CC 2014-12-09 Supplemental InformationMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
DECEMBER 9, 2014 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 9.a. -
ORDINANCE AMENDING AGTBID RELATING TO VACATION
RENTALS AND HOMESTAYS
DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2014
Attached is correspondence received regarding Item 9.a subsequent to distribution of
the City Council Agenda packet.
c: Acting City Manager
Community Development Director
Associate Planner
City Attorney
City Clerk
Matt Downing
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Gay Groomes [gaygroomes@yahoo.com]
Monday, December 08, 2014 8:28 AM
Jim Hill; Kristen Barneich; Jim Guthrie; Tim Brown; Barbara Harmon
Matt Downing; Robin and Paul Rinzler; Michelle Cota; Susan Thompson; Aaron Thompson;
Joe Klamon
Proposed BID tax on vacation rentals
Good morning, Mayor and Council Members, I regret that I was unable to attend the November 25
City Council meeting and that this letter is so late.
I wish to express my objection to the proposed BID assessment on vacation rentals and
homestays. I fail to see how the BID can benefit our businesses, as we get and book our
reservations only through AirBnb or VRBO and not through any promotional efforts of the City.
As the proposal itself states, the impact on the City will be a very minimal increase but,
for us, every additional assessment is significant.
I therefore respectfully request that you choose Alternatives 3 and not adopt the proposed
ordinance.
Thank you,
Gay Groomes
1
Matt Downing
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Susan Thompson [susan@brookethompsonlaw.com]
Monday, December 08, 2014 9:39 AM
Jim Hill; Kristen Barneich; Jim Guthrie; Tim Brown; Barbara Harmon
Matt Downing; Robin and Paul Rinzler; Michelle Cota; Aaron Thompson; Joe Klaman
RE: Proposed BID tax on vacation rentals
Dear Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
Aaron Thompson and I own 550 Crown Hill in Arroyo Grande and recently completed the process
to have the home licensed as a vacation rental, which cost close to $1,000. It is a very
small home and we rent it out every once in a while through AirBnB. Please let this email
serve as our objection to the imposition of an additional tax on the rental activity. We
don't believe that periodic rental of a private home is the same type of commercial activity
that is contemplated for taxation by the BID assessment.
Thank you for your consideration,
Susan Thompson
(805) 714-6229
-----Original Message-----
From: Gay Groomes [mailto:gaygroomes@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, December 8, 2014 8:28 AM
To: jhill@arroyogrande.org, kbarneich@arroyogrande.org, jguthrie@arroyogrande.org,
tbrown@arroyogrande.org, bharmon@arroyogrande.org
Cc: Matt Downing; Robin and Paul Rinzler; Michelle Cota; Susan Thompson; Aaron Thompson; Joe
Klaman
Subject: Proposed BID tax on vacation rentals
Good morning, Mayor and Council Members, I regret that I was unable to attend the November 25
City Council meeting and that this letter is so late.
I wish to express my objection to the proposed BID assessment on vacation rentals and
homestays. I fail to see how the BID can benefit our businesses, as we get and book our
reservations only through AirBnb or VRBO and not through any promotional efforts of the City.
As the proposal itself states, the impact on the City will be a very minimal increase but,
for us, every additional assessment is significant.
I therefore respectfully request that you choose Alternatives 3 and not adopt the proposed
ordinance.
Thank you,
Gay Groomes
1
Matt Downing
From:
Sent:
joeklamon@gmail.com on behalf of Joseph Klamon Uoe@teraform-studios.com]
Monday, December 08, 2014 11 :48 AM
To: Susan Thompson
Cc: Jim Hill; Kristen Barneich; Jim Guthrie; Tim Brown; Barbara Harmon; Matt Downing; Robin
and Paul Rinzler; Michelle Cota; Aaron Thompson
Subject: Re: Proposed BID tax on vacation rentals
, My wife Laurie & I own 107 Oro Drive in Arroyo Grande. We respectfully oppose the proposed "BID"
assessment on vacation rentals & homestays. Our bookings all come from AIRBNB or VRBO. Laurie & I
believe that an additional tax won't help us generate additional bookings. Any additional tax will probably be
regressive & could hinder business activity.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice our opposition.
Joseph Klamon
310-962-5878
On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 9:38 AM, Susan Thompson <susan@brookethompsonlaw.com> wrote:
Dear Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
Aaron Thompson and I own 550 Crown Hill in Arroyo Grande and recently completed the process to have the
home licensed as a vacation rental, which cost close to $1,000. It is a very small home and we rent it out every
once in a while through AirBnB. Please let this email serve as our objection to the imposition of an additional
tax on the rental activity. We don't believe that periodic rental of a private home is the same type of commercial
activity that is contemplated for trucation by the BID assessment.
