Subject: Wave Park
Date: Monday, March 15, 2021 at 5:45:57 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Karen
To: [email protected]
Dear Nicole,
My name is Karen Owen. I have lived in Trilogy for ten years now and was planning to reCre here. I am hoping that I am not forced by the City of La Quinta to move elsewhere because they approved this horrific wave park. I have been going to write you for a while now and just today drove home from a doctors appointment in Palm Desert. The wind and terrible dust blowing around the Silverock area was terrible. This was just a “once in a while occurrence “. If this wave park is approved to be built we will have to put up with this horrendous dust for ten years.
There are many addiConal reasons to not change the zoning and permit this project! I am sure that you have heard them all from the loud noises, increased traffic, and many many other reasons that this project should be denied. There is much beWer land and accessible places to build this down by the 10 freeway without disturbing the exisCng residents here.
Thank you for listening to me!
Karen Owen
81885 Sun Cactus Lane
La Quinta, Ca 92253
408 832 0878
[email protected]
Sent from my iPhone
560 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 11:00:51 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Development
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 9:15:15 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Eva Parker
To: [email protected]
Ms. Nicole CrisE,
We want to express our strong opposiEon to the planned Coral Mountain Development and Wave Park. My husband and I moved to La Quinta and purchased our reErement home here in a 55 and over community so we could enjoy our final years in peace and quiet. We specifically purchased in Trilogy La Quinta as it was far away from the hustle and bustle and traffic of the downtown area. We anEcipated other housing developments and hotels would eventually be built in the surrounding open spaces, but we never imagined a Tourist/Commercially-zoned mega resort with a Wave Machine, professional compeEEons, and entertainment stages would be built a few blocks from our quiet reErement community. This is so unfair to the surrounding homeowners who moved here expecEng a quiet and peaceful environment.
We ask that you please put yourself in our place and vote against this project as it is currently planned.
Thank you for your consideraEon.
Eva Parker
60162 Angora Court
La Quinta, CA 92253
714-814-1973
561 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 10:09:30 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: PROPOSED WAVE PARK ACROSS FROM ANDALUSIA
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 10:03:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Tony Perone
To: [email protected]
Ms Criste,
I am concerned about the proposed wave park that is being considered to be built across the street from Andalusia.
My concerns are, but not limited to, the Light Pollution, tremendous increase in traffic, also noise pollution which is something Andalusia residents should not have to deal with. To even consider allowing a wave/water park to be inserted in the middle of any residential area is ludicrous.
I ask that you and the city council reconsider this plan to disrupt our community. I'm sure there are many other locations this wave park could be built with no disturbances at all to any residents. Come on, it's the desert!
Tony Perone
58440 Mijas
La Quinta
626-926-0600
562 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
John S. Perry
81796 Rustic Canyon Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
[email protected]
March 6, 2021
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, Ca. 92253
Subject: In Support of Coral Mountain Resort
We are writing in support of the proposal by The Meriwether Companies to develop vacant land west of Andalusia between Avenues 58 and 60. We have been homeowners in Trilogy since 2007 and full-time residents of La Quinta since 2017. We have reviewed Meriwether’s proposals for the property as they have been submitted to the city, as the city clerk’s office can verify. Here are our reasons for supporting this project:
● Meriwether Companies has a well-earned reputation for building quality developments in Southern California and other regions. We’ve been particularly impressed with the developer’s outreach to residents through informal briefings, site tours and responses to emails and phone calls.
● The proposal for Coral Mountain would support property values for this part of the city by providing a nearby high-end community of residences, a boutique hotel and small commercial stores.
● Developing these 377 acres would significantly reduce the amount of dust that affects Trilogy and would provide this stretch of Madison Avenue with a welcome facelift. ● The surf-oriented environment and artificial wave pool are in keeping with the city’s stated vision “to preserve La Quinta’s vibrant community through enhanced amenities, exceptional quality of life, full spectrum housing supply, and a robust, year-round economic base; that will act as a beacon to the community for the future.” ● Coral Mountain is a venture that, with SilverRock, will allow La Quinta to market itself as a destination market for more than golfers. This is critical for post-pandemic tourism as drive-to destinations become more popular.
Some Trilogy homeowners are opposed to the plan. Here are our responses to some of the concerns they have expressed to us and on social media:
563 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
● A “surf park” is not consistent with the character of this part of the city where there are “retirement communities.” While many residents chose to retire here -- including the two of us -- many of us were drawn to this area’s abundance of outdoor activities. We’re not living in nursing homes -- yet.
● A “surf park” will bring too much traffic and too many people making too much noise.
These are assumptions. The city’s review process will determine whether the city’s standards for traffic and noise are met. Evidence, not conjecture should rule. The density of Coral Mountain -- residences and hotel rooms -- is half that of Trilogy. Meriwether has assured residents of Trilogy and neighboring communities that the wave basin is reserved for residents and guests, not the general public. That is stated in the Specific Plan as submitted, with limited exceptions for special events.
● Construction activity will bring trucks to our streets and kick up dust. True, but construction activity is subject to city regulation and eventually ends. The dust and pollen kicked up from 377 acres of vacant land has no expiration date. ● We’ll lose the “public” trails to Coral Mountain. The property is already private and marked with “No Trespassing” signs.
We look forward to the city’s review of the Specific Plan and public hearings down the road.
Regards,
564 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 09:39:29 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Coral mountain wave park
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 9:19:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Marc Pinkus
To: [email protected]
As a resident of Andalusia for the past 10 years, I strongly object to the proposed Wave park planned for Coral mountain across the street. How on earth would the City even consider this? The zoning change alone raises many concerns , are the developers in your pockets? I was under the impression La Quinta is a progressive city, with forward and fair thinking leaders, which is why I chose to live here. Let’s hope common sense prevails before it’s too late. The iniEal plan put forward last year in no way resembles what is being proposed now.... I suspect another aTempt by the developers to sneak this by. Please consider all the negaEves associated with this project, they far outweigh the posiEves of which there are none. Marc Pinkus, 58306 Aracena, La Quinta. 613-360-3095 Get Outlook for iOS
565 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:48:07 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: La Quinta Surf Park Resort
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:40:11 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Peter Plaza
To: [email protected], Peter Plaza, Maria Plaza Hello,
My name is Pete Plaza and I’m a homeowner in Trilogy at La Quinta.
My unbiased comments below come from 40 years of experience in the development and construcCon industry. I trust many of my comments are being considered by City officials, planners, developer and EIR responses, and are not in any order, priority or choosing sides as to what/who is right and wrong. Typically, when a project has goUen to this point the dice have been rolled and the game moves forward regardless of what the opposiCon has to say. It seems that the City has made the decision that there are NO ALTERNATE LOCATIONS for the Surf Park Development in La Quinta or for that maUer, the enCre Coachella Valley? One would wonder why all the open acreage that is visible throughout the Coachella Valley is not an alternate consideraCon, especially along Interstate 10, where the property is already zone for this type of development, and more importantly, no major issues with the EIR Report, certainly to a lesser degree…..NO, the City of La Quinta chooses to put this development right in the middle of mulC-million dollar homes and in proximity to some of the most beauCful golf courses in the naCon. I and others in the surrounding communiCes are at a total loss as to why this locaCon has been chosen and no other locaCons are acceptable? As stated earlier, the train has le^ the staCon and picking up speed. Can the residents surrounding this development stop this project…absolutely! Below are my construcCon “gotcha” impacts that everyone will experience, should the project move forward. These “gotcha’s” must be a topic of discussion at future meeCngs and address EIR comments:
CONSTRUCTION
1. Tranquility in the community……not for 10 years! ConstrucCng a major development of 377 acres is no easy task, nor does is it come without impacts to the surrounding community. There will be lots of heavy construcCon equipment, dirt trucks with tandem (pups), cranes, bulldozers, supply trucks, tradesman vehicles, and the list goes on and on. This constant and increased flow of vehicle traffic on our roadways will cause noise, diesel fumes, disrupCon to local traffic, increase in potenCal accidents/injuries, airborne dust, polluCon, smog, loud-speaker noise from construcCon acCviCes (safety meeCngs), and overall general construcCon noise. This will be the “NEW NORMAL” for our local communiCes many years to come.
2. It’s important to point-out that one of the biggest nemesis for any construcCon project is DUST, especially so when a large parcel of land is being cleared, grubbed, and excavated. Due to the prevailing winds our communiCes experience in a westerly to easterly direcCon, DUST will be driven towards Trilogy at La Quinta and Andalusia. This is always a daunCng task for the construcCon crews, and in the case of the Surf Resort Development, it will not be an excepCon.
Yes, the developer will use water trucks to wet-down the dry-soil surface, but they will not have enough water trucks to cover 377 acres in a short period of Cme, nor can they cover 100% of the development due to inaccessibility. There is no-doubt wind driven dust will occur during construcCon and considering the development will be done in “phases”, this problem will be permanent throughout the enCre 10-year duraCon.
566 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
3. The first impact the community will experience are the tandem dirt trucks. There are 377 acres in the development. Assuming an average 1-foot cut of organic soil exported off-site (some topsoil will be reused) and 2-foot of engineered fill imported on-site, and the site is a balanced cut and fill calculaCon. Assume an average dump truck carries 14 cubic yards of dirt and (30 cubic yards with a tandem carrier).
a. 377 acres x 43,560 sf. x 3.0 ^. / 30 cubic yards per tandem dump truck = That’s approximately 1,650,000 tandem trucks on our local roadways, spanned over 10 years:
165,000 tandem truck each year, or 13,750 tandem dump trucks each month!
4. It’s important to ask, “what is the truck route for these trucks? Who is buying the dirt? What is the desCnaCon of that dumpsite? Is the truck route on Jefferson, or 58th Street to Madison?
5. Tandem trucks drop residual dirt, stones, and rocks from the rear of the truck. The developer’s soluCon to this is using road sweepers. Truck hauling operaCon will begin early morning. The road sweepers will be hard at work starCng at 6:30AM and clean Jefferson and/or 58th Street.
Like any dirt hauling operaCon, it’s not perfect, so residual dirt and gravel will remain on the roadways leaving an obvious patch of travel in its wake.
6. Road damage will occur from the quanCty and weight of the dirt trucks over the 10 years. This will require major repairs to the roadways. The damage will not be conCnuous, so repairs will be done by “patching” segments of the roadway resulCng in changing the aestheCc appearance of a conCnuous and smooth asphalt road to mulCple patches (change in color) and the possibility of the asphalt cracking, breaking apart and causing “potholes”. The City will be le^ with patching the potholes with cold-asphalt patch which is only a temporary soluCon. Over-Cme, vehicle will loosen-up the cold-asphalt patch, causing another pothole and the process repeats itself. This is a classic repair process due to city budget constraints. BoUomline, our roadways will never look the same. A typical soluCon to counter-act this issue is requiring the developer to put a Roadway Bond in place, should the City need the funds to repair the roadways in the future.
7. MulCple uClity connecCons will be required for this development, requiring roadways to be closed at Jefferson, 58th Street and 60th Street and local traffic re-routed to Monroe Street.
Again, curng-up the exisCng asphalt roadways will be required and patched. The City must include “enCtlements” in the agreement with the developer to remove the exisCng asphalt roadways, by scarifying the top layer of the roadways and installing a “new” paved surface. This needs to be applied to all the roadways affected on Jefferson, 58th Street, 60th Street and Monroe.
8. Parking for all construcCon vehicles must be maintained on the development site and not outside the construcCon fence line.
9. Will the developer “guarantee” and be fully liable for any impact to the aquifer water supply and/or disrupCons to the water supply serving residents? If not, there should be!
SURF RESORT DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION
1. Many of the operaConal issues have been brought to the table that need to be address in the EIR and forth-coming meeCng. Consider this: Let’s look down at this development from 5,000 feet, gerng the full perspecCve of what the community will look like and experience once an event is in full operaCon:
a. All the roadways converging to this parcel of land, surrounded by beauCful, serene 567 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
residenCal communiCes and golf courses will be backed-up with cars coming from Interstate 10, Highway 111, Jefferson Street, Madison Street, Monroe Street, 58th Street, 60th Street and alternate roads snaking through and avoiding the traffic jam. There will police vehicles and flashing light everywhere, aUempCng to control traffic with barricades and traffic policeman. Any local resident that needs to do normal shopping along the Highway 111 corridor may find it easy to leave their communiCes but will face the wrath of traffic jams on every available artery roadway coming back home. IT WILL TAKE YOU HOURS TO RETURN! The community residents will have no other choice but to stay at home unCl all the event spectators have entered the Surf Resort parking area. Of course, the reverse will occur once the event is finished.
b. The EIR refers to off-site parking and a shuUle service will be transporCng spectators to and from the parking lot to the event. What happened to the developers plan to provide all the necessary parking stalls for the permanent residents, temporary residents, hotel guests, event staff, surfing professionals/parCcipants, security personnel, NBC media personnel, etc., etc., etc.? OH! BY THE WAY, WHERE IS THIS PARKING LOT LOCATED? c. All the local shopping centers will be consumed by event spectators, making shopping a very unpleasant experience.
d. Alcohol will be consumed at tremendous quanCCes, thus creaCng other problems: drunk and disorderly individuals, fighCng and aUacks to individuals, traffic accidents, injuries because of alcohol, late night parCes, loudspeaker music, shouCng, screaming and police and ambulance sirens responding to these occurrences. As far as the residents are concerned, we will be facing the full effect of this development every Cme there’s an event well into the future.
e. Re-Zoning for this development will create a “slippery slope” for allowing other developments in the area. So, it’s OK to allow the City of La Quinta to surround Trilogy at La Quinta with commercial developments? I don’t think so! My wife and I were planning to reCre in Trilogy at La Quinta the rest of our lives. This development may change that if approved.
PROPERTY APPRECIATION
1. There has been a lot of discussions concerning the impact the Surf Resort Development will have on the home values in the surrounding communiCes. I for one, don’t believe home prices will increase soon, certainly unCl the development is complete and what the full affect this facility will have on the sale of homes during “disclosure”. PotenCal buyers looking at Trilogy at La Quinta and Andalusia are +55 seniors are looking for a quiet neighborhood to reCre. They will not buy a home that puts them in the same high-congesCon environment they came from. The potenCal buyers will know that this facility is under construcCon (if approved), and what it brings to the local communiCes when it’s fully operaConal. Will this resort force potenCal buyers to look elsewhere? If I was looking to buy in Trilogy at La Quinta, I would have seriously considered this Surf Resort as a negaCve and looked elsewhere.
2. If there will be property appreciaCon, when will it happen? How much, and at what price do we pay for this appreciaCon? Is it worth it?
CONCLUSION
I ask again, why has the City of La Quinta approved this development in our neighborhood when there are many other locaCons, such as Interstate 10, to consider that are zoned for this type of 568 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
development, environmental affects are minimal, and will give the developer improved visibility and markeCng aUracCon? It’s beyond my comprehension why this isn’t the case.
RelocaCng this facility gives the residents peace-of-mind and develops trust in those City officials we elected, to make sure the City of La Quinta maintains the highest standard of living and that a balance of community is always maintained.
Thank you.
Peter W. Plaza
Trilogy at La Quinta Resident
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
569 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 15:50:12 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Fw: "The Iner,a" Magazine Ar,cle (Correc,on)
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 12:34:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: [email protected]
To: Consul,ng Planner, Monika Radeva, Terra Nova Planning & Research CC: Kathy Weiss, Bob Lasser, Karen Owen, Ilan Ben-David, Anast DemiZ, Lew Gleason, Nancy Bruce, Kathleen Bogan, Dale Tyerman, Diane Rebryna, Bob OuelleZe, Carol Jensen, Carolyn Winnor, Kelly Welton, Derek Wong, Sheila Warren, Lori Kilburn, Coleen Coger, Alena Callimanis, Bobbie Fleury, Jeanne Chalfont, Ron Coffee, Virginia Nelson
Nicole and Monika,
CORRECTION:
"This article will be read verbatim at the Tuesday Scoping Meeting." Regards,
Pete Plaza
(949) 835-2993
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
To: Consulting Planner <[email protected]>; Monika Radeva <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: Kathy Weiss <[email protected]>; Bob Lasser <[email protected]>; Karen Owen <[email protected]>; Ilan Ben-David <[email protected]>; Anast Demitt <[email protected]>; Lew Gleason <[email protected]>; Nancy Bruce <[email protected]>; Kathleen Bogan <[email protected]>; Dale Tyerman <[email protected]>; Diane Rebryna <[email protected]>; Bob Ouellette <[email protected]>; Carol Jensen <[email protected]>; Carolyn Winnor <[email protected]>; Kelly Welton <[email protected]>; Derek Wong <[email protected]>; Sheila Warren <[email protected]>; Lori Kilburn <[email protected]>; Coleen Coger <[email protected]>; Alena Callimanis <[email protected]>; Bobbie Fleury <[email protected]>; Jeanne Chalfont <[email protected]>; Ron Coffee <[email protected]>; Virginia Nelson <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021, 12:17:39 PM PDT
Subject: "The Inertia" Magazine Article
Nicole and Monika,
Our Group would like to submit this to you and formally add it to comments you are receiving in Opposition to the Surf Wave Park.
This article will be written verbatim at the Tuesday Scoping Meeting. We have allocated the appropriate amount of time.
Please make copies of this article and copy all applicable City Officials, developer and others.
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into Them | The Inertia 570 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Regards,
Pete Plaza
(949) 835-2993
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave
Pools: It’s Just Not That Into T...
Alexander Haro
Surfrider Europe releases wave pool statement
571 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
SURF (HTTPS://WWW.THEINERTIA.COM/CATEGORY/SURF/)
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into Them
TUESDAY AUGUST 18, 2020
Alexander Haro (https://www.theinertia.com/author/alexander-haro/) Senior Editor
STAFF
! (https://www.instagram.com/alexanderpeterharo/)
Surfrider Europe has taken an official stance on wave pools. Photo: World Surf League (https://www.worldsurfleague.com/) Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=52fe0435-2d3
ec7d-1105-
b195cd08b218-161688
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.theinertia.co
europewavepoolsenvironmentalimpactstatement%2F&
tt=1616885261053&
siw=0&
sh=1440&
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=5
ec7d-1105
b195cd08
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.
europewavepoolsenvironm
impactstatement
tt=161688
siw=0&
sh=1440&
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOUT
BED!
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOU
BED!
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into ... https://www.theinertia.com/surf/surfrider-europe-wave-pools-environmen... 1 of 5 3/27/21, 3:49 PM
572 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
I
n the last few years, wave pools have exploded in popularity. The ball was a slow roll, but once a bunch of smart people figured how, exactly, one could recreate one of nature’s most impressive features, that ball became a juggernaut. They’re a divisive topic, though — turns out that making a perfect wave in a pool leaves a very large environmental footprint. Surfrider Europe has officially taken a side: It does not support artificial surfing wave pool projects. “Though many arguments exist for their recreational benefits, Surfrider Foundation Europe, a nonprofit created by surfers, takes the stance that the environmental concerns outweigh their value,” Surfrider wrote in mid-June (https://surfrider.eu /en/learn/news/surfrider-europe-responds-to-entreaties-about-artificial-surfing-waves-121611202476.html).
It’s a tough position for a lot of surfers. Most, of course, are at least slightly concerned about the myriad environmental issues we’re facing. But most, of course, love surfing a good wave. And while surfing a good wave is indeed very fun, it pales in comparison when it comes to real-life importance. Surfing, aside from being fun, is useless. Utterly and completely useless. Its sole purpose is fun. Which is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? One could argue that the only really important thing in life is to have a good time, since none of us are making it out alive and only a select few will make any lasting difference. Face it: within a few generations, unless you do something huge, you will be dust in the wind and no one will remember you, so you might as well have a really good time while you’re here. But wave pools, while extraordinarily fun, will have lasting effects on the environment, and those future generations that will have forgotten all about you are going to need the environment to survive. “Their construction implies land artificialization (pool, parking, roads) on natural or agricultural areas,” Surfrider continued. “This artificialization contributes to habitat destruction and adds to the decline of biodiversity… Operating them implies a huge water consumption, with pools containing anywhere from 25 to 35.000m3 (equal to 10 to 14 Olympic pools), it is unnecessary and irresponsible to build these operations in the current context of climate change where water availability is on high alerts.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Wave machines are indeed an enormous energy suck. According to Surfrider Europe, the Waco wave pool’s wave generator, which uses American Wave Machine technology, uses 450 kW of electricity. That’s the same average consumption as 800 French households. “In the framework of energetic transition and renewable energy development,” Surfrider wrote, “consuming less energy is a priority for our society.”
It must be noted here that Surfrider’s Los Angeles chapter was the recent recipient of $10,000 from the WSL’s (https://www.worldsurfleague.com/) Rumble at the Ranch, which, of course, was held at a wave pool. The Surf Ranch in particular does a few things to offset the inherent environmental issues: back in 2016, it was announced that The Kelly Slater YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOUT
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=52fe0435-2d3
ec7d-1105-
b195cd08b218-161688
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.theinertia.co
europewavepoolsenvironmentalimpactstatement%2F&
tt=1616885261053&
siw=0&
sh=1440&
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOU
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=5
ec7d-1105
b195cd08
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.
europewavepoolsenvironm
impactstatement
tt=161688
siw=0&
sh=1440&
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into ... https://www.theinertia.com/surf/surfrider-europe-wave-pools-environmen... 2 of 5 3/27/21, 3:49 PM
573 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
" (HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SHARER/SHARER.PHP?APP_ID=145902605445710&U=HTTPS%3A%2F%2FWWW.THEINERTIA.COM%2FSURF% # (HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/SHARE?URL=HTTPS%3A%2F%2FWWW.THEINER Wave Company partnered with PG&E’s Solar Choice Program to go 100 percent solar. The wave is powered by renewable energy and reportedly emits zero carbon emissions (https://www.theinertia.com/surf/kelly-slaters-perfect-wave-is-nowpowered-by-the-sun/), but it’s still a complicated web. It would be better for the environment if wave pools didn’t exist, but the simple fact is that they do exist and will continue to exist. And since they’re not going anywhere any time soon, it’s better that they at least try and do their part to have a lower footprint.
Surfrider Europe addressed that in a roundabout way in its announcement. “Now is not a time for excess consumption, economic growth-seeking, or projects disconnected from the environmental issues we are facing today,” it said. “The reality of climate change should force us to rethink our growth models to reduce natural resource consumption and reconcile our relationship with nature.”
