From: Wendi Sims
To: Wendi Sims
Subject: FW: 3/31/26 Study Session - Housing & Development Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 12:34:51 PM
From: Graham Updegrove
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 7:45 AM
To: CouncilMembers <[email protected]>; CommunityDevelopment <[email protected]>
Subject: 3/31/26 Study Session - Housing & Development
Dear City Council and Planning Commissioners,
I support new housing and well-designed development in Grover Beach that realizes the vision of decades worth of focused planning. Higher density, taller buildings and reduced setbacks should take place close to commercial corridors as has long been envisioned along West Grand Avenue. All or most of the infrastructure is already in place and higher density close to arterial streets reduces sprawl in an already geographically constrained city. We live in a desirable community and as a real estate broker, I see first hand how affordability is a real challenge for todays residents, whether they seek to rent or own. We need more types of housing across all spectrums; deed restricted housing, single occupancy housing, and market rate housing as well as the commercial services that support said housing, with a focus on allowing more walkable communities. Grover Beach has long been plagued by a lack of outdoor community meeting spaces and sense of downtown. Recent developments along West Grand appear to be revitalizing the corridor with more residents and business opportunities.
I understand the grievances of some community members who desire reduced building heights or don’t like the change they are experiencing. I applaud the City’s effort to hold a study session and acknowledge these concerns, while also recognizing that change, population growth and planning to allow for RHNA build out is inevitable. The staff report is well thought out and touches on the handful of state laws that are shaping development throughout the state, often in coastal communities that have resisted increased development for decades. Ultimately, I support policy which allows for continued residential and commercial growth within Grover Beach that will provide for the next generation of residents and businesses. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Graham Updegrove
Broker / Owner, Lic 01873454
California Coastal Real Estate I
March 30, 2026
Re: “Study Session” on Housing
Dear Members of the Grover Beach City Council,
I am writing as a resident and local businessperson who cares deeply about the future of our community. I understand that conversations about housing and growth can bring up strong emotions. Change is not always easy, especially in a place we love and feel deeply connected to.
The character, history, and memories that define Grover Beach matter and they deserve to be honored.
At the same time, our world and times are changing, and our city is part of a region that continues to attract visitors, workers, and families who want to call this place home. With that reality comes a responsibility: to thoughtfully plan for the future while preserving the spirit of our past.
I believe we can do both.
Housing is not just about buildings, it’s about people. It’s about giving local workers the opportunity to live near their jobs, allowing families to stay rooted in the community, and ensuring that future generations have a place here. Right now, many people who contribute to the fabric of Grover Beach are struggling to find housing. That is a challenge we cannot ignore.
As a businessperson, I also see firsthand how housing impacts our local economy. When people can live nearby, businesses are stronger, services improve, and the entire community benefits.
Thoughtful development can support a more vibrant, sustainable local economy while creating opportunities for connection and growth.
I recognize that there are residents who are concerned about new housing, and their voices deserve to be heard with respect. However, I hope we can move forward not from a place of fear or division, but from a place of collaboration and shared purpose.
This is an opportunity to set an example for ourselves and for future leaders about how a community can come together to solve real challenges with creativity, compassion, and vision.
We can honor our past while embracing innovation. We can preserve what makes Grover Beach special while making room for those who wish to be part of its future. And we can do it in a way that ensures everyone feels included in the ongoing story of this city.
Now is the time to work together, to listen, and to act with intention. By supporting thoughtful housing development, we are not losing what we love, we are strengthening it.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to the future of Grover Beach.
Sincerely,
Ligia Zavala
From: Kenneth Dalebout CA-Arroyo Grande
To: CouncilMembers; CommunityDevelopment
Subject: Grover Beach Housing and Building Codes
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 12:38:13 PM
Dear Council,
I am a 5Cities resident and have been involved in our community in a number of different ways. My involvement ranges from business development with the Chamber and other organizations, to social issues including homelessness, beautification, and youth development and working to improve the quality and access to healthcare as part of Dignity Health.
I have learned that a community’s long-term health is dependent on several factors with research listing the following as key components:
Access to education
Quality, safe housing
Employment/financial security
Social engagement
Clean and safe environment
Access to healthcare
With this email, I want to express my support for continued development of housing and commercial space in Grover Beach, especially along West Grand. It is important to assist businesses to open and operate with minimal burdens. But, I want to focus on housing. All types of housing are important.