Thank you for your consideration,
Susan Thompson
(805) 714-6229
-----Original Message-----
From: Gay Groomes [mailto:gaygroomes@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, December 8, 2014 8:28 AM
To: jhill@arroyogrande.org, kbarneich@arroyogrande.org, j guthrie@arroyogrande.org,
tbrown@arroyogrande.org, bharmon@arroyogrande.org
Cc: Matt Downing; Robin and Paul Rinzler; Michelle Cota; Susan Thompson; Aaron Thompson; Joe Klamon
Subject: Proposed BID tax on vacation rentals
Good morning, Mayor and Council Members, I regret that I was unable to attend the November 25 City Council
meeting and that this letter is so late.
I wish to express my objection to the proposed BID assessment on vacation rentals and homestays. I fail to see
how the BID can benefit our businesses, as we get and book our reservations only through AirBnb or VRBO
and not through any promotional efforts of the City.
As the proposal itself states, the impact on the City will be a very minimal increase but, for us, every additional
assessment is significant.
I therefore respectfully request that you choose Alternatives 3 and not adopt the proposed ordinance.
1
Thank you,
Gay Groomes
Best regards,
Joseph Klamon
(310) 962-5878
joe@klamon.com
2
Matt Downing
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Councilmember Brown,
Michelle Cota [cota@charter.net]
Monday, December 08, 2014 2:30 PM
Tim Brown
Matt Downing
Proposed BID tax on vacation rentals
I am writing to you in regards to the proposed BID tax on vacation rentals. I rent out a room on AIRbnb for the purpose
pf meeting new people. I would like to say it is to supplement my income but it really doesn't generate much income
and it is sporadic at best. I started doing this a couple of years ago after traveling to Ireland and Scotland and having
such wonderful experiences in bed and breakfast homes over there. They have signs hung outside their homes and you
can literally just drive up to someone's home and ask to stay the night. I have never met so many lovely and more
heartwarming people in my entire life and that is was spurred me to open my own home.
It has been such an enriching experience to say the least. I now have lifelong friends all over the world from opening my
home. I also allow people to stay with me for free through the bicycling community as they are touring the country and
the west coast of California.
Again I don't do this for the money, I do it for the ability to meet people from all over the world and trade experiences
and share our mutual love of travel and our areas.
I respectfully ask that you forgo the additional assessment of the BID tax on vacation rentals . I cannot see how this
organization will help or assist what I do and will only burden me with more tax that I don't need to pay. The hotels are
trying to bring people to this area and I agree they should pay this sort of tax collectively to generate revenue. I am not
looking to generate revenue.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Cota
10 f This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
1
TO:
FROM:
BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
MEMORANDUM
CITY COUNCIL ~
TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
\\]'~
MATTHEW DOWNING, ASSISTANT PLANNER
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM 9.b. -DECEMBER 9, 2014 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 14-002, SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 14-001,
VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 14-001 AND CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT CASE NO. 14-009; SUBDIVISION OF TWO (2) COMMERCIAL
PARCELS INTO FORTY-ONE (41) RESIDENTIAL LOTS, ONE (1)
COMMON AREA LOT, AND TWO (2) COMMERCIAL LOTS; LOCATION
-SOUTHWEST CORNER OF EAST GRAND A VENUE AND SOUTH
COURTLAND STREET; APPLICANTS -MF/ LIMITED AND NKT
COMMERCIAL; REPRESENTATIVE -RRM DESIGN GROUP
DECEMBER 9, 2014
Attached are four ( 4) letters in support of the proposed project, received December 8,
2014, and one (1) letter explaining typical restaurant food delivery options, received
December 9, 2014.
Attachments:
1. Letter of support from Jason Peterson, JP Woodworks
2. Letter of support from Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Higgins
3. Letter of support from Justin Ford, Cen Cal Painting
4. Letter of support from Mr. Craig Bricker
5. Letter from Phil Ready, US Foods
December.8, 2014
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
RECEIVED
DEC 0 8 2014
CITY OF ARROYO
COMMUNITY 0 GRANDE
EVELOPIVIENT
City of Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
I am writing in support of the proposed project at Grand and Courtland.
I am the owner of JP Woodworks and a resident of Arroyo Grande.
I feel the new project would benefit both the citizens and the City and Arroyo Grande has not had
any new housing built for some time.
Our citizens needs homes and our City needs the tax dollars this development would generate.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, 0Q¥k-
Jason Peterson
JP Woodworks
1612 Badger Canyon
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
December 8, 2014
City of Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
We are residences' of Arroyo Grande and our children attend local schools.
I am writing in support of the proposed project at Grand and Courtland.