Popular in the Community
AdChoices Sponsored
Conversation 4 Comments
Commenting as Guest Log In
What do you think?
Sort by Best
J Johnothan
18 August, 2020
There could be a way to build wave park but not hurt the environment Reply
S ss
18 August, 2020
"If you are willing to accept the assertion that sur"ng is a colossal waste of time, then I'll concede I've wasted my life. But in a better and more graceful manner than any of my two legged counterparts".
"Sur"ng , aside from being fun, is useless. Utterly and completely useless. " someone's sounding quite a bit like el Gato..........
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOUT
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=52fe0435-2d3
ec7d-1105-
b195cd08b218-161688
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.theinertia.co
europewavepoolsenvironmentalimpactstatement%2F&
tt=1616885261053&
siw=0&
sh=1440&
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOU
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=5
ec7d-1105
b195cd08
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.
europewavepoolsenvironm
impactstatement
tt=161688
siw=0&
sh=1440&
This Wipeout From
Skier Stan Rey Is as…
RedGrapes
Yawwnnn, it's so
sloooowwwwww.
Top Comment
Sur!ng In Helmets:
Why Isn't It More…
RedBox
Noticeably absent (to
me anyway) from the…
Top Comment 3
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into ... https://www.theinertia.com/surf/surfrider-europe-wave-pools-environmen... 3 of 5 3/27/21, 3:49 PM
574 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
R
19 August, 2020
450 KW a day? or what is that consumption rate per day? Respond if you know G grapesofwrath Rneycraft
19 August, 2020
Operating load, I'd imagine. A normal kettle has a load of 3kW so its like 150 kettles on the go... like a small village in Ireland at breakfast time...
Powered by Terms | Privacy | Feedback
You May Like
n/?template=colorbox&utm_source=theinertia&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=alternating-thumbnails-c:Below Article Thumbnails:) /?template=colorbox&utm_source=theinertia&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=alternating-thumbnails-c:Below Article Thumbnails:) (https://newsharper.com/trending/celebrity-weight-loss-want-to-know-their-secrets-chrissy-metz?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=theinertia&utm_campaign=9379493& utm_term=Chrissy+Metz+Is+So+Skinny+Now+And+Looks+Like+A+Model+%28Photos%29&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.taboola.com%2Flibtrc%2Fstatic%2Fthumbnails%2Fa7905a5d53f54b32a0b3faf56ff17fab.jpg& ts=2021-03-27+22%3A47%3A41&tbv=0.1285&pcl=1)
News Sharper
(https://newsharper.com/trending/celebrity-weight-loss-want-to-know-their-secrets-chrissy-metz?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=theinertia&utm_campaign=9379493& utm_term=Chrissy+Metz+Is+So+Skinny+Now+And+Looks+Like+A+Model+%28Photos%29&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.taboola.com%2Flibtrc%2Fstatic%2Fthumbnails%2Fa7905a5d53f54b32a0b3faf56ff17fab.jpg& ts=2021-03-27+22%3A47%3A41&tbv=0.1285&pcl=1)
(https://www.theinertia.com/surf/conner-coffin-party-wave-with-a-pod-of-dolphins-at-the-box/) (https://www.theinertia.com/surf/conner-coffin-party-wave-with-a-pod-of-dolphins-at-the-box/) (https://www.rocketgeeks.com/stories/tattoos-that-failed-so-hard-they-almost-succeedednttb/?utm_campaign=Tattoos%20Fails%20CollageG%20RoniM_Rezerva%20Mar11%20NewTabo%20v7%20En%20-%20Desktop%20USA&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=theinertia& utm_term=33+Awful+Tattoo+Fails+%28Take+A+Deep+Breath+Before+No.+18%29&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FSEdNZtd.jpg&psl=g_da56e8&c=0.1133) RocketGeeks
(https://www.rocketgeeks.com/stories/tattoos-that-failed-so-hard-they-almost-succeedednttb/?utm_campaign=Tattoos%20Fails%20CollageG%20RoniM_Rezerva%20Mar11%20NewTabo%20v7%20En%20-%20Desktop%20USA&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=theinertia& utm_term=33+Awful+Tattoo+Fails+%28Take+A+Deep+Breath+Before+No.+18%29&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FSEdNZtd.jpg&psl=g_da56e8&c=0.1133) (https://www.theinertia.com/surf/debate-did-maya-gabeira-or-kai-lenny-score-the-biggest-wave-of-the-year-at-nazare/) (https://www.theinertia.com/surf/debate-did-maya-gabeira-or-kai-lenny-score-the-biggest-wave-of-the-year-at-nazare/) (https://zenherald.com/pop-culture/celebrities/jfks-grandson-is-now-all-grown-up-family-resemblance-just-uncanny/?l=a&utm_medium=CPC&utm_content={{ad_title}}&utm_source=taboola-adrizer& utm_campaign=357136&utm_term=theinertia)
zenherald.com
(https://zenherald.com/pop-culture/celebrities/jfks-grandson-is-now-all-grown-up-family-resemblance-just-uncanny/?l=a&utm_medium=CPC&utm_content={{ad_title}}&utm_source=taboola-adrizer& utm_campaign=357136&utm_term=theinertia)
(https://www.theinertia.com/environment/ocean-ramsey-wants-to-teach-you-everything-she-knows-about-sharks-and-safety/) (https://www.theinertia.com/environment/ocean-ramsey-wants-to-teach-you-everything-she-knows-about-sharks-and-safety/) (https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=102&oc=27&c=396&s1=CM-RON&s2=AG-Desktop&s3=CRE-AllLiars+TamaraUnsplah&s4=LP-396&s5=1036087&subtheme=people-search&tone=generic&utm_source=taboola& utm_medium=referral&tblci=GiCw8r19FCW5iukC33gRjSxtpDHmPkPGnqBBn2VkETW1PCCOnj8o9pn3xdiU-Yor#tblciGiCw8r19FCW5iukC33gRjSxtpDHmPkPGnqBBn2VkETW1PCCOnj8o9pn3xdiU-Yor) TruthFinder
Chrissy Metz Is So Skinny Now And Looks Like A Model (Photos) Watch Conner Coffin’s Beautiful Party Wave With a Pod of Dolphins at The Box 33 Awful Tattoo Fails (Take A Deep Breath Before No. 18) Debate: Did Maya Gabeira or Kai Lenny Score the Biggest Wave of the Year at Nazaré? JFK's Grandson Is All Grown Up And The Resemblance Is Uncanny Ocean Ramsey Wants to Teach You Everything She Knows About Sharks and Safety One Thing All Liars Have In Common (Brace Yourself )
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOUT
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=52fe0435-2d3
ec7d-1105-
b195cd08b218-161688
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.theinertia.co
europewavepoolsenvironmentalimpactstatement%2F&
tt=1616885261053&
siw=0&
sh=1440&
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOU
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=5
ec7d-1105
b195cd08
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.
europewavepoolsenvironm
impactstatement
tt=161688
siw=0&
sh=1440&
Reply
Rneycraft
Reply
Reply
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into ... https://www.theinertia.com/surf/surfrider-europe-wave-pools-environmen... 4 of 5 3/27/21, 3:49 PM
575 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
CCPA Notice (https://ccparequest.taboola.com/)
(https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=102&oc=27&c=396&s1=CM-RON&s2=AG-Desktop&s3=CRE-AllLiars+TamaraUnsplah&s4=LP-396&s5=1036087&subtheme=people-search&tone=generic&utm_source=taboola& utm_medium=referral&tblci=GiCw8r19FCW5iukC33gRjSxtpDHmPkPGnqBBn2VkETW1PCCOnj8o9pn3xdiU-Yor#tblciGiCw8r19FCW5iukC33gRjSxtpDHmPkPGnqBBn2VkETW1PCCOnj8o9pn3xdiU-Yor) (https://www.theinertia.com/environment/incredible-video-of-shark-feeding-frenzy-on-250-pound-swordfish-interrupted-by-grouper-that-swallows-shark-whole/) (https://www.theinertia.com/environment/incredible-video-of-shark-feeding-frenzy-on-250-pound-swordfish-interrupted-by-grouper-that-swallows-shark-whole/) Incredible Video of Shark Feeding Frenzy on 250-Pound Swordfish Interrupted by Grouper That Swallows Shark Whole
NEWSLETTER
Only the best. We promise.
Enter your email !
CONTRIBUTE
Join our community of contributors.
APPLY (HTTPS://WWW.THEINERTIA.COM/CONTRIBUTE)
The Inertia (https://www.theinertia.com/)
Founded in 2010, The Inertia is the definitive voice of surf and outdoors. We approach the natural world and its devoted culture with curiosity, optimism, and respect. We take pride in bringing our passion for the oceans and mountains to life through original films, reporting, and monumental gatherings. We aim to make a positive impact on our planet through partnerships with nonprofits working hard to preserve earth’s sacred places. "
(https://www.facebook.com
/TheInertia)
#
(https://twitter.com
/the_inertia)
!
(https://instagram.com
/theinertia/)
$
(http://pinterest.com
/theinertia/)
%
(https://flipboard.com
/@the_inertia/)
&
(https://www.youtube.com
/user/TheInertiaOFFICIAL1)
About (https://www.theinertia.com/about/) Advertise (https://www.theinertia.com/advertise/) Terms of Use (https://www.theinertia.com/terms-of-use/) Contact (https://www.theinertia.com/contact/) Get Involved (https://www.theinertia.com/contribute/) Privacy Policy (https://www.theinertia.com/privacy-policy/) YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOUT
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=52fe0435-2d3
ec7d-1105-
b195cd08b218-161688
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.theinertia.co
europewavepoolsenvironmentalimpactstatement%2F&
tt=1616885261053&
siw=0&
sh=1440&
YOU
CAN’T
SHRED
WITHOU
BED!
Reaching
your
personal
best
tomorrow
starts
with
better
sleep
tonight
Learn
More
(
/tracking
/1.0?rid=5
ec7d-1105
b195cd08
sid=&
uid=&
vr=&
ru=https
%3A%2F
%2Fwww.
europewavepoolsenvironm
impactstatement
tt=161688
siw=0&
sh=1440&
Surfrider Europe Takes a Stance on Wave Pools: It’s Just Not That Into ... https://www.theinertia.com/surf/surfrider-europe-wave-pools-environmen... 5 of 5 3/27/21, 3:49 PM
576 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 10:06:25 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Opposi&on to Surf Park Resort
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 9:58:27 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Peter Plaza
To: Consul&ng Planner
My name is Peter Plaza, and this is an amendment to my first list of comments on March 9th.
There has been a lot of comments opposing the construc&on and opera&on of the Surf Park, but there are no comments regarding the 190 acres of vacant land shown on the current Master Plan Design. Currently, “The Plan” shows approximately half of the parcel of land being developed, leaving approximately 190 acres of land as future residen&al development. The main roadway coming into the development goes through the undeveloped parcel of land, with apparent berms on both sides of the roadway with trees and landscaping.
One would assume that the designers and developers want to create a vision-percep&on for the residents and guest that they are going through the Surf Park that is completed and fully developed. This certainly is not the case, and one would assume that it opens-up a host of ques&ons and concerns by City Planners, Consultants and all of us that are members of the Opposi&on to the Surf Park Development, including me. I ask that the following talking-points be considered at the March 30th Mee&ng:
1. It is quite apparent that only half the parcel of property is planned for development now and the remaining 190 acres will be vacant and developed in “Phases” over-&me. This opens up a lot of ques&ons:
a. Will the Master Plan remain for future residen&al homes, or, does the developer plan on amending the Master Plan in the future by adding more surf wave runs, once the first wave run proves to be successful? There is a poten&al, the developer is crea&ng a “foot-in-the-door” scenario now with plans keep their op&ons open for the future. This scenario can’t play out, and must be stopped in it’s tracks now by not allowing this development to be a Surf Park be built and only approved this parcel of land for what it is currently zoned for; residen&al homes and a golf course.
b. How long will the 190 acres be leZ vacant?
c. Will the City of La Quinta
d. How is the 190 acres of vacant property be treated? Will the property be landscaped, or leave the exis&ng vegeta&on intact, clear and grub the property and leave the surface dirt, or apply a surface treatment that will require maintenance over &me? e. How do you prevent 190 acres from becoming a “dust-bowl” over the life of this condi&on? f. Future construc&on of the vacant parcel of property will now open-up the en&re development, it’s residents, guests, visitors and the community at large to repeated exposure to construc&on impacts again, again and again.
g. The main roadway and entrance into the development will become the main thoroughfare for construc&on vehicles and equipment, resul&ng in disrup&on to the local residents and traffic pa_erns throughout the area. To prevent this from occurring, a new service entrance will be required on 58th Street to detour trades, construc&on vehicles, supply deliveries and heavy equipment from the main roadway. This will put pressure on the traffic pa_ern along this highly traveled roadway.
h. Hauling, impor&ng and expor&ng of dirt and gravel will be necessary during future development phases, as a result of limited lay-down areas and remote stockpile areas as the construc&on con&nues over a 10-year period.
i. How will the developer control natural water run-off, erosion, drainage, ponding and flooding while the parcel of property remains dormant?
j. Will there be standing water that will be a host for mosquito infesta&on, rodents, odors and other environmental impacts to the development and surrounding communi&es? 577 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
These are just some of the major concerns this development will create and represents the “&p-of-theiceberg” scenario that will require all par&es, consultants, etc., to consider these concerns and address them when developing, reviewing and approving the final Environmental Impact Report.
CONCLUSION
It is without any reserva&on by me and surely all those opposed to this Surf Park Development, that the City of La Quinta REJECT this proposed Master Plan, REJECT the re-zoning of this parcel of land and REJECT the mul&ple phases of construc&on over-&me. This development should be reviewed for a residen&al development with a golf course. Nothing more-nothing less! Peter Plaza
Trilogy at La Quinta Resident
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
578 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 14:23:00 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Development
Date: Monday, March 8, 2021 at 2:20:06 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Grant Raeburn
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Please note we have been petitioned regarding the so-called ‘disadvantages’ of this planned development.
Please note that we have lived in the area for the last 10 years, and have in that time seen next to no development almost anywhere in La Quinta except some housing being completed – a welcome addition. Right now the Coral Mountain area is just a wasteland, sometime shooting range for drunken denizens (shell cartridges and beer cans abound), and dumping ground for the odd mattress. ANY development there will improve the community.
You would have our wholehearted support for this to proceed in whatever category Council determines is best for the area.
Bring it on!
Jayne & Grant J. Raeburn
E: [email protected]
C: 1-604-230-7477
A: 80806 Via Puerta Azul, La Quinta, Ca 92253
579 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11:32:00 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Fw: Coral Mountain Resort
Date: Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10:52:27 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Dick Ramage
To: [email protected]
CC: Dick Ramage
March 12,2021
To: Nicole Sauviat Criste, Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta, CA
Re: Coral Mountain Resort
Dear Ms. Criste
My name is Richard Ramage and my wife Gail and I built our home and moved to Andalusia in April of 2016. We have been residents of California since 1975 and Andalusia is our permanent residence.
Once we decided to relocate from the Pasadena area to the desert, we spent many days over a number of months looking at existing homes and areas where we could buy or build. We elected to build in Andalusia for a number of reasons but the main driver was the location which provided the beauty of the Coral & Santa Rosa Mountains and the solitude and quietness of desert living and not surrounded by commercial activities.
580 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
I am writing to inform you that I am very much opposed to this project and its request to rezone the proposed 386 acres from low density residential housing and golf course to commercial/ tourist, which will allow a four-story hotel, a 17-acre wave pool with 80-foot lights surrounding the wave pool, 7.7 acres devoted to commercial shops open to the public, and 496 homes, 104 rental homes with its own rental office. They have also requested 16 days for special events which is more than Coachella and Stagecoach combined.
Everything surrounding the 386 acres is zoned only for residential housing and golf. This is like dropping Disneyland into a residential area, and will most definitely have an impact on home values.
I very much appreciate the fact that the City is requiring an environmental impact study in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. In reviewing what you plan to include in the Environmental report, I urge you to weigh heavily on the impact to surrounding residential communities. I also request sufficient notice be provided to the public before it is presented to the Planning Commission and the City Council and that these sessions be open to the public.
Would you please update me on any changes that occur during this process.
I appreciate your assistance on this very important matter.
Best regards,
Richard & Gail Ramage
59095 Almeria
La Quinta, CA 92253
581 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 16:08:53 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water/Wave Park, La Quinta, CA Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 12:31:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Jeffrey Rasak
To: ConsulKng Planner
CC: Kim Rasak, Rob Michiels, Mike Charles
Good morning Christe. On behalf of JCR Resources, LLC and its Members, thank you for confirming receipt of our correspondence dated March 24, 2021 and for sending the Notice of Scoping Meeting. I will do my best to attend the March 30 meeting, however, in the event I am unable to do so, nevertheless wanted to provide you, City Staff and Council Members with additional comments and concerns JCR would like to see addressed. As supplement to its March 24 letter, please allow this correspondence to become a part of the record in these land use proceedings.
If it was not clear from my earlier correspondence, I would like to make clear that JCR is opposed to the construction, development and operation of a hotel or hospitality component on the 386 acre Andalusia at Coral Mountain Specific Plan property proposed for development as the Coral Mountain Resort Project (including Water Park). We are also strongly opposed to construction, development and operation of a wave basin/water park on the property. Were this 386 acre Specific Planned property to be developed, we believe and maintain the highest and best use and well as the most consistent and compatible use for the property would be a high end single family residential development, including golf course, with open space, bike and walking trails and other public/community amenities. Andalusia and Madison Club two cases in point. All things considered, it is hard to imagine how City Planners and Council Members would even consider development and operation of a hotel and water park on the property. That is especially true given the changes and revisions that would be needed in the existing land use designations and zoning code. Quite frankly, hotel and recreational uses, including water park are more suited for development along I-10 near Fantasy Springs (not in the middle of prime residential/golf communities in La Quinta up against beautiful and scenic Coral Mountain.
Here in San Diego Nicole, JMI and Hyatt have been working for 20 years to secure entitlement and project approvals to construct and develop a small 130 room hotel near the beach in Encinitas. Yes, it has taken 20 years for those entitlements and approvals to be granted. The result is a well planned, high end boutique hotel (not exceeding two stories or 24 feet in height). For your information, I have attached a recent article and photo from Coast News describing the Alila Marea Beach Resort.
Should the City capitulate and decide to entitle and approve development and operation of a hotel or hospitality component on the 386 acre property, JCR would like to correct its March 24 letter and make clear that any such hotel should be limited in size/keys and not exceed 24 feet in height. Further, any such hotel should truly be first class (five star) with renowned and stunning architecture and design.
The community should have input in those designs and architecture. 582 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Concerning lighting and to the extent the City were to entitle and approve construction and operation of a wave basin/water park, no lighting should be allowed or permitted. Given the existing character and uses in the community/neighborhood, there simply is no reason why any wave basin or water park should be allowed to operate past dusk/dark. I live in San Diego and have surfed my whole life. I don't surf at night and can tell you that night time surfing is simply a stretch and bridge too far. It should never be allow in La Quinta and expressly prohibited either by deed restriction or in any conditions of approval for the Project.
Further and concerning the environmental effects of the proposed wave basin/water park in La Quinta, the developer incorrectly points to Kelly Slater's Wave Ranch in Lemoore, CA as some reliable indicator. It is not. Using the Wave Ranch in Lemoore, CA as some yardstick or weathervane for a wave basin/water park in La Quinta is simply wrong and nothing more than mixing apples and oranges. In these regards, I urge the City not to take the developer's bait and accept such self-serving non-sense as fact or as any reliable indicator of the adverse and detrimental environmental effects on such a project in La Quinta. With all due respect, using and comparing Lemoore, CA to La Quinta, CA is not only out of place, but wholly inappropriate in so many respects.
Insofar as scoping for the EIR, please note JCR's concerns above, below and in its March 24 letter, all of which we believe and request be thoroughly investigated and properly addressed:
1. aesthetics;
2. preservation of desert and mountain views as well as open space;
3. preservation of desert habitat as well as native and indigenous plant material and trees;
4. noise and sound;
5. traffic (both during construction and post construction, including each phase of develop.;
6. protection and/or degradation of existing streets/roads and off-site improvements;
7. light and dark skies;
8. storm water treatment, discharge, run-off;
9. pollution (air quality, water quality and trash;
10. crime/security (increased and armed 24 hour security guards needed at Andalusia);
11. means and methods to be employed by contractors/subcontractors for dust control;
12. effect on property values at Andalusia and Club Membership (based on actual design, size, quantity, quality, phasing, and uses developed within of the Project;
13. quality of life (for those outside of the proposed Project and at Andalusia);
14. deliveries and storage of all goods, supplies and materials, including gravel, base, asphalt, concrete, lumber and other construction materials (during each phase of construction, including for the neighborhood commerical component, both during 583 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
and after construction);
15. fate of and/or loss of the proposed Coral Mountain Regional Park;
16. loss of the existing open space, walking and mountain biking trails;
17. loss of direct access to Coral Mountain from Andalusia and other surrounding communities;
18. potential alcohol and drug use at the wave basin/water park;
19. effect of the Project (by phase) on all public services, including fire, water, police, utilities, trash/refuse pick up, etc.
20. comparative benefit/burden to the existing homeowners of having a residential golf community developed on the subject property (like Madison Club) versus a hotel/wave park;
Nicole, I want to reiterate JCR's strong concern and objection to the developer's misdirection concerning phasing of the Project. More specifically and not surprisingly, the developer proposes to first secure entitlement for construction of the wave basin/wave park, before delivering on the other promises/components, including development of a high end first class neighborhood Shopping Center on the hard corner of Madison and 58th. Is this just a typical developer "bait and switch? If this developer is unable or unwilling to first or simultaneously design and develop a much needed first class neighborhood Center as proposed on the 7.7 acres, including a quality anchor tenant like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Sprouts and some great restaurants, indeed I'd be very skeptical (and so too should the City).
Lastly Nicole, I have not received any information whatsoever about the hotel or commercial retail component? Who will operate the hotel? How many hotels has this developer successfully completed and operated and where are those hotels? Other than conceptual eye candy, has the developer prepared preliminary colored exterior building design elevations?
