I was shocked, but not surprised, to see the proposal from “an international real estate company” for a six-story building at Chorro and Marsh. Three stories for 55 apartments, one floor for retail, two stories of office space, and only 60 parking spots?! Would these apartments even be reserved for people who already live or work in SLO, or marketed to the developers’ “international” clientele? Please, San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon, Community Development Director Michael Codron, City Council, and the Planning Department: Stop allowing outside interests to get density and height variances, and stop approving massive blocky buildings that obliterate hillside views. Restrict buildings to 50-feet tall, or four stories maximum, as is city policy, and stop making exceptions, as in this project, which would be “30 percent denser than what’s allowed typically.” Just say no.
Patti Everett
Templeton
This article appears in Pride 2018.
Restricting housing to people who already live or work in an area is very likely to be a violation of the Fair Housing Act. Limiting the height of buildings to 50 feet is absurd in a housing crisis, and besides, the parking structure right nearby is already taller. Providing people with places to live is more important than your aesthetic preferences.