RECEIVED
DEC 0 8 2014
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Arroyo Grande has not had any new housing built for some time and I feel the demand is there. With
the types of homes planned for Grand and Courtland, our police, fire, teachers and other professionals
will be able to afford and build ownership equity.
I also support "in fill" building, as a smart way to develop smart before. developing into other areas of
the town. The commercial portion of the project appears to be thoughtfully laid out and the architecture
is pleasing to the eye.
In addition, we need the increases in tax dollars and fees that would be generated with this new
· neighborhood.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
5t'$' •
Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Higgins
626 S. Via Belmonte
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
December 8, 2014
Dear Mayor:
Dear City Council Members:
RECEIVED
DEC 0 8 2014
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMEflff
City of Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
I am a resident of Arroyo Grande and the business owner of Cen Cal Painting, and I am writing
in support of the proposed project at Grand and Courtland.
The project is appealing and I feel it would benefit both the City and the community
Thank you for your consideration.
Justin Ford
Cen Cal Painting
129 Nelson Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
December 8, 2014
Dear Mayor:
Dear City Council Members:
I
RECEIVED
DEC 0 8 2014
CITY OF ARROYO GRA
..... ~MMUWiTY DEVELOPM~~! !
City of Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
I am writing in support of the proposed project at Grand and Courtland.
I am a resident of Arroyo Grande and employed by MASCOS dba Western Insulation and Building
Products.
Arroyo Grande has not had any new housing built for somE;! time and I feel the new project would
benefit both the citizens and the City.
Our citizens needs homes and our City needs the tax dollars· this development would generate.
Thank you for your consideration.
~·~· ~ Mr.C~icker
200 Stagecoach Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
.FOODS' .. -. ·. .. -. . ,
-',• l ~-~ •• '
!'!&PING H:l!ictiENS COOKING:'
Hello Mr. Nick Tompkins,
Phil Ready I C.O.P. Specialist
15155 Northam Street La Mirada Ca. 90638
Office 714.670.3500 ext. 63431 Mobile 805.441.9663
,. .. '.-~IVED
DEC 0 9 2014
CITY Of: ARROYO GRANDE
' COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
In regards to your question, concerning the means by which restaurants are delivered their
food by a supplier, I wanted to email you and clarify the procedure. After signing a contract with a
food company, then and only then will a restaurant receive their purchased food. In signing the
contract, however, the customer has the ability to negotiate, with the upper hand, the time of
arrival of the trucks delivering said food. Restaurants have the option to have their delivery as
early as 5 am or before. Though most of the restaurants are not open at this time, to facilitate this
drop of product at a location, the customer will supply us with a key which we can then utilize to
drop off the product and not interfere with the restaurant operators' day. Most places will receive
no more than 2 drops per week, though 1 per week is more common, and three is used in only
the most extreme of circumstances. Regular and timely deliveries are the backbone of this
industry and help maintain a consistent load size; most companies avoid more than 2 drops per
week at an individual location as it increases costs, and decreases overall profitability, unless the
magnitude demands it. Restaurants are on the same schedule every week, for example: Place
order on Monday for Tuesday morning drop off at 6am, Place order on Thursday for Friday drop
off at 8 am These specifications will not change unless extreme circumstances are found, and
are quite honestly few and far between. If a customer is to order on a day they are not assigned,
or an "off day", they usually do not obtain first priority for time in terms of shipping. However, the
supplier, if notified that a certain location can only receive a drop during a certain time, can and
will acclimate the trucks to such a request in order to maintain the business, because if they
cannot, someone else will. Our trucks are coming from La Mirada, Sysco's trucks are coming
from Ventura, Jordana's trucks are coming from Santa Barbara, and Vitco's trucks are coming
from San Lws Obispo. These are going to be the companies delivering approximately 90% of the
food in this area. To the best of my knowledge all of these companies understand the same
rules, and play by them as well.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
mares285@aol.com
Kelly Wetmore
Proposed Grand/Courtland Development
Monday, December 08, 2014 9:57:32 PM
Mary Beedle
1400 Blackberry Ave.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
December 8, 2014
To the Mayor and Arroyo Grande City Council
I have lived in the Berry Gardens for almost 6 years and recently became
aware of the housing development proposed on the corner of Grand and
Courtland Ave. Yesterday, I attended a meeting hosted by the developer who
explained his vision for this property.
I am not opposed to developing the property, but would like more
thought put into the planning of it before it is approved. After returning home
and looking at the project site, I have some concerns. First, I think that the
type of houses proposed do not complement the established homes that are
in Berry Gardens. Too many units appear to be crammed into a very limited
space. The ones that border the west and south look very urban in nature,
lacking sidewalks and front yards. The neighborhood is not pedestrian
friendly. Secondly, I am very concerned about the lack of parking in the
complex and the proposed commercial project, and fear that my
neighborhood will suffer because of it. Lastly, I think more space needs to be
added to the commercial portion of the property. My neighbors and I were
told that the Grand Ave. commercial project would have pedestrian friendly
businesses that meet t_he needs of the community. I do not think that this
proposed plan would benefit our neighborhood or the City of Arroyo Grande.
