increase in traffic from 22 Chorro and 71 Palomar, nor the increase in cyclists from the new Cal Poly Grand Avenue
dorms to the commercial shopping centers on Foothill. This project would benefit from a period of "wait and see".
There is the final question of the purpose, objective, function of 790 Foothill. Its claim of "mixed use" with the
exemptions of lot size and setback size needs scrutinized. It is transparent that it is another example of student
accommodation rather than authentic affordable housing for San Luis Obispo employees. Will it tout itself as "luxurious
student accommodation" as 22 Chorro does?
The dual goals of livability and sustainability can best be achieved by respecting the individuality of communities and
their neighborhoods. The Foothill/Chorro/Broad neighborhood is crowned by Bishops Peak and the Cerro, whose shapes
define SLO, lending it the character of a national park. It is demeaning to designate the neighborhood as an appendage
to Cal Poly. Pressure from developers and Cal Poly to an infill frenzy that obliterates the mountain views is a sacrifice we
residents oppose, and expect the same mindset and commitment from you.
Meeting Date: 05-23-2018
Received: 05-21-2018
Item #: 3