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Attachment 13 - Planning Commission Written Public Comments

Coronado City Council
April 9, 2024

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Attachment 13 - Planning Commission Written Public Comments
Meeting
April 9, 2024
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Coronado City Council
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on coronado.primegov.com. That file is the official record.

From: Catherine Wilson
To: Jesse Brown
Cc: Brad Wilson; Jeri Hickman
Subject: Reduced parking for low income housing
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:42:46 PM
Attachments: image001.jpg
CAUTION: This email is from an EXTERNAL source. Ensure you trust this sender before clicking on any links or attachments.

Hi Jesse, My name is Catherine Wilson and my husband and I live at . as well as have a local insurance office at . Our concern is we just heard about the lowering of the restriction for parking for the units that will be going across the street from us. I don’t see how they can possibly build without putting in under ground parking for all of the units.

There is no street parking available around our blocks all day. They would be ticketed at Ferry Landing. Please let the powers that be know that this will greatly impact the current businesses and homes already in the area. Thank you.

Have a terrific day!
Catherine M. Wilson
Wilson and Company Insurance Services, Inc.

Coronado, CA 92178
www.wilsonandcompanyinsurance.com
Attachment 13
From: [email protected]
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Hearing March 26, 2024, at 3pm.

Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 4:18:43 PM
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Jesse,
My name is Jeri Hickman and my husband, and I live at . We are strongly opposed to reducing parking requirements for affordable housing developments. The Smart and Final parcel has one bus stop and ridership is way down. (the reason the summer shuttle service is cancelled for May and June). Traffic is already a nightmare at our location. There is no public street parking available after 7:30 a.m.

It’s simply mind boggling to think about the possibility of 116 units being allowed at the Smart and Final parcel and the corner of 2nd and C location. Our unit is directly across the street for the S& F loading dock. Raising the current height limit is going to destroy our views and any natural light coming into the front facing units. 116 units means at least 232 people, cars, dogs, and bikes. It is going to destroy our enjoyment and quality of life. I simply do not understand why affordable housing is being forced upon the most expensive real estate market and waterfront property in San Diego.

Can’t the City Manager, Mayor and Council members fight harder to increase the housing element numbers on the military base property?
Please print and or fwd this email to all Council members prior to the March 26th Public Hearing.

Thank you,
Jeri Hickman
Coronado, CA 92118
[email protected]
Attachment 13
From: Judy Delaney
To: Jesse Brown
Cc: Jeri Hickman
Subject: Hearing March 26
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:52:11 AM
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My name is Judy Delaney and my husband Tim and I live at , Regatta Bay condos.

We are strongly opposed to reducing parking requirements for affordable housing developments. Why can’t you consider underground parking? The Hotel Del has done it successfully and they are right on the ocean.

Traffic is already a nightmare at our location. There is no public street parking available after 7:30 a.m.

There are (including us) 4 retired military officers that have homes in Regatta Bay. We have earned, fought, saved and paid to have this location. Now our investment and living conditions are on the line because of subsidize housing.

Please help us.

Thank you kindly,
Judy Delaney and Lt. Col. Tim Delaney, USMC, Retired
Sent from my iPhone
Attachment 13
From: Donna Gasparrelli Corr
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Smart and Final land for affordable housing
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 1:43:16 PM
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Hello Jesse,
My husband Michael Corr and I are very concerned about the proposed affordable housing project on the land between 1st and second and B and C avenues.

We understand why we need more affordable housing in Coronado but think that the suggested development does not take into account the lack of parking this area already has. The other major concern is the size and height of the projected building.

We moved to Coronado just two years ago from downtown San Diego. One of the reasons we purchased here was that the city limited building height to just three stories. Coronado is a suburban and small business area now. By raising the height limit and squeezing in as many apartments/condos as possible it will change the feel and look of Coronado.

Please share our concerns with the powers that be. We hope Coronado will remain a suburb and not become extension of downtown San Diego.

Sincerely,
Donna Corr
Attachment 13
From: Heintz Family
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Hearing March 26, 2024, 3pm
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 3:54:12 PM
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Hi Jesse,
My name is Mary Heintz, and my husband Jim and I live at , in the Regatta Bay condos.

We are strongly opposed to lowering the parking requirements for affordable housing. If there is only one parking spot requirement per unit, tenants will try to find street parking for second cars. Each unit must have 2 underground parking spots to reduce tenants and guests from seeking public street parking. There is no available street parking in our neighborhood.