Please reconsider the application before you.
Sincerely,
Mary Beedle
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
DATE:
DECEMBER 9, 2014 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 9.b. -S.
COURTLAND AND E. GRAND PROJECT
DECEMBER 9, 2014
Attached is correspondence received subsequent to distribution of the City Council
Agenda packet from RRM Design Group which includes a supplemental traffic analysis
memo from W-Trans for the subject project.
c: Acting City Manager
Community Development Directo~
Associate Planner
City Attorney
City Clerk
Matt Horn
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Good Afternoon All
Roberts, Joshua R. [JRRoberts@rrmdesign.com]
Tuesday, December 09, 2014 4:38 PM
Matt Horn; Matt Downing
Andy Mangano; Nick Tompkins; Rudd, Debbie L.; Scott, Michael L.; Cabral, Darin J.
Courtland & Grand Traffic Review
Grand-Courtland Traffic 12-9-14 (3).pdf
Please find the attached supplemental traffic analysis memo from W-Trans
Based on staff, Traffic & Planning Commissions', and public comments we asked W-Trans traffic engineers to
review the project (in conjunction with the Omni Means study) specifically regarding Access, Queuing and Trip
Generation.
Access Summary:
The right-turn-in/out driveways along Grand Avenue would help alleviate potential impacts of the project
traffic to the intersection of Grand Avenue/Courtland Street.
Queuing:
A) Under Future plus Project conditions, during both the a.m. and p.m. peak hours, the 95th percentile
queues would not extend beyond the project driveway on Courtland Street. However, to not limit
access, It is recommended that "KEEP CLEAR" legends and striping be installed on Courtland Street at
the project driveway.
B) Westbound left turn queues on Grand Avenue at Courtland Street would exceed the available storage
capacity for the 95th percentile queues by approximately one vehicle during the a.m. peak hour and
approximately two vehicles during the p.m. peak hour, both of which are within acceptable ranges
based on the statistical analysis.
Trip Generation:
Compared with a 58,000 square foot shopping center, the current retail/residential mixed project
would result in an approximate 55-60 percent reduction in traffic generated by the site.
JOSHUA ROBERTS, P.E.
Project Manager
37 65 S. Higuera St., Suite 102
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-1794
rrmdesi n.com
1
me'morandum
Date:
To:
December 9, 20.14
Ms. Debbie Rudd
RRM Design Group
3765 S Higuera St., Ste. I 02
San Luis Obispo, CA 9340 I
From:
~reject:
Steve Weinberger and
Smadar Boardman
AGROOI
Subject: Courtland and Grand -Supplemental Traffic Analysis
w-tran~
Whitlock & Weinberger
Transportation, Inc.
490 Mendocino Avenue
Suite 201
Santa Rosa, CA 9540 I
VOICe (707) 542-9500
fax (707) 542-9590
website www.w-trans.com
email sweinberger@w-trans.com
As requested, this memorandum addresses a follow-up traffic analysis of the Courtland and Grand project,
including the need for driveway access on Grand Avenue, left turn queuing at Grand Avenue/Courtland
Street, and a comparison of trip generation for commercial, office and residential land uses.
Driveway Access
The need for the two driveways that provide right-in/right-out access to the project site was assessed.
By providing these access points, inbound vehicles travelling eastbound along Grand Avenue would turn
into the project site before the intersection of Grand Avenue/Courtland Street, thus avoiding the potential
of additional project-related delay impacting the intersection. Vehicles turning right out of the driveways
would add traffic to the Grand Avenue approaches, which have more available green time (and therefore
less impact) than the Courtland Street approaches of the intersection.
Ideally, two driveways would serve the project on Grand Avenue given the size of the project. We
understand that there may be a restriction to right-turn inbound movements at the western driveway. If
this movement is to be restricted, there should be an access for right-turn movements into the project
via the central driveway location.
Queuing
There was concern as to whether vehicles making left turns out of the project driveway on Courtland
· Street would be blocked due to an excessiye northbound left turn queue length at Grand
· Avenue/Courtland Street. Based on our analysis of intersection operations and queuing conditions under
Future plus Project conditions, during both the a.m. and p.m. peak hours, the 95th percentile queues would
not extend beyond the project driveway on Courtland Street, but the queues would be close. Therefore,
it is recommended that "KEEP CLEAR" legend and striping be installed on Courtland Street at the
driveway location.