Does this developer have all of the funding necessary to complete the entire Project (both debt and equity)? Has the City been provided with copies of the developer's Operating and Development Proformas? Other than Project entitlements, is the developer proposing or seeking any form of public assistance? Thank you Nicole. Kindly share a copy of the letter with the appropriate City Staff and with each Council Member.
Jeffrey C. Rasak
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sterling Development Corporation
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite B-85
Encinitas, CA 92024
ph: (760) 633-0006 fax: (760) 633-0072
e-mail: [email protected]
584 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
585
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
586
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
587 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
588 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
589 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10:24:05 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Re: Proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water/Wave Park, La Quinta, CA Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 6:07:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Jeffrey Rasak
To: ConsulLng Planner
CC: Kim Rasak, Rob Michiels, Mike Charles
AFachments: Coral Mountain Resort Scoping MeeLng Ad 3.17.21.pdf Thank you Nicole. Hopefully, Sunday is a day of rest for you.
Concerning the scope of work for the EIR, I will make every effort to attend the the Zoom Meeting on March 30. Nevertheless, JCR intends that its previous communications and correspondence as well as this correspondence be duly noted and taken into consideration by the City and its Consulting Engineers in determining scope.
In order to ensure the integrated use of natural and social sciences in the EIR and give due consideration to all of the qualitative as well as the quantitative factors involved, I assume the Report will be prepared using an interdisciplinary approach? This is critically important to properly establish and support the various disciplines involved as well as the interrelationships among and between those disciplines in order to ultimately determine the true and real environmental effects of this illconceived Project. As you know, the National Environmental Policy Act requires that the subject EIR consider qualitative factors as well as quantitative, economic and technical factors.
In keeping with and in furtherance of the aforementioned objectives, would you please provide JCR with the name of the firm(s) or individual(s) that will be providing professional/consulting engineering services to the City for this public disclosure document. While I can probably find their respective CV or company biograph online, to the extent you have that information, it would certainly be helpful and instructive.
Finally Nicole, since I have been kept in the dark about this Project until very recently, I am trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. Toward that goal, I have posed numerous questions concerning the proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water Park which remain unanswered. Will you or someone from the City be providing JCR with a reply or response to those questions? Thanks again Nicole. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance thus far.
Jeffrey C. Rasak
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sterling Development Corporation
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza
590 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite B-85
Encinitas, CA 92024
ph: (760) 633-0006 fax: (760) 633-0072
e-mail: [email protected]
On Saturday, March 27, 2021, 04:08:38 PM PDT, Consulting Planner <[email protected]> wrote:
Mr. Rasak,
Thank you for your comments. I received both your email, and will append the aTachment to your first email. They will be included in the EIR NoLce of PreparaLon comments for the project.
We have added a Scoping MeeLng on March 30 at 4 PM. I have aTached the NoLce, which includes instrucLons on receiving the Zoom link if you would like to parLcipate. If you would like to watch the meeLng but not speak, it will also be livestreamed on the City's website.
Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulLng Planner
City of La Quinta
From: Jeffrey Rasak <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 12:36 PM
To: ConsulLng Planner <[email protected]> Cc: Kim Rasak <[email protected]>; Rob Michiels <[email protected]>; Mike Charles <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water/Wave Park, La Quinta, CA ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and cauLon when opening aTachments, clicking links or responding to requests for informaLon. ** My apologies Nicole, I forgot to attach the article and photo concerning the Alila Marea Beach Hotel in Encinitas that was referenced in my letter. I have attached a copy for your information and review. Thanks.
591 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Jeffrey C. Rasak
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sterling Development Corporation
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite B-85
Encinitas, CA 92024
ph: (760) 633-0006 fax: (760) 633-0072
e-mail: [email protected]
On Saturday, March 27, 2021, 12:31:27 PM PDT, Jeffrey Rasak <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Christe. On behalf of JCR Resources, LLC and its Members, thank you for confirming receipt of our correspondence dated March 24, 2021 and for sending the Notice of Scoping Meeting. I will do my best to attend the March 30 meeting, however, in the event I am unable to do so, nevertheless wanted to provide you, City Staff and Council Members with additional comments and concerns JCR would like to see addressed. As supplement to its March 24 letter, please allow this correspondence to become a part of the record in these land use proceedings.
If it was not clear from my earlier correspondence, I would like to make clear that JCR is opposed to the construction, development and operation of a hotel or hospitality component on the 386 acre Andalusia at Coral Mountain Specific Plan property proposed for development as the Coral Mountain Resort Project (including Water Park). We are also strongly opposed to construction, development and operation of a wave basin/water park on the property. Were this 386 acre Specific Planned property to be developed, we believe and maintain the highest and best use and well as the most consistent and compatible use for the property would be a high end single family residential development, including golf course, with open space, bike and walking trails and other public/community amenities. Andalusia and Madison Club two cases in point. All things considered, it is hard to imagine how City Planners and Council Members would even consider development and operation of a hotel and water park on the property. That is especially true given the changes and revisions that would be needed in the existing land use designations and zoning code. Quite frankly, hotel and recreational uses, including water park are more 592 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
suited for development along I-10 near Fantasy Springs (not in the middle of prime residential/golf communities in La Quinta up against beautiful and scenic Coral Mountain.
Here in San Diego Nicole, JMI and Hyatt have been working for 20 years to secure entitlement and project approvals to construct and develop a small 130 room hotel near the beach in Encinitas. Yes, it has taken 20 years for those entitlements and approvals to be granted. The result is a well planned, high end boutique hotel (not exceeding two stories or 24 feet in height). For your information, I have attached a recent article and photo from Coast News describing the Alila Marea Beach Resort.
Should the City capitulate and decide to entitle and approve development and operation of a hotel or hospitality component on the 386 acre property, JCR would like to correct its March 24 letter and make clear that any such hotel should be limited in size/keys and not exceed 24 feet in height. Further, any such hotel should truly be first class (five star) with renowned and stunning architecture and design.
The community should have input in those designs and architecture.
Concerning lighting and to the extent the City were to entitle and approve construction and operation of a wave basin/water park, no lighting should be allowed or permitted. Given the existing character and uses in the community/neighborhood, there simply is no reason why any wave basin or water park should be allowed to operate past dusk/dark. I live in San Diego and have surfed my whole life. I don't surf at night and can tell you that night time surfing is simply a stretch and bridge too far. It should never be allow in La Quinta and expressly prohibited either by deed restriction or in any conditions of approval for the Project.
Further and concerning the environmental effects of the proposed wave basin/water park in La Quinta, the developer incorrectly points to Kelly Slater's Wave Ranch in Lemoore, CA as some reliable indicator. It is not. Using the Wave Ranch in Lemoore, CA as some yardstick or weathervane for a wave basin/water park in La Quinta is simply wrong and nothing more than mixing apples and oranges. In these regards, I urge the City not to take the developer's bait and accept such self-serving non-sense as fact or as any reliable indicator of the adverse and detrimental environmental effects on such a project in La Quinta. With all due respect, using and comparing Lemoore, CA to La Quinta, CA is not only out of place, but wholly inappropriate in so many respects.
593 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Insofar as scoping for the EIR, please note JCR's concerns above, below and in its March 24 letter, all of which we believe and request be thoroughly investigated and properly addressed:
1. aesthetics;
2. preservation of desert and mountain views as well as open space;
3. preservation of desert habitat as well as native and indigenous plant material and trees;
4. noise and sound;
5. traffic (both during construction and post construction, including each phase of develop.;
6. protection and/or degradation of existing streets/roads and off-site improvements;
7. light and dark skies;
8. storm water treatment, discharge, run-off;
9. pollution (air quality, water quality and trash;
10. crime/security (increased and armed 24 hour security guards needed at Andalusia);
11. means and methods to be employed by contractors/subcontractors for dust control;
12. effect on property values at Andalusia and Club Membership (based on actual design, size, quantity, quality, phasing, and uses developed within of the Project;
13. quality of life (for those outside of the proposed Project and at Andalusia);
14. deliveries and storage of all goods, supplies and materials, including gravel, base, asphalt, concrete, lumber and other construction materials (during each phase of construction, including for the neighborhood commerical component, both during and after construction);
15. fate of and/or loss of the proposed Coral Mountain Regional Park;
16. loss of the existing open space, walking and mountain biking trails;
17. loss of direct access to Coral Mountain from Andalusia and other surrounding communities;
18. potential alcohol and drug use at the wave basin/water park;
19. effect of the Project (by phase) on all public services, including fire, water, police, utilities, trash/refuse pick up, etc.
20. comparative benefit/burden to the existing homeowners of having a residential golf community developed on the subject property (like Madison Club) versus a hotel/wave park;
Nicole, I want to reiterate JCR's strong concern and objection to the developer's 594 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
misdirection concerning phasing of the Project. More specifically and not surprisingly, the developer proposes to first secure entitlement for construction of the wave basin/wave park, before delivering on the other promises/components, including development of a high end first class neighborhood Shopping Center on the hard corner of Madison and 58th. Is this just a typical developer "bait and switch? If this developer is unable or unwilling to first or simultaneously design and develop a much needed first class neighborhood Center as proposed on the 7.7 acres, including a quality anchor tenant like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Sprouts and some great restaurants, indeed I'd be very skeptical (and so too should the City).
Lastly Nicole, I have not received any information whatsoever about the hotel or commercial retail component? Who will operate the hotel? How many hotels has this developer successfully completed and operated and where are those hotels? Other than conceptual eye candy, has the developer prepared preliminary colored exterior building design elevations?
Does this developer have all of the funding necessary to complete the entire Project (both debt and equity)? Has the City been provided with copies of the developer's Operating and Development Proformas? Other than Project entitlements, is the developer proposing or seeking any form of public assistance? Thank you Nicole. Kindly share a copy of the letter with the appropriate City Staff and with each Council Member.
Jeffrey C. Rasak
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sterling Development Corporation
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite B-85
Encinitas, CA 92024
ph: (760) 633-0006 fax: (760) 633-0072
e-mail: [email protected]
595 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 12:24:03 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Re: Proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water/Wave Park, La Quinta, CA Date: Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 12:19:35 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Jeffrey Rasak
To: ConsulMng Planner
CC: Kim Rasak, Rob Michiels, Mike Charles
Thanks Nicole. I appreciate you providing the names of those tasked with preparing the EIR. While you dodged my question about qualitative and quantitative factors, I'm sure we will have other opportunities to review, comment and, if need be, challenge the sufficiency and findings set in the EIR. Would you please add to my list of JCR's concerns/issues to be included in the Report: Biology, Geology, Hazards, Hydrology and Minerals. Thanks again Nicole and have a great Palm Sunday.
Jeffrey C. Rasak
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sterling Development Corporation
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite B-85
Encinitas, CA 92024
ph: (760) 633-0006 fax: (760) 633-0072
e-mail: [email protected]
On Sunday, March 28, 2021, 10:23:25 AM PDT, Consulting Planner <[email protected]> wrote:
Mr. Rasak,
The meeMng will be recorded, so if you cannot aSend you should be able to watch it through the City's website. Please request a Zoom link by return email if you think that you may aSend.
Your leSer has been made part of the record for the NoMce of PreparaMon, will be included in the EIR, and as you requested will be distributed to City Council members. Responses to your quesMons will be incorporated into the EIR. We do not plan to respond individually to commenters.
Please note that the EIR is being prepared under the authority of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), not NEPA. There are no federal permits involved in this applicaMon, and NEPA does not apply. The EIR is being prepared by the following:
MSA Consultants: applicant's planners, engineers and environmental consultants responsible for dra]ing the EIR itself
Urban Crossroads: Air quality, GHG, Noise and Traffic impact analyses CRM Tech: Cultural and paleontological resources analyses 596 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sladden Engineering: Soils and geology
LSA Associated: Biological resource analysis
If you are able to aSend or listen to the meeMng, a presentaMon of the project will be made, which should answer many of your quesMons. If any remain, please feel free to contact me or to file a Public Records request for any addiMonal informaMon you may need.
Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulMng Planner
City of La Quinta
From: Jeffrey Rasak <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 6:07 PM
To: ConsulMng Planner <[email protected]> Cc: Kim Rasak <[email protected]>; Rob Michiels <[email protected]>; Mike Charles <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water/Wave Park, La Quinta, CA ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and cauMon when opening aSachments, clicking links or responding to requests for informaMon. ** Thank you Nicole. Hopefully, Sunday is a day of rest for you.
Concerning the scope of work for the EIR, I will make every effort to attend the the Zoom Meeting on March 30. Nevertheless, JCR intends that its previous communications and correspondence as well as this correspondence be duly noted and taken into consideration by the City and its Consulting Engineers in determining scope.
In order to ensure the integrated use of natural and social sciences in the EIR and give due consideration to all of the qualitative as well as the quantitative factors involved, I assume the Report will be prepared using an interdisciplinary approach? This is critically important to properly establish and support the various disciplines involved as well as the interrelationships among and between those disciplines in order to ultimately determine the true and real environmental effects of this illconceived Project. As you know, the National Environmental Policy Act requires that the subject EIR consider qualitative factors as well as quantitative, economic and 597 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
technical factors.
In keeping with and in furtherance of the aforementioned objectives, would you please provide JCR with the name of the firm(s) or individual(s) that will be providing professional/consulting engineering services to the City for this public disclosure document. While I can probably find their respective CV or company biograph online, to the extent you have that information, it would certainly be helpful and instructive.
Finally Nicole, since I have been kept in the dark about this Project until very recently, I am trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. Toward that goal, I have posed numerous questions concerning the proposed Coral Mountain Resort and Water Park which remain unanswered. Will you or someone from the City be providing JCR with a reply or response to those questions? Thanks again Nicole. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance thus far.
Jeffrey C. Rasak
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sterling Development Corporation
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite B-85
Encinitas, CA 92024
ph: (760) 633-0006 fax: (760) 633-0072
e-mail: [email protected]
On Saturday, March 27, 2021, 04:08:38 PM PDT, Consulting Planner <[email protected]> wrote:
Mr. Rasak,
Thank you for your comments. I received both your email, and will append the aSachment to your first email. They will be included in the EIR NoMce of PreparaMon comments for the project.
We have added a Scoping MeeMng on March 30 at 4 PM. I have aSached the NoMce, which includes instrucMons on receiving the Zoom link if you would like to parMcipate. If you would like to watch the meeMng but not speak, it will also be livestreamed on the City's website.
Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulMng Planner
City of La Quinta
598 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 15, 2021 at 07:46:50 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: ATTN: Ms. Sauviat Criste RE: OBJECTION to requested Zoning Designa?on Change in South La Quinta / Meriwether COMMERCIAL proposal
Date: Monday, March 15, 2021 at 7:17:20 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Diane Rebryna
To: [email protected]
AFachments: PDF REBRYNA EMAIL MAR 15, 2021 .pdf
March 15, 2021
Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consul?ng Planner, City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
BY EMAIL: [email protected]
RE: Applicant Meriweather Developments request for a zoning change in South La Quinta from “Low Density ResidenQal w/golf course” to” Tourist Commercial”.
MY OPPOSITION, as a South La Quinta resident - for the following reasons:
Ms. Sauviat Criste,
I am wri?ng today as a concerned South La Quinta (Trilogy) resident to voice my opposiQon to the applica?on for a rezoning designa?on which would allow for the the Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort ( “CMWP” ) development in La Quinta.
I have also aFached a PDF of the exact content of this email for your easy reference and reading.
I will not repeat in great detail the many developments as presented by Meriwether Development, published press releases, and local newspaper ar?cles.
It is likely however that you and other planning and Council members seen and heard most, if not all, of the following concerns, as summarized below.
1. Concerns for the Coral Mountain Area : is there poten?al for destruc?on and/or desecra?on of this area during construc?on and ongoing usage - with adverse effects on that natural historical components (including the artefacts), wildlife, topography, etc. on an exisQng recreaQonal area that is currently accessible to ALL La Quinta residents, not just an elite few can afford this type of “adventure sport resort”?
2. Water concerns - there will be a con?nuous sourcing of the water required for this project ( including the accoun?ng for evapora?on in the heat and hygiene requirements for a human use recrea?onal area ); especially when residents of the desert are asked to be “water conscious”.
3. Traffic concerns: basically the "5 W’s and a How" - who, what, where, when and why and how … who will handle the requirement for upgrades and maintenance to exisQng roadways/ who will pay for these, how will safety for persons be accounted for with the increased traffic, who will monitor the speed zones that must be in place, how will emergency vehicles ( fire, ambulance) s?ll provide the excellent service that they are known to provide without obstruc?on.
4. “Sewer” services and “wastewater” management? An area like this could have in the range of 5000 plus people in it at any given ?me - many more than an originally proposed residen?al community would hold. Notwithstanding that there must be waste water considera?ons for the wave pool itself.
5. Noise PolluQon: Construc?on noise for “10 - 20 years”(!), noise of the Wave Pool itself including the 30 second “announcements” and “wave breaking crashing” sounds at 75 decibels. In addi?on, there will be permanent ongoing noise from wave generators, guests, loudspeakers and entertainment venues on site. NOTE: 365 days per year - 7 AM - 10 PM … in and amongst quiet residenAal communiAes! The noise from similar parks has been measured at 85dB. This level of noise 365 days per year is unacceptable in a residen?al area
6. Elevated Structures: 80 foot tall stadium style light towers and others illumina?ng the wave pool, swimming pools, skateboard park, BMX track, parking lots, etc. - imagine “mulQple 8 story-ish towers” in other parts of the Coachella valley, notwithstanding situated among quiet residen?al communi?es. This is not in keeping with our beau?ful desert valley.
7. Light PolluQon: Most of La Quinta has dark beau?ful desert skies at night. 80 foot illuminated towers are an inconceivable considera?on, especially combined with the noise.
8. Special Events: On top of the 365 days - “all day every day” - of all of the above, the Developer speaks of an addiQonal 16 days and nights for special events - likely over 4 days of long weekends. This begs some addi?onal discussion:
As La Quinta residents, we are well aware of the addi?onal demands placed on our community infrastructure by events like Coachella, Stagecoach and even the Triathlon. Having said that, these events are only a few weeks a year and these events BENEFIT THE ENTIRE 599 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
COACHELLA VALLEY.
“Special events” at the CMWP will likely be limited only to its residents or guests who book and travel there. These will not benefit La Quinta residents as a whole. Public transporta?on will be limited to allow for off site enjoyment of other La Quinta aqrac?ons by the guests - so cars will be necessary - there come the parking, boqleneck traffic concerns and the ripple effect described as per 3) above.
The residen?al areas however around this development would be severely impacted - not only during the “special events” but in prep ?me leading up to and take down ?me following.
9. IN ADDITION, I have an addi?onal concern which has not been men?oned in detail: This will be a private facility apparently not open to anyone other than hotel guests. What benefit is there for the “residents” neighbouring communi?es. Our kids and grandkids who come to stay with us cannot even access or u?lize the facility on a daily basis. We would have all of the headaches as surrounding communi?es with none of the benefits, such as “proximity”… At least if you live close to Disneyland, you can go there with your kids and grandkids !
ExecuQve Summary of Reasons for my OpposiQon:
I strongly request of and urge the City of La Quinta to PLEASE NOT change the zoning from the current designa?on Low-Density Residen?al w/ 18-hole golf course to TOURIST/COMMERCIAL to allow for this CMWP or any other commercial venture / development to go forward for the following reasons:
1. When we and our neighbours bought in South La Quinta ( Trilogy ), we sought out the peace and quiet and the “almost reverence” for nature that this area allows for. We (thought we) bought with confidence knowing that the zoning of the surrounding areas zoning would be in keeping with this. We can speak with certainty that the residents of our other neighborhood communi?es share this same sen?ment. A recent publica?on stated “According to the city, the land in ques?on is currently zoned for Low Density Residen?al and Golf Course. The exis?ng 2003 plan for the site allows for residen?al development and a golf course. Hotels and wave parks are not allowed. That means the city would need to amend the exis?ng plan. The city’s General Plan and zoning designa?ons would also need to be changed”. The CMWP is a COMMERCIAL VENTURE - A MEGA RESORT. It would directly benefit the Developer however in turn, it will absolutely devastate the residenQal communiQes around it. We as homeowners will suffer financially and in terms of enjoyment of the serene and quality life style / recrea?onal opportuni?es that South La Quinta is noted for.
2. This proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort is exactly the WRONG type of development for this loca?on. This would be a literal “drop” of a COMMERCIAL tourist amusement park venue resort amongst the several quiet and ESTABLISHED residenQal communiQes of South La Quinta.
3. With respect to other La Quinta residents / ci?zens: This type of Commercial development that will have a “pricey” admission ?cket will not benefit the average La Quinta resident, only those who will basically travel in to La Quinta to a “theme park” type of des?na?on as a guest / resident.
As City Planners and City Council Members, I ask that you please consider how you might feel if a city should allow for a change in zoning to permit a commercial “Guests Only Wave Theme / Amusement Park” as your immediate “neighbor”, and again please, I ask that do not allow this project to move forward by allowing for the zoning change applicaAon.
Thank you for your considera?on.
Sincerely,
Diane Rebryna
Trilogy La Quinta Resident
60149 Honeysuckle Street
La Quinta, CA 92253
PS - as per hqps://www.meriwetherco.com/ventures/coral-mountain/ - while I understand and am respectul of those persons who "eschew a gated country club in favour of a next genera?on offering of community, wellness and sports anchored by a wave basin from the Kelly Slater Wave Company” - If I could respectully suggest an op?on - a development of this kind might be beqer suited somewhere along the I10 corridor to the East of La Quinta in a commercial zone with high visibility and draw poten?al , recognizing it for what it is - a commercial venture that appeals to those who would like a different way to “live and travel” as stated by Meriwether et al. 600 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 11:03:13 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: DIANE REBRYNA SUBMISSION APRIL 2, 2021 Project: Coral Mountain Resort Date: Friday, April 2, 2021 at 9:50:35 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Diane Rebryna
To: ConsulOng Planner
AAachments: REBRYNA SUBMISSION .pdf
April 2, 2021 / 10:51 AM MST
Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulOng Planner, City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
BY EMAIL: [email protected]
RE: Applicant Meriweather Developments request for a zoning change in South La Quinta from “Low Density ResidenMal w/golf course” to” Tourist Commercial”.