This would greatly impact people who own businesses and homes in this area.

We are also opposed to dropping current height restrictions for this high-density project.

Removing the current height limits will change the entire character of our neighborhood.

They should not be allowed to exceed the height of any nearby existing developments.

This builder/developer should be required to meet the same requirements that past developments had to meet.

We feel that the high-density housing is already lowering our property values, and do not want more concessions made for this project. I hope the builder/developer will be held to making the housing attractive and high quality.

We will be at the meeting next Tuesday.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mary Heintz
Attachment 13
From: Vicki Schwebach
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Submission for consideration at the March 26th Public Hearing Date: Friday, March 22, 2024 10:05:11 AM
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Hello Jesse,
Please submit my letter for the boards review on March 26. Please make copies for everyone to read. Thank you very much for all of your support and consideration!
Vicki Schwebach
Compacted, high rise, zero parking and congested city streets is not the answer to the affordable Housing solution in Coronado. I vehemently oppose the Planning Commission’s proposed solution to the Housing Element, specifically the affordable housing proposal located between 1st and 2nd, B and C.

My name is Vicki Schwebach, i live at . I am a 20 year veteran, I’ve worked my entire life to be able to afford the beauty and sanctity of Coronado. This is my home.

I live adjacent to the proposed construction of the low income project, located between 1st and 2nd, B and C.

Affordable housing in one of the costliest areas of San Diego is an oxymoron. It’s very clear this project is being forced to fit in an area not suitable for its intention, to provide affordable housing to low income earners. Reducing parking requirements to one per additional unit is a joke. If we lived in a car less society, it’s feasible. Lifting the current height restrictions to 4 stories and 42 feet further proves a square peg is trying to fit in a round hole. Stop the insanity and step back for a moment to realize the impact 116 units will have on this existing high density area. The gateway to the island, and in most cases the first glimpse of Coronado millions of visitors see every year. 116 units, over 230 people, cars, pets, bikes and if truly low income, commuters crossing the bridge, or taking the ferry to work each and every day.

Is this the Coronado we want to leave for future generations? Crowded, congested, and overbuilt industrial looking buildings. In exchange we give up the core beauty of a small town. HG Felton’s portfolio of building projects resemble cheap, industrial and crowded renditions of urban living. Review the numerous reports from current residents of HG Felton’s buildings. Are we ready to give up our beautiful city with unique homes, built for families to enjoy for generations to come? Are we willing to give up being able to walk our children to school or let them ride their bikes, safely to school, to shop at grocery stores , dine at local restaurants where there is adequate parking? Or to sit outside a restaurant, enjoying the beautiful views, instead of looking at an industrial complex… Is this what we are willing to trade for affordable housing for the few? Have you spent a 4th of July on the island recently? Typically those who live here will park our cars and risk riding our bikes to complete our daily chores, knowing that once the ever busy week is complete, the island will return to somewhat normal congestion. Where one can safely drive their car and park even close to a grocery store, restaurant,or one of the many offices located along B and C. Now take the Fourth of July week and make it a daily occurrence. That is what we are asking to impose on our citizens of Coronado who live in the area where the proposed affordable housing project is being considered.

Cramming Affordable housing in Coronado will only work if Coronado is affordable! Vicki Schwebach
Sent from my iPhone
Attachment 13
From: Kathy Lompa
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Coronado development
Date: Friday, March 22, 2024 7:15:26 PM
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Hello Jesse,
My name is Kathy Lompa. My husband Frederic and myself own . So far we love living there.

I’m afraid this “will be coming to a big stop when you push this housing through.

My husband is a disabled veteran and the disabled parking in our area is never available when we need it. On top of that I have stage 4 cancer and I’m hoping to live the time I have remaining in the beautiful area we have chosen for our home.

I believe your plan will lower our property value but not our property tax. It will impact the area with many cars using street parking . We do not want this change, please reevaluate our situation from the perspective of the residents and businesses in this area . You are planning development in an area that is already so expensive that people that planned and saved for it all their lives can barely afford. I certainly hope you thought about the trickle down effect this will cause.