Westbound left turn queues on Grand Avenue at Courtland Street would exceed the available storage
capacity for the 95th percentile queues by approximately one vehicle during the a.m. peak hour. During
the p.m. peak hour, the 95th percentile queue length would exceed available capacity by approximately
two vehicles. However, due to the statistical nature of the analysis software, an excess queue of one to
two vehicles would be considered acceptable.
Ms. Debbie Rudd Page 2 December 9, 2014
Trip Generation
A comparison of standard trip generation rates for various land uses published by the Institute of
Transportation Engineers (ITE) in Trip Generation Manual, 9th Edition, 2012 is shown in the table below.
Table
Trip Generation Summary
Land Use ITE LU Units AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Code Rate In Out Rate In Out
Single Family Detached 210 du 0.75 25% 75% 1.00 63% 37%
------------~ --------------------------
Apartment 220 du 0.51 20% 80% 0.62 65% 35%
Office 710 ksf 1.56 88% 12% 1.49 17% 83%
Shopping Center 820 ksf 0.96 62% 38% 3.71 48% 52% ---
Medical Office 720 ksf 2.39 79% 21% 3.57 28% 72%
Note: du = dwelling unit; ksf = 1,000 square feet
Compared with _the previously proposed 58,000 square foot shopping center, the current retail/residential
mixed project would result in an approximate 55-60 percent reduction in traffic generated by the site.
Conclusions and Recommendations
•
The right-turn-in/out driveways along Grand Avenue would help alleviate potential impacts of the
project traffic to the intersection of Grand Avenue/Courtland Street.
It is recommended that "KEEP CLEAR" legends and striping be installed on Courtland Street at the'
project driveway.
Compared with a 58,000 square foot shopping center, the current retail/residential mixed project
would result in an approximate 55-60 percent reduction in traffic generated by the site.
SJW/sab/AGROO 1.M I .docx
Matt Downing
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear Mr. Downing,
Kenneth Trigueiro [KennethT@pshhc.org]
Tuesday, December 09, 2014 3:15 PM
Matt Downing
Kenneth Trigueiro
Comment on CC item 9.b.
rJ/o,
>)upplemwbJ l nt .
We are the non profit affordable housing developer, owner and manager of the 36 new rental
homes at 150 South Courtland Street, next to the property owned by our neighbor Nick Tompkins
(NKT Commercial).
The project team associated with the proposed development at the NKT location has been very
gracious to include us in their conceptual design process. And we support the project now
contemplated.
We have reviewed the staff report associated with tonight's City Council meeting and support
staffs' and the Planning Commission recommended action to adopt a MND and approve the GPA and
SPA, VTTM, and CUP.
We would prefer to deliver these comments to City Council in person, however our President
and CEO, Mr. John Fowler is in Washington DC meeting with legislators about affordable
housing issues and we have a conflicting hearing to attend tonight for an affordable housing
project in Goleta, to be covered by myself and other staff.
We would therefore appreciate if you would make certain the Council receives this comment
from us as part of a their deliberations on this item tonight.
Thanks in advance,
Ken Trigueiro
Executive VP & CFO
Peoples' Self-Help Housing Corp
Sent f ~om my iPhone
Attention:
Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except
where the message states otherwise and the sender is authorized to state them to
be the views of any such entity. The information contained in this message and
or attachments is intended only for the person or entity to which it is
addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you
received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from
any system and destroy any copi~s.
1
Matt Downing
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
December 9, 2014
Patricia Funk [hpfunk@att.net]
Tuesday, December 09, 2014 4:p1 PM
Matt Downing
Berry Gardens Proposed Development
To whom it may concern:
q.b,
My name is Pat Funk. My husband, Howard and I, own our home at 1463 Strawberry Avenue in
Berry Gardens. We love our little community and have_ been blessed to become part of a tight knit
group of neighbors who are our friends. We believe our neighborhood is a group of people looking
out for the best interests of each other and sharing in our daily lives. We are happy to be part of the
larger community of Arroyo Grande.
We attended the meeting at A.J. Spurs last night and were pleased to meet Nick, Andy, & Debbie.
We were also glad to see a council member in attendance. We were impressed with the plans for
the commercial portion of the proposed project. The plans looked very appealing and we are excited
about the possibility of a "fish" restaurant going in one portion. We loved the outside patio areas as
well.
We were NOT impressed with the proposed housing portion. The project was compared to the
Walnut Grove development. We are familiar with this area because we have friends who live there.
It is claustrophobic, doesn't have enough parking areas, and doesn't provide an opportunity for
people to walk on sidewalks and foster a spirit of "community". Each unit is a little island unto itself.
We believe a better fit would be to have homes modeled after the town homes on Cranberry Street
or at the south end of Courtland. The homes on Bakeman Street would also be an option. These
neighborhoods are welcoming and inviting to families. Homeowners who learn to know each other
and look out for each other have pride in where they live and they develop a sense of community
spirit. The current plans don't foster this connectedness.