Housing developed in an organized fashion that creates positive social engagement, preserves useful open space and utilizes existing infrastructure positively impacts sustaining healthy, affordable communities. A variety of housing options such as multi-story density housing, single-family homes and estates, creates the diversity that makes a city a home for many and creates opportunity for more.
We have an extensively documented housing shortage. Without addressing this shortage, our community will not be able to provide housing for new business owners, replace the economic impact of the retiring workforce, adequately care for our current residents or recruit new employees to staff key positions in critical public services. Each city needs to help address this need. Dignity Health has a legitimate concern that we will not be able to fill healthcare positions needed now and in the future without additional housing.
In the end, I support the organized growth of Grover Beach, because I do not want to leave it to chance. Grover Beach is getting better, but without continued focus, it will not keep up. I want to have the city a place that many will want to call home over the next several generations.
Ken Dalebout
Vice President
Dignity Health - Central Coast
Note: My email domain has changed to
Please send future correspondence to this address only.
Caution: This email is both proprietary and confidential, and not intended for transmission to (or receipt by) any unauthorized person(s). If you believe that you have received this email in error, do not read any attachments. Instead, kindly reply to the sender stating that you have received the message in error. Then destroy it and any attachments. Thank you.
Our MISSION is to create partnerships and opportunities that ensure South County businesses prosper.
GB Office: The Launch Pad, 391 Front Street Suite E, Grover Beach, CA 93433 AG Office: South County Regional Center, 800A W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Mailing: PO Box 672, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
805-489-1488 | www.southcountychambers.com
March 31, 2026
Mayor and City Council Members
Planning Commission
City of Grover Beach
Subject: Support for Thoughtful Housing Policy in Grover Beach Dear Mayor, City Council Members, and Planning Commissioners, On behalf of the South County Chambers of Commerce, I am writing to express our support for thoughtful, well-planned housing policies that strengthen Grover Beach’s economy, workforce, and overall quality of life.
Housing availability is a critical component of a healthy business climate. As outlined in our Public Policy Principles, the Chamber supports a robust housing market that sustains economic growth and community well-being, including policies that enhance the affordability and availability of diverse housing options and streamline the development process.
We believe Grover Beach is already seeing the benefits of this approach. Recent investments along West Grand Avenue demonstrate how housing, when paired with intentional planning, can increase foot traffic, support local businesses, provide much-needed housing opportunities for the local workforce, and revitalize underutilized corridors into more walkable, vibrant areas.
Our MISSION is to create partnerships and opportunities that ensure South County businesses prosper.
GB Office: The Launch Pad, 391 Front Street Suite E, Grover Beach, CA 93433 AG Office: South County Regional Center, 800A W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Mailing: PO Box 672, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
805-489-1488 | www.southcountychambers.com
Focusing housing in areas with existing infrastructure—such as major corridors like West Grand Avenue—is a responsible and forward-thinking strategy. This approach helps protect established neighborhoods and open space while maximizing the use of existing roads, utilities, and services.
We also recognize and respect that some community members have concerns regarding building height, neighborhood character, and change. These perspectives are important and should continue to be part of the conversation. At the same time, we believe it is both possible and necessary to balance these concerns with the realities of state housing requirements and the region’s ongoing housing shortage.
From a business perspective, housing is directly tied to workforce stability, economic vitality, and long-term sustainability. When employees can live near where they work, businesses are better positioned to retain talent, reduce commute burdens, and contribute to a more resilient local economy.
Ultimately, supporting smart, well-designed housing is an investment in Grover Beach’s future—one that ensures the city remains a vibrant, welcoming, and economically competitive community for generations to come.
Thank you for your leadership and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeff Chambers
CEO
South County Chambers of Commerce
From: JOE PIVOVAROFF
To: CouncilMembers; CommunityDevelopment
Subject: Support
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 3:29:07 PM
Attachments: IMG 7824.jpeg
Hi Council Members and Planning Commissioners,
I support smart, well designed housing that strengthens Grover Beach.
Projects along West Grand Avenue are already bringing more foot traffic, supporting local businesses, and creating a vibrant, walkable community.
I believe concentrating housing where infrastructure exists is responsible, and it allows families, workers, and retirees to stay here while protecting quieter residential streets and open spaces.
Thoughtful growth is essential for the city’s future.
Thank you for considering voices that support housing that benefits our community and local economy.
Best,
Joe Pivovaroff
Keller Williams