The city has already caused the car wash on C to close and the owners have lost everything, how do you sleep at night? What if this was happening at your home?
Sincerely,
Kathy Lompa
Sent from my iPhone
Attachment 13
From: Terri Lea
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Smart and Final Affordable Housing Project
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 6:51:28 AM
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Hello Jesse,
My name is Terri Lea and I live at . I am concerned as well as dismayed by the proposed affordable housing project at the Smart and Final location and the direction it appears to be headed. It now looks as though it may be expanding beyond the initial proposal to possibly include properties surrounding and across from Smart and Final on 2nd St. Quite possibly HGFenton is planning ahead.

I envision what that building might look like with that many units and the change in height restrictions and it seems monstrously large and tall for this area of Coronado. Those previous height restrictions were there for a reason and I doubt whether that reason has changed.

The reduction of parking requirements in an area that already deals with lack of public parking and congested streets is not a good idea. It has been reported in other areas where affordable housing has been built that these parking reductions have caused residents and businesses alike frustratingly searching for parking and sometimes at quite a distance away. I can’t imagine how much more difficult it is going to be for our maintenance and repair or delivery personnel to find parking as they are already vying for spots to park during daylight hours.

I know the state thinks this will encourage people to use the bus, but time and time again, it has been reported that it does not for various reasons. It takes considerable time by bus to get to many places here in San Diego county. I don’t have a car and rely on public transportation so I can attest that it is time consuming.

I am retired, so I chose this area to purchase my home because of the walkable proximity to medical facilities, restaurants, and a major grocery. I try to shop locally as much as possible and have items delivered when necessary. If I were in a lower income bracket it would be difficult to shop strictly local especially if the most affordable restaurants and grocery stores are no longer here. Residents will want their vehicles for the freedom that it gives them and there isn’t enough street parking.

I am not opposed to the concept of affordable housing and realize we do have a need, but hopefully not at the expense of urbanizing the village and over loading the already congested streets.

Sincerely,
Terri Lea
Attachment 13
From: [email protected]
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Proposed Development at Smart & Final lot
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 12:15:43 PM
Attachments: image002.png
Importance: High
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March 22, 2024
Mr. Jesse Brown
Principal Planner, City of Coronado
Development Department
Via email
Dear Mr. Brown,
I am writing to you to express very
significant concerns over the proposed
new housing development at the Smart &
Final location in Coronado.

I am writing to you both personally (address
is , directly next to Smart &
Final) and as President of The Village in
Coronado HOA where I serve as President.

I have attended public meetings before and
I understand the constraints that the city
has had in dealing with the state, the
housing mandates and required plan
Attachment 13
development laws. However, now the
responsibility clearly shifts to Coronado
to approach this issue wisely and carefully.

The irresponsible projection of
potentially 100+ new units, of only 1 car
per unit, the raising of the height limits to
4+ stories is simply all beyond
reasonable imagination. It is a plan that
will destabilize the entire city and destroy
home values anywhere near this end of
town. While we are willing to consider
and review reasonable plans for the
improvement of the entire area – we
cannot in any way support the tentative
plan.

The unreasonable forecast of
transportation with the buses (did you
not just cut the free summer shuttle way
back because of low usage?) and the
ferry schedule is not a feasible option for
many.

Why should current residents have new
rules (density and height limits) foisted
upon them while we have had to abide by
stricter regulations for the good of all?
Has any city official spent any
Attachment 13
considerable time at this end of time to
understand the noise and traffic during
critical times (the answer is obvious to
us).

What about the flooding that the
businesses and homes have endured
during the recent storms – this will only
get worse.

Why have we been kept in the dark (e.g.,
without any consultation) about obvious
plans that you have discussed with the
developer? They must develop plans that
provide a reasonable return – but that
should not drive city council decisions –
your role is to protect and enhance the
quality of life in this town!
I hope it is understood that the residents at
this end of town will not sit idly by while this
plan is agreed to behind the scenes. Only an
open and transparent discussion among all
parties can ensure the best outcome
without further hinderances.

We will willingly engage in those types of
discussions – but not accept anything that
is shoved down our throats without the right
processes. We look forward to those
Attachment 13
discussions.

Sincerely,
Doug Porter
[email protected]
Attachment 13
From: Peg and Bob Eddy
To: Jesse Brown
Cc: John Duncan; Richard Bailey; Casey Tanaka
Subject: Opposition to Proposed development in Smart and Final lot Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 7:48:39 PM
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As a resident of The Village in Coronado condo complex at , I am writing to formally protest the planned development of four stories of housing units on the adjacent Fenton property on First Street.