We would love to see fewer homes built that were facing each other with little patches of yards,
rather than the larger "park like" setting. We would like to see sidewalks where people could walk,
kids could ride bikes, could accommodate wheel chairs easily, baby carriages, scooters, etc. We
appreciate the effort put forth by the developers in asking for our input. We want this new
development to be a positive reflection of the love and community spirit that is shared in Arroyo
Grande and is especially evident in our little Berry Gardens. We aren't part of the "village", but we
love our neighborhood too!
We like the looks of the Self Help apartments, but we were extremely saddened when the plans
somehow were "reversed" allowing for the 3 story unit to be built closer to Strawberry Avenue. We
also are saddened when we walk along Courtland and see an increase in the amount of trash-
especially cigarette butts! The apartments are "smoke free" which means people simply walk across
the street and smoke. We have ~lso had an increase in traffic and find it difficult at times to cross the
street from East Strawberry to West Strawberry to get our mail. We are happy people have a better
place to live, but the down side is they-are not the owners of their dwellings and many do not take
pride in our community.
1
We are sorry we were unable to attend tonight's meeting, but we appreciate you allowing us to
express our concerns.
Sincerely,
Pat & Howard Funk
1463 Strawberry Avenue
2
COLLEEN TITUS MARTIN
855 Olive Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
colleentitusmartin@sbcglobal.net
Dear Mayor Hill and City Council members:
Many years ago Arroyo Grande citizens gathered at the Arroyo Grande High School Gym for a community
visioning meeting to discuss to future of our City. The farmers came in droves to protect prime farmlands and the
. people were in an uproar about the density of the proposed housing. The City terminated the out of town
consultant and hired Rob Strong to lead City leaders and stakeholders to complete a thorough General Plan
Update including a Land Use Element that you and the City are proud of today. It seems that the Courtland ·
proposal on your agenda this evening is willing to shred years' work by many people for one developer desires ..
The Courtland property proposal is inadequate and a detriment to Arroyo Grande because the residential portion
is out of place and out of compliance with the General Plan. The residential portion of the project is already
complete with the subsidized apartments. In fact, when Berry Gardens was built, the small patio homes provided
for density and lower priced models on 3,000 sq. ft. lots. The proposed housing project is inappropriate for the
area and in direct contrast to our General Plan. There should be a transition or buffer between the
multifamily housing unit and the commercial-clearly single family homes is not that transition. I am
shocked this project garnered Planning Commission approval. It took three years to build and sell the condos at
Walnut Grove (adjacent to hospital). Two story homes in the commercial zone will end up as vacation rentals,
not homes for people who really want to live, work, retire, and raise their families here.
It is the commercial project that must be enlarged and enhanced to complete the East Grand Avenue
Enhancement Plan & Commercial Gateway Corridor. That area must be planned according to the Specific Plan
(page 56). Because the proposed added residential project is so large, the commercial plan has been sacrificed
and will eventually be a challenge to continue the commercial growth at that end of town. We cannot take other
parts of town and make them commercial, but we CAN keep commercial ·where it ought to be (on Grand Avenue
and adjacent areas). I ask you to be true to the General Plan and your heart when you consider and vote for the
best interests of Arroyo Grande, not one businessman's investment. v
Berry Gardens Specific Plan Amendment -Subareas 3 and 4
Pu.rpose and Objectives
The purpose and objed:ives for Subare<1s S <:1-nd 4 of the Berry Gardens Specific Plan Include the
following: . -
a. Implement the goals, objectives and policies of the City of A..,rroyo Grande's General Plan;
b. Promote hJgh-quality retail/commerclal development YVithin the City of Arroyo Grande':;;
Redevelopment Area;
c. Increase the atv of Arroyo Grancle's supply of affordable rental housing stock; and
d. Produce a functional, aestheticaHv pleasing project that will serve as a landmark in the City of
Anoyo Grande's western gateway and complete build-out of the Berry Gardens Specific Plan.
------------------,-----------------------------------------~--------------------. -----________ J
Please deny this project as it is proposed today. A better plan is out there, please wait for it.
Thank you.
CoiluM..
Colleen Martin
RcvcJ 12/q/11
1-ulfnn Akins
Good Evening Mr. Mayor, Council, and Staff, My name is LeAnn Akins and I am a resident of Arroyo
Grande, California. I have many concerns with this project. My main concern is how the housing has
been described at various times though the recent planning commission meetings, and it seems to
change every time.