MY OPPOSITION, as a South La Quinta resident.
Ms. Sauviat Criste,
Please accept the following PDF document a\ached which includes comments and quesOons to be considered for the preparaOon of the DRAFT EIR.
I realize that this is a long and comprehensive document, therefore I have tried to categorize my comments in keeping with those in the NoOce of PreparaOon.
I hope that this will be helpful to you.
I would appreciate acknowledgment of receipt.
Thank you for your consideraOon.
Kind regards,
Diane Rebryna
60149 Honeysuckle Street
La Quinta, CA
92253
1 403 287 8417
601 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
RE: 3.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION, listed in the ORIGINAL N of P, on page 10.
The N of P document states the following, on Page 10
“Low Density Residential Land” uses will occupy approximately 232 acres - a maximum of 496 dwelling units....
Tourist Commercial Land …@ 120.8 acres and, “General Commercial land uses will occupy approximately 7.7 acres ( out of 386 ) with up to 60,000 square feet of retail commercial uses available to the general public” (This data is also referred to in 3.3 Planning Areas chart of the N of P page 16) Question :
What exactly will be available to the general public in terms of “commercial space”. There is mention of restaurants. What other commercial ventures are being considered? Are firm arrangements with the Developer in place at this time ? (there are concerns about “ pot shops, liquor stores, or the like“ - although legal, these could potentially contribute to a“rowdiness” factor by virtue of easy access by consumers during day to day operations as well as during Special Events )
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ The N of P document states the following, on Page 10
... that Open Space Recreation land uses will occur on 23.6 acres in the SW portion of the site Questions are:
Will this “recreational space” be open to the public ? - or only to guests and residents of the Project.
It is likely that the public is currently using this space now for recreation, so in other words, is it possible that the recreational space that has been available up to now to the residents of La Quinta will be “usurped” for exclusive use by the guests and residents of this PRIVATE resort ...
Comments are made in the N of P there will be hiking, biking and ropes courses - again ONLY for residents and guests ?
Will there be rock climbing on Coral Mountain ?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ The N of P document speaks to Construction and Vacant Land, on Page 11 re: SUB-PHASES ACCORDING TO MARKET CONDITIONS
... According to the Coral Mountain Specific Plan, project construction will occur in eight (8) primary development areas with buildout anticipated to occur in three primary phases over approximately 4 to 6 years.
Each primary development area may be broken into sub-phases in response to market conditions and consumer demand. For example, the hotel of up to 150 keys may be constructed in multiple sub-phases.
The Conceptual Development Plan ... reflects the anticipated construction sequence and may be non-sequential and adjusted subject to market conditions.
602 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Phasing is conceptual and subject to refinement with final engineering design and changes in sequence in response to market conditions.
Comments and Questions are:
My interpretation of this is that - “market conditions and consumer demand” are essentially what drives this entire Project.
There could be a possibility that land could remain vacant for years and years to come - “all depends”...
It appears that the Developer receives all of the “benefits and breaks” to make “any and all encompassing decisions” without any firm time commitment, and the residents of South La Quinta are provided no assurance as to when and how this Project will be developed out.
Where is the accountability here and commitment in keeping with the Project Objectives that were outlined in the N of P? Especially the “motherhood and apple pie” statement that a Project Objective is to “implement a plan that recognizes and responds to the natural and aesthetic character of the property”. It won’t be aesthetic if parts of the Development sit vacant/undeveloped for years and years.
N of P says... “project construction will occur in eight (8) primary development areas with buildout anticipated to occur in three primary phases over approximately 4- to 6-years. Each primary development area MAY be broken into sub-phases … ( again) IN RESPONSE to MARKET CONDITIONS and CONSUMER DEMAND.” The residents in surrounding communities will be at the mercy of the Developer with no end in sight to the construction.
Additionally the Developer apparently will have the right to keep asking and asking for changes to the original plan. I take no comfort with the word “MAY”.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ In the same vein, as a result of the Developer’s proposal to finish the Project in phases, there will likely be … ONGOING “UNFINISHED CONSTRUCTION RELATED ISSUES” FOR YEARS TO COME.
For your ease of reference to this particular topic , I am addressing these here rather than in EIR Category:
Transportation.
Comments and Questions are:
1. The construction of a 380-acre major development is no easy task, nor does is it come without impacts to the surrounding community - especially when there is no commitment to finish it by a certain time.
2. There will be likely be constant and increased flow of vehicle traffic on our roadways for several years which will cause noise, diesel fumes, disruption to local traffic, increase in potential accidents/injuries, airborne dust, pollution, smog, loud-speaker noise from construction activities and overall general construction noise.
3. There are long term effects of construction to consider - especially in an “open ended” project that is proposed to be developed over a long period of time, perhaps with several stops and starts ( depending on “market conditions and consumer demand “…). These include dust , soil transport and storage issues, including its transport by tandem trucks which can cause significant road damage, and also potential damage by road sweepers that will be necessary.
603 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
4. Construction traffic potentially for several years is also a concern. What is the planned truck route(s) for construction ? Where is the dumpsite going to be situated ? Where will construction vehicles be parked ? Will the City require all parking for all construction vehicles must be maintained on the development site and not outside the construction fence line?
5. It is a given that road damage will occur. In all cases when major developments damage roadways, Cities have a typical solution by requiring the developer to put a Roadway Bond in place. Is this what the City plans to do with this Developer?
6. Where will the construction entrance be ? Does the developer intend to use the main roadway and entrance into the development as the main thoroughfare for construction vehicles and equipment, resulting in disruption to the local residents and traffic patterns throughout the area?
7. How will the main roadway areas coming into the undeveloped vacant land be designed for ingress and egress from the developed portion of the property? To mitigate the traffic quagmire within the development, will a new service entrance be required on 58th Avenue to detour trades, construction vehicles, supply deliveries and heavy equipment in and out of the development? Could this put pressure on the traffic pattern along this highly traveled roadway?
8. Increased construction traffic and resultant road damage will occur at Ave 58, Madison and Ave 60.
In summary, the above 1 - 8 are questions please about how will this ”open ended construction project” and how increased construction will impact the residential communities around it. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ONGOING UNFINISHED “VACANT LAND ISSUES” FOR YEARS TO COME The “Plan” shows approximately half of the parcel of land being developed, leaving approximately 190 acres of land as future residential development, again vacant and developed over time. There will be vacant land issues ongoing for years, as a result of the Developer’s proposal to finish the Project in phases that are “open ended”.
Comments and Questions are:
1. How will the proposed VACANT land be handled by the Developer ? How long will the land be left vacant by the Developer?
2. Vacant land ( proximal to construction) is subject to becoming a dust bowl. How will the Developer mitigate this ?
3. How will the Developer handle future construction of the vacant parcel of property, should this development be approved. What will the impact of ongoing construction on the vacant land be to the success of the development ? How will it impact residents, guests, visitors and the community at large, all who will be subjected to repeated construction impacts again and again ?
4. Will the vacant land become a “staging area” for ongoing construction for years and years - in other words an eyesore ?
5. How will the developer control natural water run-off, erosion, drainage, ponding and flooding and construction waste while the parcel of property remains dormant? Will there be standing water that will be 604 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
a host for mosquito infestation, rodents, odours, etc and therefore negatively impact the surrounding communities ?
6. Will the Developer be required to install a finished wall and landscape the entire perimeter prior to construction on the Project ?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ The N of P document states the following, on Page 12 re: SPECIAL EVENTS ... The project applicant anticipates the potential occurrence of special events involving attendance of up to 2,500 guests per day for up to 4 days (up to 4 events per year), and AND
on Page 28 re: (Temporary Use Permits) TUPs for Special Events ... are required by the City to accommodate special, unique, or limited duration activities that might otherwise be outside the provisions of normal zoning. Temporary uses are anticipated and allowed by the Specific Plan.TUPs are reviewed administratively by the Design and Development Director and do not require a public hearing.
Comments and Questions are:
Special Events will impact the surrounding residential communities mostly with respect to the NOISE and TRAFFIC / TRANSPORTATION categories as per the EIR.
The holding of “Special Event”s means more people - up to 2500 - in a given location at given times. It is a given that there will be NOISE ISSUES that will affect the proximal residential communities . I will address some of the NOISE concerns and questions regarding Special Events later in the EIR component of this document, however I will provide some other comments and questions here:
1. How do we know that there will not be an application by the Developer to hold events more than 4 days per year ? Would the entitlement that is being considered permit an uncontrolled number of special events, without any public consultation ? … because they are anticipated and allowed by the Specific Plan ?
2. Immediate concerns raised are increased traffic, parking issues and the anticipated resultant congestion not only for the Special Events themselves but for “set up and take down time” - a few days before and a few days after .
3. With Special Events, increased Traffic will occur and there will be resulting congestion issues:
During Surfing and/or Special Events, all the roadways converging to this parcel of land, surrounded by beautiful, serene residential communities and golf courses will be backed-up with cars coming from Interstate 10, Highway 111, Jefferson Street, Madison Street, Monroe Street, 58th Street, 60th Street and alternate roads snaking through and avoiding the traffic jam.
There will police vehicles and flashing light everywhere, attempting to control traffic with barricades and traffic police. Who is going to pay for all these services? Does the City of La Quinta realize that this could be “real” problem and have a plan on how this will be handled ? 605 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Our neighborhoods already experience challenges with Ironman, numerous running and cycling events, Coachella / Stagecoach Festivals etc. and the coming of SilverRock and Pendry hotels along with their intended events.
Has the number of events already in play for this area taken into account the stressors on the environment ?
There will likely be parking jams with bottlenecks and effects of congestion in the area. We often see this with PGA Special events - typically held only once a year - what about 4 or more additional Special Events added to this mix ?
6. With Special events, there will be Parking / Pedestrian safety concerns There have been references made to off-site parking and a shuttle service that will be transporting spectators to and from the parking lot to the event. What is the Developer’s plan to provide all the necessary parking stalls for the permanent residents, temporary residents, hotel guests, hotel and event staff, surfing professionals/ participants, security personnel, media personnel, etc. required for Special Events ?
If off-site parking is approved by the City, where will this parking lot be located? If it is off site, there will also be safety concerns for the pedestrian attendees - as they try to exit the area and walk down the existing roadways. Mayhem could result with emergency police and EMT vehicles attempting to deal with the impacts of congestion with people and vehicles.
This will significantly impact our community and will require additional safety security and police resources. Has the impact of these demands been considered ?
7. Will all of these Special events be open to the Public ? If not, what is the benefit of PRIVATE Special Events to the residents of the City of La Quinta ? I am concerned because there appears to be no straight answer as to who can attend these proposed Special Events. So, I pose the question, will these Special Events be closed or open to the Public ?
We’ve heard the argument that as La Quinta residents, we are well aware of the additional demands placed on our community infrastructure by events like Coachella, Stagecoach and even the Triathlon, and these Special Events will be no different.
However, and I feel this is the big difference, these events above are only a few weeks a year and these events benefit commerce in all of La Quinta enormously.
Special Events at this Surf Park , if Private, will ONLY benefit its residents and guests.
I wonder if it is highly likely that the target market for these Special Events will be tourists so that they can come and stay and partake in the activities in the Private Resort and of course increase the Developer’s revenue, and not benefit the entire City of La Quinta’s residents and merchants. 606 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
RE: 3.7 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION , listed in the ORIGINAL N of P, on page 28 RE: a General Plan Amendment & 2. RE: the Zone Change:
... both for which approval is sought by the Applicant ...and both require hearings before the Commission and Council
... requesting approval of a General Plan Amendment to change the Land Use Map for the project area to General Commercial, Low Density Residential, Tourist Commercial, and Open Space Recreation; ... a Zone Change to revise the City’s Zoning Map to Neighborhood Commercial, Low Density Residential, Parks and Recreation, and Tourist Commercial;
Comments and Questions are:
The Project simply does not fit with the character of the “neighbourhood”. It would be a “theme park like” environment essentially “inserted” right into the middle of multiple quiet residential communities.
Rezoning will create a “slippery-slope” with no end in sight. Once this parcel of property is rezoned to T/C, the surrounding vacant parcels of land would likely be vulnerable to other commercial developments that will either support the Surf Park or attempt to compliment it with other developments that will adversely affect the entire character of this region.
Re-zoning is the crux of the issues that are concerning. Rezoning will allow for the Developer’s “foot in the door “ and then possibly for changes to the original plan. At one point, the management of this proposed project represented that they planned this to be a high end residential community compatible with surrounding residential areas, but with more information, it now appears to be morphing into a short term vacation rental property with a strong commercial “theme park” character. “Sub phases” have been referred to previously as the build out starts only on part of the parcel. This allows the Developer the latitude discussed earlier. There are concerns that the Developer will ask the City of La Quinta for variances to add additional Wave Pools, more commercial structures, stadiums for music concerts and another hotel to the remaining vacant 200 acres. It is understood that this is being done at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch, Lemoore, Calif. I am concerned that this will be easy for the Developer, should they get the requested zoning change to Tourist / Commercial.
On the issue of the proposed Tourist Commercial Zone Change and STVRs :
In La Quinta, in the case of Tourist Commercial zoning, there are 345 acres currently zoned T/C of which 138 acres are not developed (40% not developed). It has been argued that we need more T/C zoning to support tourism and help deal with the short term rental problem.
It has been proposed that, from an environmental perspective, rather than expanding the acreage under T/C, there should be a drive to get the current acreage developed. There is no need for additional TC zones if what we have is not being used. In our particular area of South La Quinta, there are three T/C zoning areas relatively near to us already.
Another interesting fact to note is that the highest vacancy rate in La Quinta is office space - 26%. It is given that the City is concerned about STVR and assuring enough supply as the City curtails STVR permits. Developers and the City are looking at ways to convert unused office space for rentals. For example some of the offices above Old Town could be rental units. All without major new zoning. 607 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
The City does not need to rezone the Meriwether property to T/C to add to supply of short term rental, it can work with developers to convert some of the vacant commercial properties to rental. They are located in the right place, like Old Town, not in amongst quiet communities. Again this resort will be PRIVATE, so it will offer no benefit to offset the shortage of STVR issues that the City faces.
In summary, we do not need additional T/C zones in our residential neighbourhood. There are other solutions that that the City should consider.
RE: a TENTATIVE TRACT MAP, which approval is asked for by the Applicant - The N of P document states the following, on Page 28
“... future TTMs MAY* be filed with each phase of development as necessary to implement the balance of the project” ( *my underline and embolden)
Question:
What exactly does the word “MAY ” imply - “change after change after change” with delays interjected ? Again, how can our residential communities have a comfort level with the word “MAY ” ? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ RE: 4.0 Environmental Impact Report ( EIR) listed in the ORIGINAL N of P, on page 30 It is acknowledged that ... The EIR will
• evaluate the environmental effects of the project in accordance with the latest regulatory requirements,
• determine whether significant impacts will occur,
• identify feasible mitigation measures to minimize or avoid any potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed project, and
• evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed project.
A. EIR - Aesthetics, on page 31
The following is stated in the N of P
... The proposed uses and structures would have a potential effect on aesthetic resources. ... The proposed project’s impact on existing scenic vistas as well as the scenic quality in the area will be evaluated in the EIR. This evaluation will analyze the proposed features, such as the Wave basin, associated structure heights, building character, mass and heights, and project landscaping. 608 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
... Historic structures occur on the project site, as does the significant rock outcropping that is Coral Mountain.
Therefore, the project’s impact to scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway will also be analyzed in the EIR. ...The project will introduce light and glare associated with commercial, residential and resort development to a site that is currently vacant and does not emit any light or glare. The project proposes a recreational Wave basin, including 80-foot light poles, to illuminate the Wave basin in the evenings. Therefore, potential light and glare impacts to daytime and nighttime views in the area as a result of project development will be analyzed in the EIR.
Comments and Questions are:
This Project proposes a PRIVATE mixed use community that essentially centres around a Surf Resort that, in essence, is equivalent to a theme park environment.
This Project does not “fit” here - it will challenge, obliterate and take away from how the scenic vistas of this area will appear in the future.
It is incompatible with the surrounding environment and will forever challenge the peaceful ambience in an area that is revered for both recreational opportunities and its serenity for both La Quinta residents and visitors alike.
People are in awe when they come to visit this area, as the Coral Mountain area with its access to Lake Cahuilla and the Coral Mountain Park has been described as some of the best scenery in the world. This is the “quintessential rocky desert” - with the added benefit of containing and being surrounded by incredible features of historical, paleontological and archeological significance.
Why is it even being considered that a “a fossilized reef from an ancient coastline” form a backdrop to a surf resort ? The Developer makes reference to this in one of its many promotional “youtube videos” - there is one is entitled “Coral Mountain on Location” … (I would encourage a look at this - sorry, link will not copy and paste ! ) From this promotional video … “The Coral Mountains will soon become the backdrop to the world’s most consistent and perfectly designed Surfing Wave “.
As of this time, the Developer has already placed signage indicating this is private property - particularly ominous in light of what is being proposed.
Regarding the N of P acknowledged “light and potential glare” concerns - 80 foot (essentially 8 stories !) illuminated towers will “pepper” the day skies because of their visibility over the 6 foot fence ( imagine cell towers like this everywhere … ) and forever challenge La Quinta’s beautiful desert night skies.
B. EIR - Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, on page 32 The following is stated in the N of P...
... The project has the potential to generate criteria emissions and greenhouse gas emissions in excess of SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) standards. 609 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Comments and Questions are:
It is assumed that, because of proprietary concerns, that Kelly Slater et al is reluctant to make public any information regarding general and required chemical maintenance of the wave basin and its water contained therein. Therefore the impacts are not known at this time with respect to the applicable air quality plan.
It is not known whether sensitive receptors will be exposed to substantial pollutant concentrations.
It is not known if there will be any associated lingering pollutants or odors that will impact the environment or impact the people or the biology of the area, and what could be an issue with dispersion as a result of the prevailing winds that this area is known for.
I look forward to the results of the EIR analyses including a “stand alone air quality study “ and a “green gas house study” .
It is concerning, however, that there are no other wave pool parks situated in a comparable desert environment that allow for comparison regarding ambient air conditions and wind conditions - so how will these studies will be conducted. Will there be a comparison of “apples” to “apples”? C. EIR - Biological Resources , on page 33 The following is stated in the N of P... ... The project is NOT anticipated to have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities, since there are no jurisdictional waters and no lakes, rivers, or stream beds onsite.
Comments and Questions are:
I am looking forward to the results of the “biological survey and records search” regarding sensitive or special status animal species located within the boundaries of the Project and hope that this category will be addressed in the EIR in a fulsome manner.
There are species that could be significantly adversely effected by this Project. Big Horn Sheep are known to frequent this area. What will the effects of the Wave Park be on their population? Desert mountain sheep are on the endangered list. Coral Mountain (and its surrounding areas) is their habitat. It is known that human activity is not good for them.
The following comments are of note from 2.24 CVCC LaQ Barrier FEIR Final 4.10.19 : “Bighorn sheep populations fluctuate over time, and although the local bighorn sheep population may increase over short periods, it is clear that bighorn sheep do not benefit in the long-run from access to urbanized areas... The hills and mountains of the La Quinta region provide suitable habitat for PBS, with numerous natural water sources and a variety of forage occurring at different times and at different locations. PBS have occupied the region continuously for thousands of years. The attraction of PBS to urban lands ... for forage and water has made them vulnerable to hazards including ... oleander poisoning, vehicles, and the spread of disease. While bighorn sheep populations will fluctuate, conditions that are found in urban areas are detrimental to the long-term health of the local herd and the species”.
This Project as proposed will be built out as the “ultimate” urban area - which is obviously of concern. 610 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Additionally, a local tour guide advised me that the biological effects to flora and fauna of this Project on this area will be “horrible”. Reference was also made to a desert thrush /warbler bird that lives here and is protected. Although this person may not be viewed as an expert , nor someone who can speak with authority, this comment is very concerning to me.
D. EIR - Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
... In addition to the project-specific Geotechnical Investigation, a project specific Paleontological Resources Assessment will be included in the EIR to identify any significant, non-renewable paleontological resources that may exist within or adjacent to the project site ( see also F below under Geology and Soils ) Comments and Questions are:
I am looking forward to information in the EIR that will address whether the Project will cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource, cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource or disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.
Additionally, there is substantial interest in whether the the Project, DURING CONSTRUCTION and OPERATIONALLY, will cause an adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource ... in that it would affect a site, feature, place, or cultural landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value...
How will the archeological, tribal and paleontological artefacts located in the area of the Project be protected? What will the impact of the Project’s proposed adjunctive private recreational activities (beyond the surfing experience) be on the historical artefacts, features and landmarks of Coral Mountain and surrounding areas ? How will residents and visitors who currently enjoy access to these cultural and historical amenities be restricted from continuing to access and enjoy these artefacts, features and landmarks, once this Project is built out? There are discussions that these areas will be closed and private, accessible only to the private residents and guests of the Project. Again, the Developer has already posted signage that indicates that this is Private Property.
E. EIR Category - Energy Resources
Comments and Questions are:
It is hoped that there will be a fulsome EIR report with respect to this Category including the analysis of Project related impacts to the energy resources during both construction activities AND operation.
What about the impacts of off-sight improvements that will be necessary ? It is also hoped that there will be details provided as to where the energy for this project will come from - noting that the N of P states the following: "The project site, located at the southwest corner of Avenue 58 and Madison Street, lies within the service area boundaries of Imperial Irrigation District (IID) for electricity and Southern California Gas Company for natural gas”. Will the Wave Pool require natural gas to heat it in the winter ? 611 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
On the matter of energy, desert residents are routinely asked to conserve energy. There have been rolling blackouts periodically in So Cal to accommodate extreme energy requirements. What kind of energy load will this Project - both during construction and operationally - put on So. La Quinta residents ? It is extremely difficult to find this information out due likely to proprietary constraints.
In other words, it is known that the existing infrastructure is capable of supporting the additional loads? Who will pay for the upgrades identified in the N of P stated here: “... the project will be required to install an off-site transformer bank at an existing IID substation located at 81600 Avenue 58 as part of proposed upgrades.
Construction for the conduits and line extension would occur in the existing right-of-way.” .
F. EIR Category - Geology and Soils
The following is stated in the N of P...
... A site-specific Geotechnical Investigation is required for the project property, to investigate the geotechnical and soil conditions at the site.