Have you personally, or any of your associates, visited First Street from 5 to 6:30 a.m. on weekday mornings and witnessed the heavy traffic from personnel heading to North Island? Have you personally, or any of your associates in the planning department, witnessed the heavy traffic and lack of parking spaces on the weekends? Have you surveyed the merchants with businesses at the Ferry Landing regarding this proposed development?
Although Coronado is apparently required by Sacramento to somewhere invent dirt on which an inordinate and preposterously determined number of housing units must be developed, putting 116 units in the Smart and Final lot in a FOUR Story building and adjacent properties is quite frankly, unacceptable! The added traffic, noise, worsening of the parking debacle, plus FOUR stories of housing will not only be a burden to Coronado's infrastructure, sewer, water and safety services, but property values of current housing will certainly experience a major decline.

From a practical standpoint,who, pray tell, can afford to commute by ferry or take the limited public transportation to San Diego for a minimum wage job? I assume that many of the proposed units will be classified "lower income" and as such will be rented to individuals holding minimum wage jobs who most probably won't be able to afford the commute to jobs in San Diego.

In addition, the first time I heard about said development was from the notice I received this month regarding the March 26 Planning Commission Meeting. Having lived at since 2018, did I miss a mailed notice about any proposed development on that space? I have received notices about the proposed refurbishment of the Ferry Landing. Fortunately, with citizens' and residents' input that original design was modified so that the character of that locale matches the overall "flavor" of Coronado. To envision a four story mega development towering in the area across from the Ferry Landing is a horror show!
In summary, I echo the sentiments of our HOA President, Doug Porter:
"The irresponsible projection of potentially 100+ new units, of only 1 car per unit, the raising of the height limits to 4+ stories is simply all beyond reasonable imagination. It is a plan that will destabilize the entire city and destroy home values anywhere near this end of town. While we are
willing to consider and review reasonable plans for the improvement of the entire area – wecannot in any way support the tentative plan."
The agenda for this Tuesday's morning all but indicates that the Planning Commission will "bless" this development and recommend that the Coronado City Council adapt its recommendation to approve.

I am hereby going on official record as vehemently OPPOSED to this plan.

With adequate time provided, I am quite sure that we residents can come up with an acceptable alternative that will maintain current property values, maintain the "flavor" of Coronado and the Ferry Landing neighborhood and accommodate a reasonable amount of housing units without ruining the entire area.

Attachment 13
Please do not ruin our neighborhood.

Sincerely,
Peggy Eddy
Attachment 13
From: Peter Rullan
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: SMART AND FINAL PROJECT
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 10:12:04 PM
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Dear Mr. Brown:

As a physician, parent and land-owner of 3 properties I Coronado, I urge you to reconsider the plans to build 116 units on the current land where Smart and Final is located. While this project will generate taxes for the city, it will also generate more traffic and parking problems for this neighborhood. I don’t recall being asked to attend a city council meeting to give our opinion on this project.

Thank you for your attention.

Peter P. Rullan, MD
(Owner of )
Attachment 13
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1. Increased traffic at peak times in an already congested area

2. Zoning height changes. How can you change existing zoning restrictions for a new development while previously developed property could not take advantage of this. This could expose the City to potential lawsuits.

3. The proposed extreme density will adversely affect all existing homeowners.

I request that you decline this proposal or at least make it adhere to existing zoning regulations.

Tom Ball
[email protected]
NAI FMA Realty
Attachment 13
From: DANA WELCH
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Comments for 3/26/24 Planning Commission meeting-Parking minimums Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 10:27:34 AM
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Thank you Planning Commission for your work on the Housing Element Update. This is a big project and I know many staff and community members have been involved.

It's disappointing to read that the state housing department (HCD) is requiring a reduction of the minimum number of parking spaces per unit of all multiple family developments.

As two of the sites on the "top 10" list are near 1st Street, and could add up to 96 units if built (58 units suggested for Smart & Final lot, 38 units suggested for 149 A Street), that area alone could see at least 192 cars (assuming 2 per unit) driving around 1st Street daily seeking parking with a wide variety of others doing the same:

Visitors to Ferry Landing, Port walkway/bikeway
Attendees at Little League field, Tidelands Park
Staff seeking parking who work at hospital, ferry landing businesses Vehicles parked long term due to military deployment
Residents hoping to park near where they live
Building housing in this community without appropriate numbers of parking spots is poor planning.

Providing housing without a place for the resident’s car doesn’t make sense in a town with existing and severe traffic and parking impacts.