The first meeting I attended, the terms affordable and entry level were used, now it is being described
as attainable. My concerns are further heightened when I did research on the median house prices as
well as the median incomes in Arroyo Grande. The median house price is 535,000, the median income is
62,976. The homes begin proposed in this project we have been told will sell for 400,000. People who
earn the median income in Arroyo Grande would not be able to attain these homes or afford them. The
median income brakes down to $5,248 dollars per month. The mortgage would roughly cost $1, 965, an
additional $500 dollars would need to be set aside every month for property taxes, and there is an
additional HOA fee of about 124.00 per month. Housing costs taken care of, the family or person now
has $2,695 dollars remaining for the month to cover food, car, home upkeep, student loan debt, credit
card debt, retirement funding, health care, electric, gas, phone, water, and sewage, and all other living
expenses.
Additional information I have found includes facts like:
*43.8 percent of the city's population is BELOW the county's median income
*47 .66% of AGs residents would not be able to purchase these homes
*40.22% of AGs residents would be able to purchase these homes; keep in mind this group already
enjoys overly sufficient housing
If Arroyo Grande is experiencing a housing shortage, doesn't it seem reasonable to say that the people
who are not able to participate in the real estate market here in AG, will continue to be able to not
participate in the real estate market in AG inside of this development? When is the city going to
entertain or seek partnerships with people who want to build houses where people who are at least at
the median income level can work towards attaining a home in the city?
I do believe that this property needs to be developed, I do believe that Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Magano
should be able to partner with the city, but I also believe the project needs to meet the needs of the city
and not only meet the needs of the people developing, selling, or renting out in the project.
What will the benefits be to the city? When are the true housing needs of the city going to be
addressed?
Thank you for your time this evening.
qb
Dear City Council,
RECEIVED
DEC 09 2014
ARROYO GRANDE
C!TYCLERK
I live at 1501 Loganberry, Berry Gardens since 2002. I am also the original Architect for
the developer for the Berry Gardens specific plan and the represented the developer who
completed sub areas 1 and 2 of the specific plan. Prior to working for this residential
developer I was the lead Architect for RRM Design group from 1985 to 1997 for all
commercial development. After walking the neighbor this week a number of residence
h~ve asked me to speak and represent our collective thought of the current proposal.
We are disappointed that the developer has not included us in a workshop setting to take
comments and concerns from the neighborhood prior to pushing his current proposal to
final design and approval to the Planning Commission and City Council. In the past,
being the Foods 4 Less proposal the Developer has promised to have a workshop for our
neighborhood prior to the next proposal being prepared to include our design ideas. This
has not happened.
The City Council has conducted a conceptual review of the current proposal and gave
direction to the applicant to provide a mix use development more keeping with the
gateway mix use designation. There has been no changes to the proposed plan or building
massing. At the request of the developers representative (RRM) prior to and following
these review meetings I was asked to give input on how to better design the current
proposal as to gain the majority approval of the Berry Gardens neighborhood. The big
issues were not addressed and there have been no changes to plan. These Issues were to
provide a vertical mixed use transition between existing residential units and to provide
buffers to the existing commercial buildings to the West. Provide more commercial uses
and more parking overall and internal vehicle circulation as to not use Grand A venue as
an extension of the developments parking lot. The project is severely under parked by
today's standards for commercial development even though it may meet City standards.
Restaurants alone need 100 stalls, and there is no provision for employee parking. We see
a conflict on where persons for both the residential and commercial will really end up
parking, being down Courtland and across the street to CVS and Smart and Final parking
lots. The true test of when you have a mixed use commercial development is when mixed
use parking reductions are being applied for. This project has none.
We object to the architecture, style, detailing, and site development of the proposed
residential component where many aspects fall short or are non-existent in the proposal
which were requirements in both sub areas 1 and 2 ( Brambles off of Oak Park Blvd and
Jasmine Place off Ash Street). There is no pedestrian conductivity by providing adequate
guest parking, safe pedestrian routes of travel to the front door of each unit and
residential blight with no buffers to an adjacent commercial projects.
We are in objection to the cmTent prop_osal bec~use it is not~ good or gre.at proposal and
wastes the last remaining vacant commercial opportunity in the most sensitive part of our
City. It is not only underutilizing our commercial opportunities ~t is misusing the
property for purely financial gain by allowing a General Plan ~n&nent in allowing .
single.family residences to occur.
The current proposal also lacks providing neighborhood services and being a tax revenue
provider which is both important to adjacent neighborhoods but the City as well. The
current proposal is both arbitrary and capricious and offers no public benefit to the Cify
and meets no need of the City in terms of affordable housing opportunities which General
Plan amendments require a minimum of 25% to occur.
The main argument that RRM has hanged their hat on is that additional commercial
buildings away from Grand avenue are unsuccessful and not leasable. This is not true. A
properly designed project that allows for visibility of the rear buildings from Grand
A venue can be very successful.