... The project site is not located within an Alquist-Priolo fault zone. However, seismic activity that may occur on either the San Andreas fault zone (approximately 7.75 miles northeast of the project site), or San Jacinto fault zone (approximately 14 miles southwest of the project site) could result in severe ground shaking as PER: Excerpts From the Zoom Scoping Meeting of March 30, 2021 … It is common practice that a geotechnical investigation is performed by a Professional Engineer prior to development plans proceeding for a project. The purpose of the geotechnical investigation is to determine the nature and condition of the existing subsoils and to determine if they are suitable for the proposed development. It is surprising that we are speaking of a project significantly progressed in its planning stage without having a geotechnical investigation performed to determine if the site is even suitable from a soils perspective for the proposed use.
The city’s own La Quinta 35 Document provides information that indicates that the proposed development will be situated on comparatively young Alluvial soils that have a moderate to high liquefaction potential. The document also states that liquefaction can occur during seismic events or from ground vibrations of relatively long duration with an intensity over 0.2g.” https://www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument?id=33565 This document also states that this site will be adversely affected by liquefaction by a seismic event on the San Andreas or San Jacinto fault line. Additionally, there are two currently inactive rock faults adjacent to the proposed wave park’s location which may also come into play. Has there been any consideration given to the energy induced in the ground by repetitive wave action and vibration from the wave generation equipment ? The alluvial soils in the Coachella Valley have a long history of subsidence as they are a relatively young deposits, particularly near the base of mountains where fluvial deposits may also exist. The wave park may trigger localized subsidence of these weak deposits by the constant energy release from the waves.
What steps will be taken to ensure that the wave park does not permit seepage of water into the ground? Any loss of water into the ground will create a perched groundwater conditions which will only exacerbate the liquefaction potential of the soil and may induce localized settlements or subsidence. 612 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
If there is water seepage into the ground, an assessment of the impact the seepage may have on the subsidence of adjacent structures and communities is necessary.
The US Forest Service has published a document entitled “Don’t bust the biological soil crust: Preserving and restoring an important desert resource”. This document describes the vital importance of the biological soil crust in arid areas in preventing soil erosion and creating an ecosystem for the desert flora and fauna to establish. What impact will the development have on the soil crust and was steps will the Developer take to prevent irreversible damage to this vital ecosystem?
What is most concerning to me is the phrase from the above - “It is surprising that we are speaking of a project significantly progressed in its planning stage without having a geotechnical investigation performed to determine if the site is even suitable from a soils perspective for the proposed use”. The Developer purchased this property - was this an afterthought that a Surf Resort with a Wave Pool be placed here ? Perhaps like what happened in Florida ? https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2019/05/31/plans-sink-wsls-kelly-slater-designedwave-pool-florida-surfers/1298225001/ I look forward to the results of the site-specific Geotechnical Investigation.
G. EIR Category - Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The following is stated in the N of P...
... “Implementation of the project would facilitate new growth and development throughout the project area.
Resort, commercial, residential, and recreational developments would result in an increased population of residents and non-residents that would have both the potential to be susceptible to hazards, and to utilize hazardous materials”
Comments and Questions are:
It is expected that a fulsome EIR analysis will be performed regarding the Project-related impacts to the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials, and the release of hazardous materials into the environment that can impact the environment, people and wildlife, both during construction and operation.
It has not been made public what hazardous materials WILL be used in the operational aspect of the Project. For example, what chemicals will be used to keep the water clean in the wave pool ? Will a workplace Hazard Assessment(s) as per OSHA be performed and the results made public ? … The gentleman who spoke at the Scoping meeting indicated that there will be a review of potential safety concerns for construction workers with respect to hazardous materials, amongst other concerns, at the Project workplace.
Additionally, will potential biological hazards to the public be addressed and assessed for ? https://people.com/ health/man-dies-brain-eating-parasite-swimming-wave-pool/ Will there be information in the EIR regarding the implementation of an emergency response or evacuation plan due to inadvertent hazardous material release.?
613 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
H. EIR Category - Hydrology and Water Quality
The following is stated in the N of P...
... The EIR analysis will consider how the flood protection solutions will be incorporated into the site design, storm drain infrastructure, and water quality management practices in relation to the applicable regulatory standards that apply during construction and operation of the proposed development. ... The EIR will analyze the project’s site design measures to prevent interference with existing groundwater recharge facilities located south of the project.
Comments and Questions are
To make sure that my comments were reasonable in the context of an EIR, I am using this definition of “Hydrology” from Wikipedia. … is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth… and other planets, including the water cycle, water resources, and environmental watershed sustainability” While I will not attempt to address all details that relate to Hydrology (which I understand could include Water Conservation Measures; you will remember that I made a presentation at the Scoping Meeting on this topic), I would like to ask this question please…
Since the Developer continually asserts that the “Project will use less water than a golf course”….
Can the EIR please address this statement and its ramifications please ? Based on information received regarding water evaporation at the Kelly Slater Surf Park in LeMoore California, I and other residents are concerned that the water consumption for this new Wave pool has been significantly underestimated by the Coachella Valley Water District.
This is of great concern during a California Drought, considering the Coachella Valley is in the process of approving four Surf Parks and has relied on the same information.
AS PER: Excerpts From the Zoom Scoping Meeting of March 30, 2021 …The majority of the drinking water consumed by the residents of the Coachella Valley is from the underground aquifer. Water for irrigation primarily comes from the Colorado River. The aquifer is recharged by a canal bringing water from the north and then introducing it into the aquifer just to the south of the site’s proposed location… How will the aquifer be impacted considering as well that the N of P states that” the source of the water for the project is from two wells proposed for the site”. Can the EIR please address the impact of TWO wells.
Can the EIR please comment on the environmental effects on the residential communities surrounding it, in the event of a flooding of the contents of the Wave Basin due to seismic activity ?… considering the following information below in small font :
With respect to a potential flooding event from the Wave Pool in the event of seismic activity, there are possible insurance issues to all residential communities’ residents… If there was an earthquake and a flood resulted from this Project, I have been provided the following information ... “Earthquake policy would cover only earthquake damage. In the scenario where there is an earthquake followed by a flood you would need flood coverage as well. The standard NFIP flood policy provides 250k for the dwelling and 100k for contents.. the cost around $500 annually. There could be liability on the water park and City of La Q if water escaped from there and damaged neighbouring homes... “ .
614 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Where would the discarded water from the water basin go ? - is it of a quality that it could be “recycled” for use elsewhere ?
I. EIR Category - Land Use Planning
The following is stated in the N of P...
... the N of P states The surrounding developments are gated and operate separately from each other. The proposed project occurs on vacant land, and will not impact operation of surrounding residential projects, currently or in the future, and development of the proposed project will not divide an established community.
Questions and Comments are as follow:
While an EIR assessment of this particular category “Land Use Planning” may not be planned for, I wish to be on record that I strongly object to this broad statement above in the N of P which is highlighted in yellow.
There are indeed many environmental impacts as a result of this Project - related to both construction and the operation - on the surrounding residential communities asa result of zoning changes that are ALL outlined with in this document including aesthetics, noise, circulation / traffic, drain emergency services and public utilities etc.
Also, just because an established community is “not divided”, does not meant that there is no impact to the surrounding residential projects - now or in the future.
J. EIR Category - Noise
The following is stated in the N of P...
... “The proposed project is consistent with the City’s residential and residential and resort character.” , and that ... A project-specific noise impact analysis will be prepared. ... Potential impacts of noise associated with project construction and operation will be analyzed and addressed in the EIR ... Additionally, project-generated groundborne vibration and groundborne noise levels will also be analyzed in the EIR
Comments and Questions are:
NOISE is one of my and my fellow residents’ greatest concerns and its impact on the residential neighbourhoods that surround the proposed Project MUST please be considered in a fulsome manner in the EIR.
With respect, I fail to understand the comment highlighted above from the N of P as to how this Project is “consistent with the City’s residential and resort character” … How has that determination been made ?
There are no other operational surf/wave parks to compare it to and I seriously doubt that this can be compared to say, for instance, the “La Quinta Resort “both in terms of the ambient air noise and noise that is generated by the people and the activities that take place there. https:// www.laquintaresort.com
615 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Interestingly, and perhaps as an aside, when one goes online to view wave pool videos, there is never any operational sound, only visuals. That seems consistent with a lot of noise being generated by the waves and possible vibration - so that the speakers are essentially drowned out.
I am very concerned about how a noise analysis will accurately capture the sound of the actual wave basin itself.
Even if one was to visit another surf/wave complex, this Project purports to be different - “bigger and better”.
The noise generated could be unique to this location in that many experts feel that Coral Mountain acts to amplify noise. For example, local residents who are not even that close by, report hearing hikers speaking. What impact will the mountains have on directing the operational noise back towards the existing communities ? Will the mountains act like a “bandshell” and exacerbate this ? Compound this with all of the additional noise that will come from a theme-park setting like this; noise will be generated by the guests and those who partake in the other activities being offered up.
The “noise categories” as per the analysis for the EIR and their impact on the surrounding residential communities must please include reference to the following:
1. The construction noise associated with the actual construction of the wave basin itself. This will not be your average residential development - where houses and a golf club will be built. This is a massive construction project.
2. The noise from “Special Events” : As addressed prior, at least 4 are proposed - perhaps there may be more? These Special Events will include portions that will likely be broadcast on major networks or filmed. What will be required for filming or broadcasting ; for example, will there be helicopters circling the area with negative impacts on the residential communities that surround the Project ?
3. The day to day operational noise: In addition to the waves “crashing(?) ” at the Project, there will /could be:
Surface water craft used in the day to day operation of the wave pool - jet skis constantly in use.
Loudspeaker systems used to announce the waves - “EVERY THREE MINUTES - ALL DAY EVERY DAY” ... when the wave pool is active - which will be be from 7 AM - 10 PM.
Music playing continuously ?
Noise from a Jumbotron? It’s been said that that a Jumbotron will be installed. If so, will its picture be accompanied by commentary? How loud with this commentary be? During what hours ? Various numbers and types of sound generating equipment will be used to generate the waves i.e. noise from the Hydrofoils as per the following which copied off the Lemoore Wave Park website: “The 100 ton hydrofoils run down a track with the help of more than 150 truck tires at around 18 miles per hour” . This wave pool is BIGGER than that at Lemoore. What will the impact of this be? Noise from other recreational activities ? - what would this be ? 616 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
To summarize …
Will there be a CUMULATIVE noise analysis performed that will look at all of the above, particularly the impact of those point in (3. above, and 2. and 3 above) , that is, When Operational (3.), and
When both Operational AND when Special Events (2.and 3.) are taking place.
In other words, how will all of the noise together in the worst case scenarios impact the surrounding residential areas? - particularly when there is the potential to echo off of Coral Mountain.
It is also hoped that operational aspects during both day and evening hours will be considered as part of a comprehensive noise study.
In addition to the noise that will be generated when Operational, the proposed Project sub phase development is another important consideration. Residents of surrounding communities could be subject to construction noise over the course of many years, should this Project be approved as proposed. If sub phase development is approved, there will be times that we will be required to endure BOTH construction and operational noise.
We wish to state emphatically in conclusion that the NOISE impacts will be considerable and negative in terms of impact to the residential communities that surround it.
FYI, The City of La Quinta has published a document entitled “La Quinta 2035 General Plan Environmental Hazards” and includes NOISE in that category. This document states the following:… ”Careful consideration of each future project will be required to assure that compatibility is maintained. The City’s ongoing efforts to preserve the quality of life for all its residents, present and future, must include the protection of a quiet noise environment” K. EIR Category - Population and Housing
For the record, and acknowledging that Population and Housing will not be considered in the EIR...
The following two statements are made in the N of P ... and I believe that they contradict each other:
Under PUBLIC SERVICES (CATEGORY FOLLOWS NEXT ) it says the following “Implementation of the proposed project WILL increase the permanent population which could have an impact on the City’s public services”; YET IN THIS POPULATION AND HOUSING SECTION, it says: “The project is not anticipated to result in an indirect growth inducing impact because the existing infrastructure has been sized to accommodate long term growth” I believe that there is some merit to addressing this inconsistency for the purpose of ongoing accurate communications.
L. EIR Category - Public Services
Comments and Questions are:
Will this Category in the EIR address required burdens due to the following which are necessary:
617 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Law enforcement and emergency response personnel
Vehicles and supplies
Infrastructure, including buildings
Will the budget be studied - now or later?
Are the local medical emergency facilities prepared to potential increased usage and associated types of common injuries
M. EIR Category - Recreation
For the record, and acknowledging that Recreation will not be considered in the EIR … Comments and Questions are:
There is a concern here that I wish to register for the record ... as per CEQA checklist (b) and the N of P, this Project DOES include recreational facilities which COULD likely have an adverse physical effect on the environment, ( particularly the water in the wave pool / basin ).
Other proposed activities include “hiking, biking and ropes courses”. Will these have the potential to damage Coral Mountain and its terrain, as well as its paleontological and archeological amenities. For example, could this Project damage the “Ancient Coral Reef” - either during construction or during its operation.
Why was the decision made the decision to exclude this EIR Category: RECREATION from the EIR ? N. EIR Category - Transportation ( including traffic )
The following is stated in the N of P...
... the City is ... preparing a traffic impact analysis, vehicle miles traveled analysis, and Hazard Assessment” ... The project will generate trips associated with residential, commercial and resort development, which could impact the City’s circulation system.
... In addition, the project includes special events at the wave basin facility which would result in increases in trip generation during short periods of time.
Comments and Questions are:
TRAFFIC is one of my and my fellow residents’ greatest concerns and its impact on the residential neighbourhoods that surround the proposed Project MUST please be considered in a fulsome manner.
Undoubtedly, we will see and be subject to an increase in traffic as would be expected to occur when a commercial venture is “inserted” into what was originally zoned as a residential area. 618 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Some questions and concerns at this time are listed here and undoubtedly more will present as we receive more information:
1. Does the developer intend to use the main roadway and entrance into the development as the main thoroughfare for construction vehicles and equipment, resulting in disruption to the local residents and traffic patterns throughout the area ?
2. The main entrance into the Surf Park development is only from the south-bound lanes of Madison, south of the intersection of 58th Street. How does the developer plan to allow vehicles to egress when there is a landscaped median preventing exiting in a north-bound direction? Will this require vehicles to perform a U-turn at the intersection of Madison and 60th Street? If the developer plans on modifying the median to allow this turn in the north-bound direction, how is this feat accomplished so close to the intersection? Will the 58th Street and Madison intersection require a signal system in all directions?
3. We have no public transportation in this area ... what is the impact of this on the traffic impact analysis ?
4. Because of the sub-phase development proposal we will have increased construction traffic for YEARS
5. Who will pay for these modifications ?
6. Can the Project provide adequate parking and other needs for all planned activities, including Special events on site; if not, why would this be acceptable ?
O. EIR Category - Utilities and Service Systems
The following is stated in the N of P...
... The development of the proposed Coral Mountain Resort project would increase the demand for utilities in the City. The service, location, timing and construction of on- and off-site improvements required for all utilities will be included in the EIR analysis.
... The project will require two well sites to adequately serve the site.
The EIR and DRAFT EIR will address the following:
... The City determined that the proposed project requires the preparation and approval of a Water Supply Assessment and Water Supply Verification
... The well sites will be located within the project’s existing footprint and will be analyzed in the EIR.
... stormwater management ( linked to Hydrology and Water Quality Section of EIR ) 619 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
... The service, location, timing and construction of on- and off-site improvements required for all utilities will be included in the EIR analysis.
... Project design features and mitigation measures during construction and operation would be identified in the Draft EIR.
Comments and Questions are:
It is hoped that the EIR will be fulsome and address the following:
1. That there is and can be sufficient capacity in the current or expanded utility network to accommodate the additional load placed by this Project - during Construction and when Operational - including anticipated sub-phase loads.
2. Is it possible or anticipated that there will be further “incremental” infrastructure required for adequate utility delivery ? In other words, the Developer wants to develop in sub phases - do we need to incrementally add on to existing utilities network. This could be expensive so who will pay for this ?
3. What happens if the resort is not completed or not fully developed and we have bought and paid for all of this ?
P. EIR Category - Mandatory Findings of Significance
Although this Category is not addressed in the N of P, it is referenced in the CEQA Appendix G Checklist.
I will close my comments and questions with the following: In my opinion, I believe that this PROJECT has impacts that may be viewed as individually limited, but when one stands back and assesses, these are cumulatively considerable.
There is no other Project like this in our desert to currently compare to.
In my opinion, there are many potential environmental effects that could adversely affect the residents of the communities around it; many of which I have provided my opinion on in the foregoing document.
I am emphatically NOT in favour of this Project with its proposed entitlement changes as well as the potential and identified environmental impacts laid out herein.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my comments.
Diane Rebryna,
60149 Honeysuckle Street
La Quinta, CA 92253
1 (403) 870 2109
620 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 09:22:59 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Water Park Objec-on
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 1:46:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Sharisse Rehring
To: [email protected]
Dear Ms Nicole Sauviat Criste
We are owners and residents of the Andalusia community and both have deep concerns about the planned water park and want to voice the following objec-ons, shared by many in our community. We would like this to remain a low impact residen-al area and feel this high impact commercial plan is extraordinarily disrup-ve to our community:
1. Light pollu-on. This tract is in one of the last unspoiled areas of La Quinta where total darkness survives and our Andalusian observa-on of the beau-ful desert night sky is uncompromised. This project proposes the installa-on of 80 U high light poles all along the wave trench to allow for nighVme commercial ac-vity which will likely completely obliterate the night sky. The area where the poles will sit is already about 20U higher than Andalusia, which increases the likelihood that the emiWed light will shine straight into our development. All desert ci-es have specific and strict rules on light pollu-on, so how come this can be tolerated by the city planners? And make no mistake, this will be 7 days per week all year long.
2. Traffic and visual pollu-on. This tract was zoned to be a low density residen-al area (with full golf) and this new proposal will create substan-al addi-onal traffic to/from a full fledged commercial sports complex, hotel, mul-ple restaurants and higher density residen-al housing (up to 600 units – many likely short term rentals). The hotel, which was originally presented as two story maximum, is now planned as 4-story and will obstruct view of Coral Mountain from preWy much every residence with that view. Traffic on Madison will increase by many hundreds of vehicles.
3. Noise pollu-on. The proposed wave equipment generates substan-al and constant noise (minimum 75 decibels) that will travel far in the desert and is preWy much as if you are living next to a busy freeway. The developers admit that the wave opera-on will involve loudspeaker announcement of every wave. Noise pollu-on should be inves-gated more vigorously than stated in sec-on 4.2.12.
4. Seismic disturbance. The proposed wave equipment by its very nature generates vibra-on (not to men-on the addi-onal seismic disturbance generated by the resul-ng wave crashing) which will easily travel long distances in the loose desert soil. Pool and jacuzzi leaks for the neighboring proper-es will not be far behind. Seismic disturbance should be inves-gated more vigorously than stated in sec-on
4.2.12. 5. Quality of life reduc-on. The hours of opera-on of this facility have been insufficiently clarified but there is a dis-nct impression the wave opera-on may be started as early as 6 in the morning and go well into the night? This should be considered unacceptable in a once peaceful residen-al area. It totally ignores the original zoning intent for this tract. The zoning change request should be more thoroughly inves-gated and the change to commercial should be opposed.
Sharisse and Thomas Rehring
81585 Ronda
La Quinta 92253
720-218-3480 //303-888-1998
621 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Ms Nicole Sauviat Criste,
Consulting Planner,
City of La Quinta,
78-495 Calle Tampico,
La Quinta, Ca. 92253,
Sent via Email
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Sauviat Criste:
I am the owner of a single-family home, 81-357 Andalusia Drive, in the Andalusia at Coral Mountain community.
I am writing today to express my deep concern about the proposed amendments to the Coral Mountain Resort proposed development near my home. This project will undoubtedly destroy the natural beauty of the Coral Mountains that draw so many visitors to our beautiful city and will have detrimental environmental and economic impacts to the areas surrounding the project.
This project does not serve ANY of the goals that are listed in the “Notice of Preparation.
The first goal listed is “To implement a plan that recognizes and responds to the natural and aesthetic character of the property.” There is nothing about a man-made surf park and resort that is natural to the aesthetic of desert mountains.
The property in question is zoned for low-density single homes with a golf course. As seen throughout the Coachella Valley, low-density homes and golf courses can be designed to have a natural aesthetic that complements the nature surrounding them. However, the proposed development of the property in question has no ability to “respond to the natural and aesthetic character of the property”, as surfing, 80 foot high light towers, loud public announcement speakers, and four story hotels are wholly unnatural to desert regions.
The City of La Quinta should be focused on preserving the immense natural beauty that surrounds it. Instead, the City is ramming through a large development project that is not natural to its environment, nor will it serve any of the city’s existing residents. This project will be extremely disruptive to the environment and to city residents. Loud noises after sunset, 8-story high light towers, and vibrations from the wave pool itself will completely ruin the entire environment that have drawn so many residents and tourists alike to the area; not to mention the enormous potential damage, both real and economic, to properties surrounding this proposed project.
This project should be wholly rejected, and the property in question should be developed as it is currently zoned.
Sincerely,
Lisa Reinhard
622 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:28:32 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: proposed wave park across form Andalusia golf Community Date: Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:22:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Mike Riley
To: [email protected]
ADachments: image001.jpg
Ms Nicole Sauviat Criste, ConsulFng Planner, City of La QuintaPlease review this project plan with these issues that relate to us in our community across the street.
Following also a short summary of issues:
1. Light pollution. This tract is in one of the last unspoiled areas of La Quinta where total darkness survives and our Andalusian observation of the beautiful desert night sky is uncompromised. This project proposes the installation of 80 ft high light poles all along the wave trench to allow for nighttime commercial activity which will likely completely obliterate the night sky. The area where the poles will sit is already about 20ft higher than Andalusia, which increases the likelihood that the emitted light will shine straight into our development. All desert cities have specific and strict rules on light pollution, so how come this can be tolerated by the city planners? And make no mistake, this will be 7 days per week all year long.