It's frustrating that the state is not allowing city leaders to make decisions on parking when they are ones who know the community dynamics firsthand.

When some of these lots are built on, the driving and parking conditions in town will deteriorate noticeably. There is only so much negative impact that can be absorbed or mitigated. These realities make me sad for the future of Coronado.

Thank you for listening.

Dana Welch
1st Street
Attachment 13
From: Tom Fetter
To: Jesse Brown
Subject: Housing Element Update
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 1:29:41 PM
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Jesse,
Thank you for returning my call about the Public Hearing regarding the Housing Element so promptly this morning. I appreciate your explanation and understand the position on this matter that the City of Coronado has with the State.

Although our property at . has been listed, we
have no intention of converting our use from professional office space to residential.

Thank you for your service to the community.

Tom Fetter
Attachment 13
March 26, 2024
To: Coronado Mayor, City Council Members, Planning Commission, City Manager and Staff Re: Coronado Draft Housing Element and Plans for Affordable Housing Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the City’s current Draft Housing Element and the City’s plans for providing more affordable housing in Coronado.

The plan includes the following considerations and challenges:
• Providing housing to meet the needs of all income levels is critical to the social and economic health of a city.
• It can be challenging for coastal cities like Coronado with limited housing to attract teachers, public safety officers, and military personnel, and other middle-income professionals because of the high cost of housing. The Housing Element Update will help Coronado meet the existing and future needs of the community. • Without an approved housing plan, the State can issue fines, revoke the City's permitting authority, and the City will be ineligible for certain grants.

I suggest the City explore more options for housing that are equitable and less impactful than the current areas identified in the new draft.

Land at the Coronado Cays and public golf course should also be considered as feasible locations for housing.

Although these areas will be contested by some Coronado residents, the need for housing should take precedence, and a more equitable distribution of housing should be made.

Also consider issuing housing vouchers, supported by City funds, to allow for more rental opportunities in existing apartments, condos, houses, and ADU’s.

And explore offering tax and building incentives to property owners who provide affordable housing, especially for people who work and provide services in Coronado.

Our Coronado community includes both the Village and the Cays. Please consider all land areas so that no one area is heavily impacted. And research more creative ways to meet our housing goals.

Environmental Requirements:

All new buildings should be required to add solar power to meet the State’s requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To further reduce our carbon footprint, also consider restricting the use of natural gas appliances. And add these requirements to all new City building permits.

Thank you.

Stephanie Kaupp
[email protected]
Attachment 13
From: Coronado MainStreet <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 12:40 PM
To: Kelsea Holian <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment ‐ Planning Comission Meeting
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Dear Kelsea,
I hope you can help me distribute our public comment for todays Planning Commission meeting.

Thank you,
Dear Members of the Coronado City Planning Commission,
I hope this message finds you well. As a representative of Coronado Mainstreet, I am writing to express our understanding of the challenges the City faces in meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). However, we urge you not to move forward with the proposed radical deviations from the city code. While we acknowledge the need for housing development, we believe that the potential impacts of these deviations could be mitigated through alternative means.

Concerns Raised:

1. Height Limitations: Allowing for four-story buildings raises concerns about the visual impact on the city’s skyline and character. We question why such a significant departure from current regulations is necessary and whether it aligns with the overall aesthetic and feel of Coronado, neighboring houses view blockage, etc.

2. Setback Reduction: Reduced setbacks can affect privacy, natural light, and airflow for existing residents. It is crucial to consider how these changes may impact the quality of life for those living in close proximity to new developments.

3. Mixed-Use Zoning: The proposal to allow mixed-use developments contradicts existing city regulations. This shift raises questions about consistency in planning decisions and whether it serves the best interests of all stakeholders involved.

4. Parking Requirements: Insufficient parking provisions will lead to congestion, insufficient street availability, and inconvenience for both residents and visitors. It is essential to evaluate the potential strain on existing infrastructure and amenities caused by inadequate parking solutions.

Attachment 13
In conclusion, while we recognize the importance of addressing housing needs in Coronado, we believe that there are alternative approaches that could achieve this goal without compromising the integrity of our community. We urge you to consider these concerns carefully before making a decision that could have lasting implications for our city’s future.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Karla Robles‐Puig
Executive Director
(619) 437‐0254  |  CoronadoMainStreet.com
[email protected]
826 Orange Ave #635, Coronado, CA 92118
Attachment 13

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