The existing commercial project to the East of the proposal that RRM uses as an example
is now fully occupied (Exhibit C attached). The main reason this building was vacant is
because Me and Ed's Pizza was coming soon to that location and was re-negotiated their
lease to the old Applebee's with Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company.
We rather have no project at all than a poorly designed project that offers no public
benefit or neighborhood serving opportunities on the Berry Gardens side of town. Traffic
will also be reduced by providing a neighborhood serving uses. Suggestions are attached
as presented in the Foods 4 Less power point presentation from the previous application.
Please also know that Government Code Section 65358, sub section c-d only allows for a
City to amend their General Plan four times in a calendar year which we believe you have
met your quota for the year.
We urge that this project be continued and be re-designed with the public in a workshop
setting in keeping with current General Plan and land use policies while respecting the
Gateway Mix-Use designation. We have attached a copy of the approved master plan for
this area which had popular approval of the sun-ounding neighborhoods but now has been
totally abandon by the City and current developer.
TOUCHSTONE PLAZA
CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN
EXISTING POPLAR DETENTION BASIN EXISTING DRUG STORE
--__________ .:: __ ~_
MASTER PLAN SUMMARY
PROPERTY OWNl!RS::
toJC!m'Ol.1!rwAUC
IUJf.G\l.IDA'l"l
AAROJOCWll!.CAnal
"""''"""" :lmllEAClff\\'"T
WUfllNOCAHlU
ARCHITBOT/ AGE!Nn
"'"""' 114[1CGltN(IWAY
OtoVOIW.Cll.CAPl..U
A.PJl
f'll1131.(!ll
f!WEU
13,)tl5Sf
MASTER PLAN PROJear INFORMATION
UIAC
MA'TEAPLAN PROPOSAL
norOltDW.i:ns11:iei1G11.U1m: w SI'
PHAGE! t COMMl!RCIAL
~&f'!Glo D~~OON t!eo
SUITCTAl.P.W:tfGIEQD.•
SU8TOTALPROVlDED•
,llHIAUS ......
~H'll'~~'ik,~.=~lOHGS
PHASE If: COMMERCIAL
LA!B. OESCR!POCIH AREA
SlJBIOTALPMJaNGREQD•
JOTAl.PAAk!HGPRCVIDED•
lf2Sl)dUJA!lJ
l/2,1!•16StlJJS
111J1•11Stl.US
1/.Ul•llWW .. ..,
D111.1D ZCXMJlfDl21~
1t•\'lmtl11COYOm
TOTAL PROVIDED• d~ STAW
PHASE It REBIDENTIAL
lABB. DBCRIPllON QNl't TYPE PJ.RrnGREQD
i~IOt.GI lfONElmloor.l llaMElll'wcovmD
111'1!0eEDtCOW llaMmlSWWl1lllCOVElt:D
&llllll!Olll!CO'JBS)
lOTALFROYJCEDc6JST>.11S
nAn
S&SHOMES
OJITIT11 CtlNTil.AL COAIT, IKC.
1.1,0B.OJ\ANDSAVB
~yo0ninda,CAllJ"420
pllvnci(805J<l!IJ-40l3
lu.(10,)<IBl·IOG'
mo.mar AROHrTEan
JomMaak
l'HONB (105)-<140-1112
TOUCHSTONE
PLAZA LLC
10•0 I! GRANDI! AVE
ARROYO GRANDE
PHONll(IOS)~
-I z
~ :3·
I-c..
c.. 0: Ww 0 1-Z tn
O<C
0 :!:
TOUCHSTONE
PLAZA
COURTIAND & EAST GRAND
ARROYO QMND!!!. CA.
APN!ll 077-131-002
APN!ll 077-131-003
APN!ll D77-131-004
SCALE: r-aa-o·
REVISION DATE:
1-28-06
3-30-05
A-1
'1
.
1
'.ti. EXISTJNG,
'c.;OMMERCtAt
DEVELOPi:ME~
Gateway Mixed Use
Suggestions
• Bath/Skin Care -Bath & Body Works Toddler/Child Care
• Family Arcade • Fabric Store -
• Bakery/Special Cakes Beverly's
• Bagel Shop (t Gym
• New Book Store -Barnes & Nobles • Physical Therapy
• Hair Style/Cutting " Crafts
• Pet Store/Supplies •-Laundry Mat
e Specialty Boutiques/Clothing • Education/Tutoring
• Pool Hall • Music Store
• Bike Shop/Bike Repair • Kitchen Supplies
• Men's Apparel • Organic/Sugar Free
• Shoe Store Foods
• Second Floor Offices • ~~~~y/Support
• Gourmet Food/Supply • Antique Store
• Med Stop • Computer Store/Repair
• Jewelry
Store/ Accessories
' \
/'
"'