2. Traffic and visual pollution. This tract was zoned to be a low density residential area (with full golf) and this new proposal will create substantial additional traffic to/from a full fledged commercial sports complex, hotel, multiple restaurants and higher density residential housing (up to 600 units – many likely short term rentals). The hotel, which was originally presented as two story maximum, is now planned as 4-story and will obstruct view of Coral Mountain from pretty much every residence with that view. Traffic on Madison will increase by many hundreds of vehicles.
3. Noise pollution. The proposed wave equipment generates substantial and constant noise (minimum 75 decibels) that will travel far in the desert and is pretty much as if you are living next to a busy freeway. The developers admit that the wave operation will involve loudspeaker announcement of every wave. Noise pollution should be investigated more vigorously than stated in section 4.2.12.
4. Seismic disturbance. The proposed wave equipment by its very nature generates vibration (not to mention the additional seismic disturbance generated by the resulting wave crashing) which will easily travel long distances in the loose desert soil. Pool and jacuzzi leaks for the neighboring properties will not be far behind. Seismic disturbance should be investigated more vigorously than stated in section 4.2.12.
5. Quality of life reduction. The hours of operation of this facility have been insufficiently clarified but there is a distinct impression the wave operation may be started as early as 6 in the morning and go well into the night? This should be considered unacceptable in a once peaceful residential area where the only disturbance might be an errand golf ball. It totally ignores the original zoning intent for this tract. The zoning change request should be more thoroughly investigated and the change to commercial should be opposed.
623 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thanks for taking the time to read this request for help. We hope you will join us in ensuring our way of life at Andalusia is not negatively impacted, not to mention the value of our properties.
Mike and Tracy Riley
58475 Carmona
La Quinta
909-208-5065
Mike Riley
(909)981-6110 Fax (909)982-7599
1800 W. 11th St. Unit C, Upland, Ca 91786
www.rileyelectricinc.com
624 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 15, 2021 at 13:29:33 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Wave park Development
Date: Monday, March 15, 2021 at 1:20:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Isabel Roberts
To: [email protected]
Ms Nicole Sauviat Criste
Hi Ms Criste:
I usually don’t write leOers to persons making decisions for new projects coming into our community. I always assume the people in charge have our best interest in mind when making decisions that have an impact on so many.
BUT this Eme I feel it is so important that you hear from us, the community of many that will negaEvely affected by this Wave Park Development. A project like this will have such a catastrophic affect on so many levels, for the residents, the environment, for our way of life, it can not happen. I won’t go into the long list of how it would affect everyone, I’m sure you know.
All I ask is that you please dig deep in your heart, and realize how much is at risk here in this beauEful desert we call La Quinta!
Thank you,
Isabel Roberts
Trilogy
Sent from my iPad
625 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 13:01:23 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: proposed Coral Mountain zoning Change
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 12:55:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
our names are Frank &Sandy Rossi and we reside at 79500- Tom Fazio Ln N. in the Quarry development in La Quinta. We have been at this address for 16 years and prior to then for 25 years we owned a residence on Coachella Drive in the La Quinta CC.I guess one could say we have shown a long term commitment to La Quinta.
During our years in LaQuinta we have been very satisfied with the way city leaders have operated to respect the interests of residents, guests, and visitors.
We are writing to you to express our very grave concern for the proposed zoning change at the Coral mountai development from low density residential to Resort, Commercial. This change would not at all be compatiblewith the lowlDensity surrounding neighborhood or and the natural flow of the desert floor enviroment to the slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
At onepoint, the management of this proposed project represented they planned this to be a high end residential community compatible with surrounding properties, but now appears to be morphing into aShort term rental , commercialproposition
From what we understand of the project, there is nothing but negatives(noise,air, traffic light and mutiple pollution factors) that would affect the Quarry and other surrounding properties. This project would in no way be compatible with the Coral Mountain location.
We could go on and on with a litany of concerns about the negative impact on our property and enjoyment of the serenity it provides, but our main point to you is to express our strong opposition to the proposed zoning change and proposed project at Coral mountain.
Frank Rossi is our contact person at 760-564-8630. We appreciate your consideration of our viewpoint as we have no desire to have to think abou ta change of residence, but if this project is approved and proceeds forward we believe it is a consideration we will have to make.
Thank you for taking the time to carefully consider our views on this matter.
Sincerely Frank &Sandy Rossi
626 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 09:26:48 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: As residents of Andalusia Country Club, we oppose current Wave Park plans Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:15:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Rick Roth
To: [email protected]
Ms Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulIng Planner, City of La Quinta,
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, Ca. 92253
Dear Ms. Criste,
We aUented a briefing on the project last year provided by the developer and followed by a walk-through. They have apparently done a bait-and-switch. We were told that the planned hotel would be a maximum of 25 feet high and would not impede our views of Coral Mountain. We were not informed about 80’ high light towers that would destroy the dark night skies. Nor were we told about constant noise from loudspeakers announcing each arriving wave or any plans for large crowd events. In short, we were told the property would be for residents only and would not disturb our exisIng residenIal neighborhood, quiet, or dark night skies.
We oppose a zoning change from low impact residenIal to high impact commercial use. How does this occur with clear negaIve impacts on the exisIng neighbors? We anIcipate incurring losses from reducIons in our quality of life, reduced property value, and increases in noise, traffic and light polluIon. Those were the essenIal objecIves that made us purchase our home in this part of La Quinta.
Thank you for your aUenIon to these concerns,
Rick and Suzanne Roth
58002 Aracena
760-564-8499 home
650-817-5009 Rick mobile
627 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
628 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
629 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
630 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 15, 2021 at 07:47:34 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Objec&on to Coral Mountain Wave Park Development Date: Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 4:48:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Robert Runge
To: consul&[email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
March 14, 2021
I am writing today as a Trilogy La Quinta resident to voice my opposition to the proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort development in La Quinta. Below is the summary of the development as presented by Meriwether Development, published press releases, and local newspaper articles:
Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort will be a mega resort for over 4,800 overnight tourists, with a 17- Acre Wave Pool as the main attraction.
1. The Coral Mountain Resort will not be a residential neighborhood as it is currently zoned. It instead will be a high energy Resort containing a 600+ person occupancy hotel complete with restaurants, bars, and entertainment all available on a per night basis.
2. The 600 “Dwelling Units” with unlimited number of bedrooms & bathrooms available for overnight rental, could easily have 4 bedrooms, allowing 8 guests per unit. 600 Units x 8 people= 4,800 people potentially staying in the Units. All units are available on an overnight Basis the same as the Hotel. The people coming to Coral Mountain are Vacationers, not Residents.
3. The Wave Park Coral Mountain will not be a Residential Neighborhood. This will be a commercial Resort with The Wave Park as the main feature.
4. The Wave Pool will cover 17 acres, a length of 2,600 feet, needing 18 million gallons of water to work. The Wave Pool water evaporation rate is 30,000 to 180,000 gallons of water daily. Plans include stadium bleacher seating on each long side, and many 80’ tall stadium- style lighting towers for Night Surfing.
5. Plans have the Wave Pool running 365 days a year from 7 am to 7 pm (some newspaper articles have stated it will run nightly until 10 pm) for the 4,800 tourists staying at the hotel or in a dwelling unit.
6. Loudspeakers projecting above The Wave Pool in all directions are needed for the Wave Pool Announcer to call the 30 second countdown for every single wave with up to 12 waves per hour. The surfer needs to be alerted for the coming Wave, as there is no Ocean to watch or feel until “the big one” comes. A Wave is manufactured every 5 to 6 minutes. The noise level of the Wave crashing has been measured at 75 decibels at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch.
This noise level is comparable to the sound of cars traveling on a busy interstate highway. The generators creating the waves will be running non-stop, every day.
7. Plans include Music Stages for Entertainment at each end of The Wave Pool, and other locations in the Resort. 631 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
8. In addition to the Wave Pool, there will be more artificial lagoons and lakes for E-Foiling (a motorized hydrofoil paddle board that you stand on, not lie on) and Stand -Up paddle boarding.
9. Concrete sports parks for the Bike park with pump tracks for skateboarding, BMX, and mountain bikes – all with stadium style light towers.
10. Coral Mountain Resort has requested 16 days and nights for Special Events. 16 days is more days than Coachella Fest and Stagecoach combined! To make matters worse, the 16 days are spread out over four 4- day long weekends. Set up and take down for each Special Event Weekend will easily add another 32 days of high traffic conditions.
11. The 80’ tall stadium style light towers illuminating The Wave Pool, swimming pools, Skateboard Park, BMX Track, other Sports Courts, acres of parking lots, streets, and 117,000 square feet of Commercial Buildings will be lit inside and out. The spill lighting will affect the surrounding community. No more dark skies.
12. The approval of this project will permanently bring light pollution, noise, and traffic. There will be permanent and on-going noise from the wave generators, breaking waves, the lodgers, guests, loudspeakers and entertainment venues on-site every day until late in the evening.
13. Heavy Construction equipment will be working at 85 decibels or more, non-stop all day long, for the next 10-20 years- (according to Coral Mountain developers own projection).
14. The project will scrape away every inch of” biocrust”, creating the need for even more Water Trucks to keep the dust down. “Biocrust “is to the Desert what “Tundra”
is to the high elevations. Both tundra and biocrust take many hundreds of years to replace once damaged. Think of the impact on the Deserts already questionable water supply as just 2 years ago we were asked to dramatically cut back on water usage. Demands for water will only increase in future years.
15. This project will forever mar the stunning natural topography of the area, forever erasing the absolute silent evenings and dark skies enjoyed currently by all residents of the area.
This Coral Mountain Resort project does not have any of the characteristics of the surrounding low- density upscale residential neighborhoods. This is a Mega Resort, not a residential neighborhood. This type of development is completely not compatible with any of the surrounding neighborhoods for miles in every direction.
City Planners and City Counsel Members, ask yourself, would you want to live next door to a Water SportsThemed Amusement Park with 80 foot high stadium lighting, noise from concert venues, BMX motor bike racing, and wave machines and traffic 24/7?
The approval of the proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Amusement Park style Resort will permanently cause the irreplaceable loss of the peaceful, quiet, serene atmosphere that this part of La Quinta is renowned for.
Allowing this extremely large Tourist/Commercial Resort into our quiet low- density residential, golf-oriented neighborhoods, will negatively affect every Homeowner for miles around. There will be no coming back. The value of our homes and the quality of life of living and being in the “Quite Zone” of La Quinta will be forever degraded.
I urge the City of La Quinta NOT to change the zoning from the current designation Low-Density Residential w/ 18-hole golf course to TOURIST/COMMERCIAL . I urge you not to allow Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVR) and the problems that accompany them.
This proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort is exactly the WRONG type of develop for this location. You are literally planning to drop a tourist amusement park resort in the middle of a quiet residential zone. Please do not allow this project to move forward.
Sincerely,
Trilogy Homeowners
632 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Robert and Nancy Runge
81555 Monarch Ct.
La Quinta, CA 92253
633 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 22, 2021 at 06:40:58 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Resort
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 1:57:02 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Al Russello
To: [email protected]
Dear Ms. Christe,
We are very concerned aIer reading the Coral Mountain Resort NoBce of PreparaBon. When the developer presented the iniBal project to the homeowners at Andalusia, he indicated that it would be a low density high end residenBal community with a two story exclusive hotel and surf park. There was no menBon of 80' light standards or the noise and vibraBon from the surf park. We purchased our home in Andalusia because we love the tranquility, peacefulness and uncongested traffic in our area. We knew that the Coral Mountain Resort site would eventually be developed, but assumed that development would be a low density golf community. We ask that you please thoroughly invesBgate all the issues that negaBvely impact the Andalusia community and do not change the current zoning to allow the Coral Mountain Resort and commercial development.
Thank you,
--
Al and Ann Russello
58420 Mijas
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.296.1322
[email protected]
634 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
635 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 12:53:46 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Re: Coral Mountain Resort Project
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 12:34:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Michael P. Seibel
To: ConsulGng Planner
Dear Ms. Sauviat Criste;
Thank you for hosGng that very interesGng meeGng last Tuesday.
One addiGonal point for consideraGon in your EIR would be impact that the movement of construcGon equipment and material
would have on the roads and the general environment around the proposed development site, specifically the massive amount of cement and gravel
necessary to build the wave pool basin.
Please be so kind to make sure that I will be on your department’s mailing list for all future noJficaJons and publicaGons concerning this project.
Best regards.
Michael P. Seibel
81671 Andalusia
La Quinta, CA 92253
[email protected]
(707) 787 7242
On Mar 23, 2021, at 4:42 PM, ConsulGng Planner <[email protected]> wrote:
Mr. Seibel,
Thank you for your comments. They will be included in the EIR NoGce of PreparaGon comments for the project.
We have added a Scoping MeeGng on March 30 at 4 PM. I have a_ached the NoGce, which includes instrucGons on receiving the Zoom link if you would like to parGcipate. If you would like to watch the meeGng but not speak, it will also be livestreamed on the City's website.
Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulGng Planner
City of La Quinta
From: Michael P. Seibel <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 2:26 PM
To: ConsulGng Planner <[email protected]> Subject: Coral Mountain Resort Project
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and cauGon when opening a_achments, clicking links or responding to requests for informaGon. ** 636 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Attn. Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta, CA92253
Dear Ms. Sauviat Criste;
I would be very grateful if you could please acknowledge receipt of this email and the attached letter, so that I can rest assured that I have met your extended deadline of 02 April 21 for this communication.
Thank you very much.
Michael P. Seibel
<Coral Mountain Resort Scoping MeeGng Ad 3.17.21.pdf>
637 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:29:11 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Coral Mountain
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 9:34:44 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Henry Siegel
To: [email protected]
Simply...
a zoning change to permit the proposed Coral Mountain development would be catastrophic not just to the residential nature of that area but also commercially, environmentally, culturally.
There are numerous areas in that part of the State that are more favorable to what is being considered.
Please exercise good judgement with regard to future generations going forward.
Thank you.
Henry Siegel
[email protected]
303 435-7258
638 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 13:23:59 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Proposed Wave Park Development - Coral Mountain Resort Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 1:01:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Caroline Simmons
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Dear Ms. Criste:
My name is Caroline Rose Simmons. I own property at 59595 Seville, La Quinta in the Andalusia development.
I've recently learned of the proposed Coral Mountain Resort project. In order for the City to approve this project it must approve a General Plan Amendment, a Zoning Amendment, and a Specific Plan Amendment, all of which materially vary and are in fact in direct conflict with the current General Plan Requirements and Zoning Plan Requirements for this area.
The material impacts that this development will have on our quiet residential community defies explanation. I am voicing my strongest objection to this project. Some of the project highlights that are of the most concern to me are the four story hotel which will block the view of the Santa Rosa Mountains to all residents at the Andalusia development, up to 600 new residential units, 80 foot high light towers along a length of about 8 football fields, and loud speakers at the wave park. This view, air, light, traffic, and noise pollution will materially affect the quality of life and create an ongoing public and private nuisance. The material impacts that this project will have simply cannot be mitigated.
I am copying my attorney on this e-mail and should this project be approved by the City I will file an action an action against the City of La Quinta. Please put me on any notices for any public hearings so that my attorney and I can be present.
Respecfully,
Caroline Simmons
[email protected]
639 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 12:39:37 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Wave Project
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 11:59:14 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Anne Smith
To: [email protected]
Hello,
My husband, Ron Smith, and I moved into our home in Trilogy, La Quinta last July of 2020. We love it here. We bought our home due to the beauty, the peace and quiet, the lovely dark sky at night, and an easy drive into town with light traffic.
We have just heard about the prospecBve Wave Theme Park to be built in the area adjacent to Trilogy, and are extremely alarmed by the thought that this development could be on our doorstep.
The thought of 10-20 years of construcBon ahead is unimaginable. All of the dust and noise and traffic on this prisBne spot with fragile petroglyphs is horrifying.
Even more horrifying is the thought of hearing the wave machine going off 12 hours a day. Noise bounces and echoes off the rocks and mountains here already. I am a half mile away from the pickle ball court, and can easily hear the balls bouncing. Cannot imagine what the sound of an industrial water machine will do. It will be like living next to a freeway. A nightmare.
EVERYTHING about this project sounds WRONG for the area. I fear for our home equity, and if we are able, we will put our house on the market if the project is approved. If the land is developed at all, it should be as a high end residenBal community like current neighborhoods.
PLEASE, please, do not let this project go through!
Thank you for reading. Hoping our voices will be heard, Anne and Ron Smith
61120 Topaz Drive
La Quinta, CA. 92253
Virus-free. www.avast.com
640 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 15, 2021 at 12:42:40 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Objec&on to Coral Mountain Wave Park Development Date: Monday, March 15, 2021 at 12:21:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Dave Smith
To: consul&[email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste,
I live in the Trilogy La Quinta community and have become aware of the Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort development in La Quinta that, I understand, may be discussed at the March 16th, 2021 La Quinta City Council Meeting.
One of my fellow residents has summarized the characteristics of this development as presented by Meriwether Development, published press releases, and local newspaper articles. These characteristics are included in the following comments:
Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort will be a mega resort for over 4,800 overnight tourists, with a 17- Acre Wave Pool as the main attraction.
1. The Coral Mountain Resort will not be a residential neighborhood as it is currently zoned. It instead will be a high energy Resort containing a 600+ person occupancy hotel complete with restaurants, bars, and entertainment all available on a per night basis.
2. The 600 “Dwelling Units” with unlimited number of bedrooms & bathrooms available for overnight rental, could easily have 4 bedrooms, allowing 8 guests per unit. 600 Units x 8 people= 4,800 people potentially staying in the Units. All units are available on an overnight Basis the same as the Hotel. The people coming to Coral Mountain are Vacationers, not Residents.
3. The Wave Park Coral Mountain will not be a Residential Neighborhood. This will be a commercial Resort with The Wave Park as the main feature.
4. The Wave Pool will cover 17 acres, a length of 2,600 feet, needing 18 million gallons of water to work. The Wave Pool water evaporation rate is 30,000 to 180,000 gallons of water daily. Plans include stadium bleacher seating on each long side, and many 80’ tall stadiumstyle lighting towers for Night Surfing.
5. Plans have the Wave Pool running 365 days a year from 7 am to 7 pm (some newspaper articles have stated it will run nightly until 10 pm) for the 4,800 tourists staying at the hotel or in a dwelling unit.
6. Loudspeakers projecting above The Wave Pool in all directions are needed for the Wave Pool Announcer to call the 30 second countdown for every single wave with up to 12 waves per hour. The surfer needs to be alerted for the coming Wave, as there is no Ocean to watch or feel until “the big one” comes. A Wave is manufactured every 5 to 6 minutes. The noise level of the Wave crashing has been measured at 75 decibels at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. This noise level is comparable to the sound of cars traveling on a busy interstate highway. The generators creating the waves will be running non-stop, every day. 641 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
7. Plans include Music Stages for Entertainment at each end of The Wave Pool, and other locations in the Resort.
8. In addition to the Wave Pool, there will be more artificial lagoons and lakes for E-Foiling (a motorized hydrofoil paddle board that you stand on, not lie on) and Stand -Up paddle boarding.
9. Concrete sports parks for the Bike park with pump tracks for skateboarding, BMX, and mountain bikes – all with stadium style light towers.
10. Coral Mountain Resort has requested 16 days and nights for Special Events. 16 days is more days than Coachella Fest and Stagecoach combined! To make matters worse, the 16 days are spread out over four 4- day long weekends. Set up and take down for each Special Event Weekend will easily add another 32 days of high traffic conditions.
11. The 80’ tall stadium style light towers illuminating The Wave Pool, swimming pools, Skateboard Park, BMX Track, other Sports Courts, acres of parking lots, streets, and 117,000 square feet of Commercial Buildings will be lit inside and out. The spill lighting will affect the surrounding community. No more dark skies.
12. The approval of this project will permanently bring light pollution, noise, and traffic. There will be permanent and on-going noise from the wave generators, breaking waves, the lodgers, guests, loudspeakers and entertainment venues on-site every day until late in the evening.
13. Heavy Construction equipment will be working at 85 decibels or more, non-stop all day long, for the next 10-20 years- (according to Coral Mountain developers own projection).
14. The project will scrape away every inch of” biocrust”, creating the need for even more Water Trucks to keep the dust down. “Biocrust “is to the Desert what “Tundra” is to the high elevations. Both tundra and biocrust take many hundreds of years to replace once damaged.
Think of the impact on the Deserts already questionable water supply as just 2 years ago we were asked to dramatically cut back on water usage. Demands for water will only increase in future years.
15. This project will forever mar the stunning natural topography of the area, forever erasing the absolute silent evenings and dark skies enjoyed currently by all residents of the area.
Please note that I oppose any Council action to change the zoning of the area involved from its current zoning as a Residential Neighborhood for the purpose of accommodating the development characterized above.
I have resided in this lovely city for over ten years and I would re-consider La Quinta as my permanent residence should a development like the above move forward.
I urge the City of La Quinta NOT to change the zoning from the current designation LowDensity Residential w/ 18-hole golf course to TOURIST/COMMERCIAL . I urge you not to allow Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVR) and the problems that accompany them.
Sincerely,
Dave Smith
642 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
81522 Castlerock Ct
La Quinta, CA 92253
Phone: 562-279-4603
643 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 08:48:30 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Wave Park Bad Idea
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 9:32:20 AM Pacific Standard Time From: John Spath
To: [email protected]
I’m a Trilogy resident. The adverse effects of the development on surrounding communiFes is unbelievable. It has to be stopped
John Spath
644 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 07:48:11 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Re: Wave Park Bad Idea
Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 11:26:21 AM Pacific Standard Time From: John Spath
To: ConsulGng Planner
Can we get an absolute 100% guarantee that noise from the water park, loudspeakers and traffic will not impact Trilogy
John Spath
On Mar 7, 2021, at 8:56 AM, ConsulGng Planner <[email protected]> wrote:
Mr. Spath,
Thank you for your comments. They will be included in the EIR NoGce of PreparaGon comments for the project.
Nicole Sauviat Criste
ConsulGng Planner
City of La Quinta
From: John Spath <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 6, 2021 9:32 AM
To: ConsulGng Planner <[email protected]> Subject: Wave Park Bad Idea
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and cauGon when opening a_achments, clicking links or responding to requests for informaGon. **
I’m a Trilogy resident. The adverse effects of the development on surrounding communiGes is unbelievable. It has to be stopped
John Spath
645 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 16:15:22 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Coral Mountain
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 12:23:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: [email protected]
To: '[email protected]'
To Whom it may concern,
I am an 11 year resident of Trilogy La Quinta, a 55+ AcGve Community. We are as far South as you can go in what I consider to be a fabulous city. I chose La Quinta, the Gem of the Desert because it is upscale. Old Town is a favorite spot. We have just about everything we need in this city. Now we have our own movie theater, which will re-open soon hopefully. A Wave Park does not fit with the image of our city.
My home in parGcular faces 60 Avenue and I have a clear view of where this Wave Park would be built. I cannot believe that our City would permit this type of amusement park be built to destroy the quiet, upscale area where we live. For a mulGtude of reasons this should not be permiZed. The noise and traffic would be on the top of my list of negaGves, followed closely by the wasteful use of our precious water resources. We can hear the race cars at the Thermal Club while on our golf course. I can't even imagine the noise we would get from the wave machine which is just a block away.
That land is right in the midst of Trilogy, Andalusia, the Quarry, PGA West. All of these are golf communiGes. I don't believe any would have residents who would use this park. This is a golf mecca not a surfing mecca. I moved from ManhaZan Beach and there are surfers galore enjoying the Pacific Ocean. Anyone who wants a surfing vacaGon will go to the beach not the desert. I also absolutely do not believe that expensive homes would sell around an arGficial surfing venue. This could end up being an unsightly relic and a blight on our neighborhoods.
I understand that the developers have applied in just about every city in the Coachella Valley, hoping one would be approved. Let them go near the Thermal Club where land is readily available. It does not belong in a residenGal area period!
This property is already zoned for residenGal and that is how it should remain.
My husband and I strongly oppose the building of a Wave Park in the City of La Quinta.
Sandra StraZon
81302 Barrel Cactus Rd
La Quinta
646 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 14:49:16 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Wave basin/pool
Date: Friday, April 2, 2021 at 2:09:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Carol Strop
To: ConsulHng Planner
Hi Nicole,
My name is Carol Strop. My husband, Richard Strop, and I live in Trilogy La Quinta. We missed the zoom meeting on March 30, 2021 but I am sure you have had much response related to the disruption of the residents' quality of life here, Big Horn sheep, and the Lake Cahuilla Campground. I only have a few brief comments.
First, last night I researched Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch in Lemoore, CA. I read comments from the surfers themselves regarding the whine and noise of the machinery. It does not sound like something you would get used to. Then I looked at the area. The ranch sits out in the middle of wide open farm land. That is where it belongs, not in a high-end residential resort town amid many housing developments.
Second, I believe the City would be gambling on the economic success of the development as proposed but I did not read any raving reviews of the wave. Additionally, the wealthy residents are likely to implement law suits against the City and the builder. Time and money lost for all.
Third, does La Quinta not have any commercial open spaces to consider that would be better utilized for the Wave?
And last, independent of short term rentals, traffic, etc., the main issue is the noise. Why not hire a van from a radio station, park it at the base of the mountains and test how the sound travels? Do it on a weekend when the residences are most likely to be occupied. You could station city employees to record the sound in the closest and furthest spots in every one of the surrounding developments, including the entrance to PGA West on 54th. Then blare away with music and a constant sound, perhaps a loud train recording, for an hour or two. Play the recordings for the council members and ask them if they would buy a home anywhere near here.
Thanks for listening. I've been coming to the desert since I was a small child when there was nothing much between Palm Springs and Indio. It's wonderful how the valley has grown, especially La Quinta. I love living here.
Carol
Carol L. Strop, CPA, A Professional Corporation
60499 Juniper Lane
La Quinta, CA 92253
760 445-9911 Cell
760 619-3372 (Fax)
647 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 14:24:04 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Objec&on to Coral Mountain Wave Park Development Date: Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 11:16:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: JoAnne Thompson
To: consul&[email protected]
Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consul&ng Planner
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
March 14, 2021
Dear Ms. Criste,
I am wri&ng today as a Trilogy La Quinta resident to voice my opposi&on to the proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort development in La Quinta. Below is the summary of the development as presented by Meriwether Development, published press releases, and local newspaper ar&cles:
Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort will be a mega resort for over 4,800 overnight tourists, with a 17- Acre Wave Pool as the main a[rac&on.
1. The Coral Mountain Resort will not be a residen&al neighborhood as it is currently zoned. It instead will be a high energy Resort containing a 600+ person occupancy hotel complete with restaurants, bars, and entertainment all available on a per night basis.
2. The 600 “Dwelling Units” with unlimited number of bedrooms & bathrooms available for overnight rental, could easily have 4 bedrooms, allowing 8 guests per unit. 600 Units x 8 people= 4,800 people poten&ally staying in the Units. All units are available on an overnight Basis the same as the Hotel. The people coming to Coral Mountain are Vaca&oners, not Residents.
3. The Wave Park Coral Mountain will not be a Residen&al Neighborhood. This will be a commercial Resort with The Wave Park as the main feature.
4. The Wave Pool will cover 17 acres, a length of 2,600 feet, needing 18 million gallons of water to work. The Wave Pool water evapora&on rate is 30,000 to 180,000 gallons of water daily.
Plans include stadium bleacher sea&ng on each long side, and many 80’ tall stadium- style ligh&ng towers for Night Surfing.
5. Plans have the Wave Pool running 365 days a year from 7 am to 7 pm (some newspaper ar&cles have stated it will run nightly un&l 10 pm) for the 4,800 tourists staying at the hotel or in a dwelling unit.
6. Loudspeakers projec&ng above The Wave Pool in all direc&ons are needed for the Wave Pool Announcer to call the 30 second countdown for every single wave with up to 12 waves per hour.
The surfer needs to be alerted for the coming Wave, as there is no Ocean to watch or feel un&l “the big one” comes. A Wave is manufactured every 5 to 6 minutes. The noise level of the Wave crashing has been measured at 75 decibels at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. This noise level is 648 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
comparable to the sound of cars traveling on a busy interstate highway. The generators crea&ng the waves will be running non-stop, every day.
7. Plans include Music Stages for Entertainment at each end of The Wave Pool, and other loca&ons in the Resort.
8. In addi&on to the Wave Pool, there will be more ar&ficial lagoons and lakes for E-Foiling (a motorized hydrofoil paddle board that you stand on, not lie on) and Stand -Up paddle boarding.
9. Concrete sports parks for the Bike park with pump tracks for skateboarding, BMX, and mountain bikes – all with stadium style light towers.
10. Coral Mountain Resort has requested 16 days and nights for Special Events. 16 days is more days than Coachella Fest and Stagecoach combined! To make ma[ers worse, the 16 days are spread out over four 4- day long weekends. Set up and take down for each Special Event Weekend will easily add another 32 days of high traffic condi&ons.
11. The 80’ tall stadium style light towers illumina&ng The Wave Pool, swimming pools, Skateboard Park, BMX Track, other Sports Courts, acres of parking lots, streets, and 117,000 square feet of Commercial Buildings will be lit inside and out. The spill ligh&ng will affect the surrounding community. No more dark skies.
12. The approval of this project will permanently bring light pollu&on, noise, and traffic. There will be permanent and on-going noise from the wave generators, breaking waves, the lodgers, guests, loudspeakers and entertainment venues on-site every day un&l late in the evening.
13. Heavy Construc&on equipment will be working at 85 decibels or more, non-stop all day long, for the next 10-20 years- (according to Coral Mountain developers own projec&on).
14. The project will scrape away every inch of” biocrust”, crea&ng the need for even more Water Trucks to keep the dust down. “Biocrust “is to the Desert what “Tundra” is to the high eleva&ons. Both tundra and biocrust take many hundreds of years to replace once damaged. Think of the impact on the Deserts already ques&onable water supply as just 2 years ago we were asked to drama&cally cut back on water usage. Demands for water will only increase in future years.
15. This project will forever mar the stunning natural topography of the area, forever erasing the absolute silent evenings and dark skies enjoyed currently by all residents of the area.
This Coral Mountain Resort project does not have any of the characteris&cs of the surrounding low- density up-scale residen&al neighborhoods. This is a Mega Resort, not a residen&al neighborhood. This type of development is completely not compaFble with any of the surrounding neighborhoods for miles in every direcFon.
City Planners and City Counsel Members, ask yourself, would you want to live next door to a Water Sports-Themed Amusement Park with 80 foot high stadium ligh&ng, noise from concert venues, BMX motor bike racing, and wave machines and traffic 24/7? The approval of the proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Amusement Park style Resort will permanently cause the irreplaceable loss of the peaceful, quiet, serene atmosphere that this part of La Quinta is renowned for. Allowing this extremely large Tourist/Commercial Resort into our quiet low- density residen&al, golf-oriented neighborhoods, will nega&vely affect every Homeowner for miles around. There will be no coming back. The value of our homes and the quality of life of living and being in the “Quite Zone” of La Quinta will be forever degraded.
I urge the City of La Quinta NOT to change the zoning from the current designaFon Low-Density ResidenFal w/ 18-hole golf course to TOURIST/COMMERCIAL . I urge you not to allow Short Term Vaca&on Rentals (STVR) and the problems that accompany them.
This proposed Coral Mountain Wave Park Resort is exactly the WRONG type of develop for this loca&on. You are literally planning to drop a tourist amusement park resort in the middle of a quiet residen&al zone. Please do not allow this project to move forward. 649 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sincerely,
Trilogy Resident
JoAnne Thompson
Bob Ruehl
60475 Staghorn Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
[email protected]
>
Virus-free. www.avg.com
650 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 07:47:24 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Wave Park objec4on
Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 3:30:41 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Helen Thompson
To: [email protected]
CC: Helen Thompson
To Whom it May Concern,
I am wri4ng to OBJECT to the Coral MountainWave Park project. I moved out to Trilogy LaQuinta to get away from tourist traffic and noise. I also don't understand why the adjoining communi4es were NOT given the complete impact of this development and would like to have a Townhall mee4ng to express our concerns.
Regards,
Helen Thompson
(760) 777-9898
email: [email protected]
--
Helen
651 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 07:47:51 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Wave Park objec4on
Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:15:00 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Valerie Thompson
To: [email protected]
AKen4on: City of La Quinta planning dept.
I am absolutely furious and flabbergasted that this project has even made it this far without being voted on by the neighboring developments of Andalusia, Trilogy and the Quarry. Doesn't such a large project such as this require the approval of the neighboring communi4es? There are a lot of us homeowners in all three of these developments that are totally unaccep4ng of this kind of project amongst these high-end homes. The noise level and traffic will be astronomical. Any liKle bit of noise in this area Echoes off of Coral Mountain. Many of us moved out here for the peace and quiet and how far away it is from all of the noise and traffic from Highway 111. This is not an acceptable loca4on by any means for such a project! Why can't they put it out off Highway 86 for easy access and in an area where there's lots of open land with no housing developments near by? Is it too late to get a pe44on going on this issue and how many signatures would be needed? Valerie Thompson
60553 Juniper Lane,
La Quinta, California 92253
(661) 755-7600
(760) 777-9898
[email protected]
652 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
March 12, 2021
Nicole Sauviat Criste, Consulting Planner
City of La Qunita
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Dear Ms. Sauviat Criste:
Comments on the Notice of Preparation for the Coral Mountain Resort The issues of primary concern to us as residents of Andalusia and neighbors of the new Coral Mountain Resort are highlighted below:
A. Light Pollution. The Notice of Preparation indicates that the project proposes a 16.62 acre recreational Wave basin, including 80-foot light poles, to illuminate the Wave basin in the evenings. Currently, the evening sky facing the Coral Mountains is dark, allowing for undisrupted observation of the stars and planets. The lights necessary to luminate a 16.62 acre wave basin in the evening would definitely make an impact on the night sky, the wildlife in the area and the view from our homes.
The Notice of Preparation also indicates that the project will be required to comply with the lighting and landscape requirements in the City of La Quinta Municipal Code. However, the Code does not appear to allow for lighting at a height of 80, especially across from a residential area. Is a variance being issued to allow this lighting? B. Noise Pollution. It is unclear if the Wave Basin will generate noise that will carry to our neighborhood. It appears that there will be a PA system that will announce the wave approximately every 6 minutes. Will this announcement be audible to our community every 6 minutes every day? There is also concern over the actual wave noise. Every six minutes a wave will run the length of the wave basin. What is the noise generated and how far will that noise carry?
C. Traffic. Although the Notice of Preparation indicates that this site, which was originally approved for a golf course and single resident homes, will not bring in more traffic than the original proposed use, it will bring in a different type of use. As a hotel destination, traffic patterns will change as it attracts users for the hotel, surfing, restaurants, shopping, spa, entertainment, etc. There will no longer be light traffic conditions driving from our homes to our grocery store, cleaners, and other neighborhood stops. As residents of La Quinta, we already experience the impact of traffic from events such as tennis and concerts. We certainly do not want that in our backyard.
653 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Currently, we live in a quiet residential area. We purchased our home in this part of the Coachella Valley because of the natural beauty and peacefulness of the area. We encourage the City to look closely at these potential issues in the EIR. Thank you for the opportunity to review the Notice.
Sincerely,
Theresa Toohey
81469 Andalusia Drive
La Quinta, CA
916-768-5638
654 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 22, 2021 at 06:41:52 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Wave park at 58th and Madison
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 1:22:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: DONALD TURNER
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Dear council,
This idea of a wave pool in this locaKon is ridicules. We at Andalusia spent Millions of dollars for our properKes, and expected the neighborhood would be as represented. We did not feel a developer would aSempt to change the enKre caracter of the area. We support the City of La Quinta in many ways and would expect the city to support us. Please cure this abnormality so we all may conKnue to enjoy our life style in La Quinta.
Donald Turner
58290 Aracena
248-931-0040
655 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
656 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 16:44:28 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: A"en%on Ms. Nicole Sauviat Criste - RE: LQ wave park proposal Coral Mountain Resort Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 4:22:35 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Duncan Warden
To: consul%[email protected]
CC: Duncan Warden
Dear Ms. Sauviat Criste,
I have recently learned the above project is still in the process of being reviewed for approval by the city of La Quinta.
Many of the homeowners and potential investors in the Andalusia community, directly across Madison Street from the property, strongly object to the development based on the following points, referenced in the notice of preparation.
A primary concern is the increase in light and noise pollution if this development is approved. I have spoken with the staff here in Andalusia; the lighting for our tennis courts is 36’ high. This causes a modest but perceptible glow in the evening. The proposed lighting around the wave pool is for many 80’ high bright lights situated on ground approximately 20 feet higher than that in Andalusia. These will surround not only the wave pool itself but also all the other activity areas - skateboard parks, paddle lakes, concert areas, etc., with a potential for severe impact on nocturnal and diurnal wildlife native to the region, as well as property values and future real estate development and sales.
To date, car noise from the Thermal Race Track seems limited to daytime hours, primarily weekends. The Wave Park proposal is not adequately clear but gives the impression of utilization all day every day, and both earlier in the morning and later into the night. The wave pool also includes a loudspeaker system which will count down before every wave. This will occur every six minutes all day every day from early in the morning until late into the evening.
The proposed development abuts the path leading to the Boo Hoff Hiking Trail which bans mountain bikes as it is a protected area for Big Horn Sheep. The impact of this development and the light and noise generated would seem to be a far greater impact on the habitat of the Big Horn Sheep than the occasional mountain bike.
This proposed development requests zoning to be changed from Low Density Residential to Tourist/Commercial to allow a hotel as well as housing available for short term (even single night) rental. This means greatly increased traffic, well over the current zoning designation and all other communities in the immediate area. This area of La Quinta is extremely popular with walkers and cyclists because the low traffic levels have made it one of the safest areas in which to walk or ride. The traffic generated by this development would reduce that safety significantly.
Another point that has been insufficiently investigated is the potential damage from the repetitive shock of the wave machine.. This could cause damage to pools, foundations, roads, and even other unimagined areas. Further study should be completed on this prior to any approval for the project.
We and many other owners and potential buyers in the community are concerned and very hopeful that the proposal will not be approved unless and until impact studies evaluating these specific issues are completed.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
Duncan Warden
Duncan Warden - MSc, CSCS
USA Triathlon Certified Coach
RRCA Certified Coach
www.tri-fyt.com
[email protected]
508-245-1447
657 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:07:00 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Proposed Wave Park on Madison Street in La Quinta Date: Monday, March 29, 2021 at 10:58:23 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Cassandra Warren
To: [email protected]
I am writing regarding the proposed Wave Park on Madison Street in La Quinta. As a seasonal resident of Trilogy for the past eleven years, I would like to register my objection to this Wave Park Project. Currently, the parcel of land that this Wave Park would be built on is zoned Residential/Golf Course. I do not believe the zoning should be changed to allow the Wave Park to be built. Currently, that land is surrounded by upscale residential developments including The Quarry and Andulusia plus the 55 plus community of Trilogy. This Wave park would negatively impact the quality of life for the current residents in the area. The excessive amount of traffic it would bring to this quiet residential area is unacceptable. In addition, the proposed light poles will bring extreme light pollution to this area. The wave machine and sound system would bring noise pollution to our peaceful residential area. This parcel of land should remain zoned for residential. Changing the zoning to allow this Wave Park would not be in the interest of the residents of this area who are the tax payers. The City Council should represent the best interests of the current residents of this area and not allow this Wave Park project to be built.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Warren
658 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 08:54:06 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Fw: Opposi*on to Surf Park Resort
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 6:23:18 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Sheila Warren
To: consul*[email protected]
My name is Sheila Warren and I’m a homeowner at Trilogy La Quinta.
I have lived here for a year and a half and and one of the reasons I chose Trilogy was because of the upscale, sophis*cated and quiet atmosphere of La Quinta. I was aware of the vacant land close to us but it was zoned low-density residen*al so I was not concerned about the future development.
Changing the zoning to tourist-commercial and allowing the development of this resort will adversely impact all of the homeowners surrounding this development. The construc*on of the project will go on for years with the associated noise, dust and added traffic. Heavy trucks needed to haul material in and out will damage our pris*ne roads. Once the construc*on is completed on the wave it will be in opera*on from 7am to 7pm every single day. The stadium lights, noise from the wave and the announcers will disrupt the peacefulness of this beau*ful area for all within miles of this project for twelve hours a day every day! Added to this problem will be issues with the rental of the houses. The majority of the surrounding communi*es with homeowners associa*ons restrict rentals to no less than 30 days. There will be no such restric*on on these houses so instead of being primary or second homes as the majority of the houses are in the immediate vicinity the majority of these houses will most likely end up being short term rentals as how many wealthy people will want to live full or part *me in a surfer’s and extreme sports fan’s Disneyland. These will be large houses with most with 4 or 5 bedrooms. With La Quinta allowing up to eight to ten occupants in a 4 bedroom house and ten to twelve in a 5 bedroom house on short term rentals we are looking at 4,800 to 6,000 or more people here daily in addi*on to the occupants of the 150 room hotel which would poten*ally add another 300 or more people. Besides the “normal” daily usage the developer is asking for 16 days of special events.
Added to that will be addi*onal days needed to set up and take down the structures required for these events which will result in at least another ten or more days of addi*onal heavy traffic. Ci*es in all of the surrounding desert communi*es are looking to eliminate or restrict short term rentals due to the associated problems - noise, disrup*ve traffic, etc. When there are so many problems with the short term rentals in the Cove why would La Quinta want to give the OK to a project which will have the majority of the homes being short term rentals? I can just imagine what the streets leading up to and exi*ng this project will look like -heavy partying surfers and other extreme sports fans racing up and down Madison causing chaos and traffic accidents. Many of us moved away from Los Angeles and other big ci*es to La Quinta to get away from traffic jams and just this type of behavior. If this project goes through it will be at our front door. This project will also adversely effect the value of houses in the surrounding communi*es. Who would be interested in buying in an area with a surfer’s Disneyland in their backyard and flood lights looming over everything night aeer night. Instead of seeing stars at night our new view will be stadium lights, instead of piece and quiet we will have loud music bouncing off the mountains, instead of having wild animals enjoying this area we will have wild surfers. I think the majority of us are not opposed to the original plans for 750 houses and a golf course as the majority of these houses would probably be owner occupied or second homes. It is the Wave and the party people it will afract that is the problem for us.
Thank you in advance for your further considera*on of this project which will so adversely effect so many people in the surrounding communi*es. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
659 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sheila Warren
818-422-9560
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
660 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 06:31:07 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Development
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 7:14:10 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Sheila Warren
To: ConsulDng Planner
Dear Ms. Criste,
I live in Trilogy full Dme and have several concerns about this proposed use of the Coral Mountain parcel some of which were not addressed in the March 31 meeDng.
Upon compleDon millions of gallons of water will be held in the wave basin, what would happen to all that water in the event of a major earthquake? Has or will a study be done to determine how far the water would spread in the event of the total destrucDon of the wave basin? This is imperaDve. We live just a few short miles from the San Andreas fault and the epicenter of the Landers earthquake was just 70 miles from here. If the wave basin ruptured who would be responsible for the removal of all that water and the financial costs to the affected homeowners? By that Dme the developer could be long gone or in bankruptcy - would the City of La Quinta be responsible then as it was their shortsightedness for allowing a massive wave pool close to an acDve earthquake fault? Along this same line has an extensive geological as well as a EIR study been done on this parcel of land? I am not a geologist but I was under the impression that this area at one Dme may have been under water and in addiDon to being near acDve earthquake faults is subject to liquefacDon. I was in the mortgage industry for over 30 years, when clients purchased hillside houses or oYen just expensive properDes not just one but oYen two geological reports were done. Due to the nature of this proposed development I would think at the very least two in depth geological studies should be done and who will be paying for them? If one is provided by the developer at the very least the City of La Quinta should be hiring their own imparDal geologist to do a second in depth report.
The developer states “By commi[ng to a private community, we are able to maintain similar traffic levels as the currently approved project.” This is a fallacy, as originally zoned there would be 750 houses and a golf course. At best maybe 50% of the houses would be primary residences with the remainder being second homes and at any one Dme maybe 50% of the second homes would be occupied which would add maybe 600 - 700 addiDonal cars traveling up and down Madison daily. The proposed project would have 150 hotel rooms and 600 homes. The developer has made it very clear that short term rentals will be allowed going so far as to say there will be an onsite management company to handle the rentals. In the propose price range of these houses I would anDcipate they will have 4 bedrooms or more. La Quinta short term rental guideline allows 8 to 10 people to occupy a 4 bedroom house. There are not that many surfers that will be able to afford these houses and entertainment people are notoriously private (I handled many of their mortgages over the last 19 years) so who would purchase these houses in a surfer’s Disneyland? I would venture to say mainly investors. As a result in full occupancy we could be looking at 150 addiDonal cars from the hotel and maybe 2,400 addiDonal cars from the rentals as unrelated people maybe occupying the houses with separate cars. This is a far cry from any 600 - 700 daily car trips if the project stays at is currently zoned and that is before the four “events” per year with associated addiDonal traffic. Who will be enforcing speed limits, alcohol use etc at what would now appear to be party central? The exisDng homeowners purchased in this part of La Quinta for the peaceful vibe of the area, we did not plan on being neighbors to a private amusement park.
Meriwether states “Our business plan is predicted upon the sale of luxury single family residences. We will not be successful if our ameniDes and programming are detrimental to future on-site residents and, by extension, we cannot negaDvely impact neighboring communiDes.” In response I see no posiDve for the neighboring communiDes, we will have addiDonal traffic, noise and light polluDon and the project is “private” so no one in the surrounding communiDes would even be able to use the wave pool unless the buy or rent a house or take a room in the hotel, how can they say that benefits us? It is my understanding that at least one homeowner in Andalusia has already lost a sale due to the buyer being made aware of this proposed project, how many more people will lose sales as a result and if the sale does go through the value of the property could very well be depressed as a result of this development 661 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
for the benefit of a few not the many homeowners in this area.
Finally the developer states “perimeter landscaping on our property along Madison and Ave 58 will be included in the iniDal phase of construcDon.” Andalusia opened in 2006 and aYer much effort the homeowners in Trilogy got them to finally landscape their side of 60th this year. Besides empty promises how do we really know this will be done? Along the same line Andalusia is 15 years old and sDll has not been completed. How do we know that there really is a market for this type of development? A compeDng project is already in the works in Thermal and another is proposed in Palm Desert. How many buyers are really interested in this type of development and what happens if aYer the wave pool is built they don’t have buyers for the surrounding homes, our we stuck with a white elephant in our beauDful part of La Quinta? How would that posiDvely impact our house values? Thank you in advance for your careful consideraDon of my points and my many neighbors who also are not in favor of this development. I look to further informaDon from the City.
Sincerely,
Sheila Warren
818-422-9560
81856 RusDc Canyon Drive
.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
662 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 12:19:14 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Coral Mountain
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:58:53 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Dorothy Webster
To: [email protected]
This is to express my alarm and dismay at the possibility of the approval of the Coral Mountain project. I am a full-time Trilogy resident. I chose Trilogy because it is a 55+, quiet, secluded, safe community. My expectation was that it would remain so. The 55+ aspect of this location becomes moot if the Coral Mountain development becomes our neighbor. The negative environmental impact on this location is so monumental that the developer's proposal should have been dismissed without question by the City Council.
Dorothy Webster
Trilogy La Quinta
663 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 08:54:41 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Comments regarding Coral Mountain Development
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 12:09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Kathy Weiss
CC: [email protected]
To Nicole Sauviat Criste,
An Environmental Impact Report is being prepared for the City Of La Quinta to review The Coral Mountain Development that is planned for just outside the Quarry Gates, Trilogy at La Quinta, Andalusia, and PGA WEST, at the base of Coral Mountain.
I am sending this to you, Nicole Criste, La Quinta City Planner, to convey the impact and negative effects to the Coral Mountain area.
What “Coral Mountain Resort” has planned will have a huge and mostly negative and tragic effect to The Quarry, Trilogy at La Quinta and Andalusia & PGA WEST.
The major significant impact on our environment and peaceful existence will be the Zoning Change from Low-Density Residential w/ 18-hole golf course to TOURIST/COMMERCIAL.
Coral Mountain will be a mega resort with lodging potential for over 5,400 overnight tourists, with a 17- Acre Wave Pool that needs 18 million gallons of water to work. Coral Mountain Resort will not be a residential neighborhood. It will be a high energy Resort focused on attracting the young, affluent -travel -adventurer and Surfer. An enormous Surf/Extreme Sport Themed Adventure Park will be in front of the Quarry Gates and next to Trilogy at La Quinta , Andalusia, and PGA WEST.
Plans for the Tourists in a “Commercial Environment”, aka “Resort” are:
#1. 600- person occupancy hotel complete w/ restaurants, bars, and entertainment all available on a per night basis.
#2. 600 “Dwelling Units” with unlimited number of bedrooms & bathrooms- available for overnight rental. A dwelling unit could easily have 4 bedrooms, allowing 8 guests per unit. 600 Units x 8 people= 4,500 people staying in the Units. All units are available on an overnight basis- same as the Hotel.
The staggering number of overnight rentals (STR’s), 750, are the most impactful part of the project and the least discussed. The people coming to Coral Mountain are Vacationers, not Residents. Today’s Short- Term vacationer is a different type than the kind I grew up knowing.
Many vacationers of today are young, affluent, traveling with friends, want to have a good time and feel entitled to Party, Party, Party, no matter who or what is affected. La Quinta City Government is very aware of this new type of Short-Term Renter due to the 10th STR Moratorium issued in the past year.
I am perplexed as to why LQ City Council would even consider allowing a zone change from Low-Residential to Tourist/Commercial amid Low-Residential, golf oriented, Zoned communities for miles in each direction.
Coral Mountain will have the potential to lodge 5,400 people on an overnight basis. (as explained below) Imagine the mayhem and chaos created by 5,400 people staying right next door coming and going on a single night rental basis. Add the workforce needed to keep all running. That is what we will have after having endured the 10-20 year build out of constant heavy construction traffic, dust all day long, and pollution. Heavy traffic will dominate the Streets, where there were only light traffic conditions before. 664 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Streets, where there were only light traffic conditions before.
Coral Mountain will not be a Residential Neighborhood just because it has “dwelling units. “This will be a 5,400-person capacity Tourist/Commercial Resort with The Wave Park and other water sports as the main feature. To attract more than just Surfers, Coral Mountain plans to have kid-friendly Roller Skate parks, BMX tracks, and ponds for hydrofoil and paddle board activities.
Coral Mountain plans to have their own Vacation Rental website for booking reservations. The nightly rental business will be a huge part of their operation and income.
Meriwether is quoted as saying “Coral Mountain is PRIVATE. The Wave Pool, etc. is open ONLY to members and guests. (Not “THEIR GUESTS”). There is an enormous difference.
This is a word play wanting to portray a more “exclusive” type Resort.
The Coral Mountain Guest is not like a typical Private Golf Club Guest. A Private golf club guest is accompanied by the Golf Course Member when using the facility. A Coral Mountain Guest is anyone that can pay the price of a room. With a daily 5,400 tourist/lodger capacity - there will be no need to be “open to the public.” Word play again. #3. The Wave Pool covers 17 acres, a length of 2,600 feet, needing 18 million gallons of water to work. The Wave Pool water evaporation rate is 30,000 to work. The Wave Pool water evaporation rate is 30,000 to 180,000 gallons of water daily. Plans include stadium bleacher seating on each long side, and many 80’ tall light towers for Night Surfing and entertainment.
Plans have the Wave Pool running 365 days a year from 7 am to 7 pm for the 5,400 tourists staying at the hotel or in a dwelling unit. We will be living next door to a Las Vegas experience every single night. Goodbye Dark Skies- Hello Lights, Music, Action! We did not buy homes here to be blindsided by this Project.
#4. Loudspeakers projecting above The Wave Pool in all directions are needed for the Wave Pool Announcer to call the 30 second countdown for every single wave. At $500 a Wave, 20 Waves per hour, the surfers need to be alerted for the coming Wave, as there is no Ocean to watch or feel until “the big one” comes. A Wave is manufactured every 3 minutes. The Lifeguards, videographers, photographers, will be riding motor driven Jet skis to handle their duties. A jet ski is 100 to 150 decibels on the noise chart. No one can control the screams & shouts of the Surfers, skateboarders, BMX bikers, etc. and spectators. With a minimum of 2,500 ticket buying- people, plus the lodgers already staying there, for each of the 16 days of Televised events- complete with Special Event Hours- we will experience the constant hum and effects of huge numbers of human activity just around the corner.
The noise level of the Wave crashing at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch has been measured at 75 decibels. 75 decibels is comparable to the sound of cars traveling on a busy interstate highway. Diesel trucks traveling at 40 mph are 84 decibels. Average Rock Band is 110 decibels.
#5. As previously mentioned, Coral Mountain wants 16 days of “Special Events” spread out over 4, four- day weekends, complete with NBC filming the Events. That is 4 days MORE than Coachella Fest and Stagecoach combined. In no way, shape, or form does Coral Mountain fit in with the existing neighborhood.
Tourist/Commercial Zoning allows a higher noise level. Low-Density Residential zoning does not. Coral Mountain Resort will be our loudest and most chaotic neighbor.
Only 23 acres (3%) of the 386- acre site is set aside for Open Space.
All workforce (3 eight- hour shifts daily) will commute as there is no employee housing on site. 665 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Environmental Damage
The Resort is open 24/7, 365 days a year. There is no downtime. If approved, La Quinta City Council will forever burden the existing surrounding neighborhoods with:
# 1. Noise Pollution- that will NEVER CEASE- heavy Construction equipment working at 85 decibels or more, non-stop all day long, for the next 10-20 years- (according to Coral Mountain’s own projection). The beep-beep of heavy construction equipment and trucks in reverse. Diesel engines always idling. Once completed, there will be noise from: constant traffic, horns honking, screeching tires, wave generators, breaking waves, the plethora of lodgers and guests, entertainment venues, crowds cheering & shouting, loudspeakers, and music broadcasting non-stop 12 hours or more daily. The lodger/guest can leave Coral Mountain Resort and go home when tired of the noise and activity. The homeowners and residents nearby cannot leave when tired of it. (Unless they sell and no longer live here). The people that invested and live in their homes here did so because of the quiet, peaceful, off the beaten path neighborhood that surrounds us. Most of the homeowners would have never bought in this area had we known La Quinta would allow this Zoning Change. # 2. Road and Traffic Congestion- no more light traffic conditions driving to the grocery store, restaurants, or shopping. Vehicles full of tourist/guests and the large workforce to keep Coral Mountain Resort running smoothly- will be driving to and from the intersection of 58th/60th and Madison on a daily, round the clock basis. No employee housing is planned at the Resort. Add the Shuttle Buses & Semis for bringing in people and supplies for the Public Events- driving will be a nightmare. Heavy traffic induces stress. More sitting in traffic, not moving one’s body due to longer driving times, more air pollution when in traffic, all cause more stress and faster heart rate, which leads to tension, heart problems, and poor health.
Heavy traffic has a negative effect on the desirability of a Residential Community. Driving to and from 58/60th & Madison will require vigilance, alertness, and quicker reaction time due to the increased number of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians near 58th/60th and Madison.
Cars speeding, driving under the influence, car accidents, honking horns, tires screeching, and Crime will increase.
#3 Chaos and Mayhem
NBC network owns the television rights to World Surf League (WSL). NBC will be announcing, recording, and televising the 16 days of Special Events and the World Surf League Competitions. Events will be open to the paying public (people that do not have a room/unit rented at Coral Mountain) and to Coral Mountain lodgers. These events, like most large events, will draw both good and bad types of people to our neighborhood. # 4. Air Pollution: diesel and gas fumes, constant dust during Meriwether’s projected 10–20- year build -out. The project will scrape away every inch of” biocrust”, creating the need for even more Water Trucks to keep the dust down. Even if there were 100 hundred water trucks operating all day long- it is impossible to keep all the dust all the time. 17 acres will be dug deep to accommodate just the Wave Pool. Add the Hotel, Commercial buildings, 600 dwelling Units, more pools and water features-, utilities, roads, all require digging and moving dirt to build. 400 acres of dirt, rocks and vegetation will be loaded onto trucks and driven to another on- site spot where it will be dumped until needed. Then the dirt will be moved again. The winds still blow at night. Our neighborhoods and homes will be inundated with dirt, dust, pollens, allergens, and diesel fumes. “Biocrust “is to the Desert what “Tundra” is to the high elevations. Both tundra and biocrust take many hundreds of years to replace once damaged.
Dust will be a big issue at Coral Mountain for eons to come. #5. Light Pollution- 80’ tall light towers illuminating The Wave Pool, swimming pools, 666 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Skateboard Park, BMX Track, other Sports Courts, acres of parking lots, streets, all lit for nighttime safety, and 117,000 square feet of Commercial Buildings lit inside and out. At night, Coral Mountain light spill will be equal, if not more, than the light emanating from several shopping centers. The spill light will affect the surrounding community. No more dark skies.
Goodbye nocturnal wildlife. No more sitting out on the porch gazing at the stars. # 6. Road & street Damage; The infrastructure needed to ensure adequate water, sewer, electric, natural gas, and wi-fi is huge. Utilities will be buried under the newly paved 58th and 60th Streets and Madison or in trenches to be dug. Once an asphalt road is damaged, cracking and potholes develop. The newly paved 58th & 60th Streets by Madison will be trashed by 10 +years of heavy construction traffic. When heavy construction finally ends, the roads will need to be re-constructed for miles in every direction. # 7. What about the Elephant in the Room? Drought Conditions are dire in the Western States. What happens if the Colorado River is unable to fulfill the needs of the CVWD All American Canal after 5 to 10 years of drought conditions? Agriculture and new homes, to accommodate population growth, will take precedence of water allocation. Amusements and Sports will be at the bottom of the water allocation list.
Who wants to live next to a stinky 17- acre Cement Pool that is full of run-off, mud, plants, insects, algae, dead animals, and trash? We know what the Salton Sea looks like today. That could happen here. Would not that be an eyesore for “The Gem of the Desert”? Adding to water woes is the fact that the Aquifer is refilling at a slow pace, due to local soil conditions. The aquifer water level has been dropping every year despite the water reclamation projects recently enacted.
Coral Mountain Resort does not have any of the characteristics of the surrounding lowdensity residential neighborhoods. This is a high energy Mega Resort, open 24/7, 365 days a year, planning high profile televised events, totaling more days than Coachella Fest and Stagecoach combined!
This Project is much better suited in an existing high Density, Tourist/Commercial area, with easy on and off access from the interstate , not needing to drive through miles of residential neighborhoods affecting every household and road on the routes.
La Quinta has many acres of vacant land, with Commercial/Tourist zoning already in place, closer to the Interstate or Hwy 111.
Coral Mountain development is not compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods near 58th and Madison for miles in every direction.
If LaQuinta City Council approves Coral Mountain, the surrounding neighborhood homeowners and Club members will suffer irreparable permanent and irreplaceable loss of the reasons why we bought here in the first place: for the peaceful, quiet, serene atmosphere this corner of La Quinta is renowned for. Allowing this extremely large Tourist/Commercial High- Density Resort into a quiet low- density residential, golf-oriented neighborhood, will negatively affect every Homeowner and Golf Member. There will be no coming back. The value and quality of life living and being in this special corner of the La Quinta will be tragically degraded forever.
Sincerely,
Kathy Weiss
Quarry Winter Resident & Homeowner since 2005
58617 Quarry Ranch Rd.
La Quinta, Ca. 92253
667 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
970-309-7037 mobile
668 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
KATHY WEISS’ QUESTIONS IN RED IN RESPONSE TO GARRETT SIMON LETTER.
Please add to EIR Scope comments & questions. Thank you.
March 26, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
On behalf of the development team at Coral Mountain, thank you for this opportunity to provide clarity on our proposed development of the Coral Mountain Resort on the vacant land west of Madison Street.
We are grateful for the many supporters of our project who understand the upscale nature of our development and its benefits to the surrounding community. We have been made aware of misinformation being circulated to neighboring communities that is leading to confusion and questions.
This letter will provide detailed information on our approval process, opportunity for public comment and
a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Since our in-person community presentations in early 2020, our ability to process permits and entitlements was slowed due to the pandemic. However, our development plans have not changed since
those presentations and we continue to work diligently with the City of La Quinta towards approval of the
project.
As many of you know, at the request of the City of La Quinta, we are completing and processing a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR). We welcome this increased analysis of our proposed project to ensure
the outcome yields the best possible project for the community. The EIR requires that third party independent professionals
who hires and pays for the independent professionals?
Has Meriwether or Sunrise hired any of them in any capacity prior?) study all key elements and any possible impacts of the proposed project. The
first step is the Notice of Preparation document recently advertised by the City to ensure all appropriate components of the project are fully evaluated. Through the Notice of Preparation, the City is accepting public and agency comments on the EIR scope and has extended the comment period until April 2. (The City Planner said DEADLINE needed to be extended due to Meriwether requesting a Developer’s Agreement after the Scope Meeting Notice was sent out. Is that correct?) All
comments can be sent to the City via email at [email protected]. The City is hosting a virtual meeting on March 30 at 4:00 pm PST as an additional venue for comments on the EIR scope. You may receive the virtual meeting link by emailing the City at the email referenced above.
There will be multiple opportunities for the public to review and comment on the information over the remainder of 2021. We are committed to keep all the surrounding communities fully informed and ensure
(Will you keep the same people informed of future dates and deadlines, that you sent this email to?) that you understand the process and timing. As summarized below, the anticipated timeline from today to final action by City Council is 7 – 8 months.
Why do the press releases and brochures portray that this project is already approved, and construction has started, when in fact, it is still in the approval stage? Majority of my neighbors think the approval process is over and City approval was given.
I consider this purposeful deception by the Developer in all-out effort to squash the public from questioning project. I respectfully request that Meriwether amends it press releases to the public and not insinuate that Coral Mountain construction has started. 669 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
• Draft EIR – Once the EIR scope is approved, the Draft EIR will be finalized and circulated for public review and comment for a period of 45 days. We anticipate this will occur in May or June.
Will you alert the same list of people you sent this letter to ? • Final EIR – All comments will then be addressed and a Final EIR will be circulated to commenting agencies prior to consideration by the City. Please Define “commenting agency.” • Public Hearings – Once the EIR is complete, comments addressed, and any plan revisions made, the City will schedule a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Following action by the Planning Commission (one or more meetings) the matter will move to a public hearing before the City Council with final action to be taken after one or more meetings.
To summarize, public comments will be invited and received:
• On the Notice of Preparation through April 2.
• After completion and circulation of the Draft EIR.
• At one or more Planning Commission hearings.
• At one or more City Council hearings.
The overall objective is to create an upscale private resort community that will complement the City of Meriwether contradicts itself. Press releases and brochures have said it is Public, others say it is private.
What is your definition of a ‘GUEST’? Is a GUEST sponsored & accompanied by a Member? Is a GUEST a person that rents a hotel room?
Please Define “MEMBER”. What type of Memberships will be offered? Meriwether definition of MEMBER & GUEST are of utmost importance.
How many memberships will be available?
Explain what Amenities come with each type of membership.
Is a homeowner automatically a Member?
What are the rules for membership?
Cost of a membership?
Are the Special Events PRIVATE or PUBLIC? Members Only? GUESTS? What is total number days of private events?
4 four-day weekends is 16 days of Public Events. Coachella Fest and Stagecoach are 12 days total.
Meriwether is requesting the neighbors be burdened with the collateral nuisance and damage that comes with crowds coming all day and night to a Special Event.
Explain how this “compliments” this low key neighborhood.
What are the public hours of Special Event days?
What are the operating hours of the workforce and equipment required to set up a Special Event? La Quinta, and, more specifically, the immediate area around our property. Our business plan is predicated
upon the sale of luxury single family residences. If project is predicated on sale of luxury homes, why did Meriwether change the # of “HOMES” to “CASITA RENTALS’? by adding 104 Casita Rentals to the 150 Hotel Keys (hotel rooms= 254 total) That is more than 1/3 of total “DWELLING UNITS”.
As your project is driven by sale of luxury homes, not lots, who is the builder? Is this Builder in any way connected to Sunrise and or Andalusia Corporations? Will Meriwether allow other builders to build high end homes for lot buyers? We will not be successful if our amenities and
Wave Park is now 33% Hotel rooms &Suites, 33% high priced lots, & 33% lower priced lots. This is a RESORT.
programming are detrimental to future on-site residents and, by extension, we cannot negatively impact 670 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
neighboring communities. All people buying at The Wave Park are doing so to be close to the Wave Basin. The neighbors bought their homes knowing Andalusia West was zoned low- density residential community with golf course. I did my due diligence before purchasing my home- the parcel was not zoned for Tourist/Development.
Explain how Meriwether will mitigate the concerns, after all is built and operating? With fewer COVID restrictions in place, we are happy to meet with neighbors in person to continue sharing
details on our project and the process to ensure accurate information is being disseminated to the community. I am also personally available by email or phone at [email protected] or (970) 596-
6642.
Sincerely,
Garrett Simon
Partner, Meriwether Companies
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS KATHY WEISS ASKS MORE QUESTIONS BELOW:
How big is the project?
Coral Mountain is situated on approximately 400 acres and is currently approved for 750 homes and a golf course. Our proposed project is a private community that includes 600 (104 Rental Casitas are not homes) and up to a 150-key Hotel. = 254 Overnight Rentals, built at once, 496 dwelling units -built by market demand.
Wave Park is now 254 hotel rooms or Rental Casitas.
hotel with a wave basin and other community amenities.
Are the community amenities private?
Are public amenities inside the Wave Park development? If amenities are inside Wave Park, explain how the Wave Park is PUBLIC?
The public will have access to the hotel, how is that PRIVATE? Will the public be allowed to watch the Wave Basin Surfers when dining? Will there be Patio dining? How many bars and restaurants?
How far are the restaurant(s) and bars from the Wave Basin? What type of entertainment will be offered to dining and bar guests? Music? What are restaurants and bars operating hours?
How many people will restaurants seat?
How many people will Bars seat?
Will Hotel Guests & Homeowners have priority over other dining reservations? restaurant and bar on a reservation basis along with the commercial development at the Southwest Corner of Ave 58 and Madison. By committing to a private community, we are able to maintain similar traffic levels as the currently approved project.
What about increased traffic for Special Events?
How will that be controlled? By LQ City police and Riverside Sheriff? There will be an increase of speeding, accidents, driving DUI, and crime. All causing stress to local residents. How is that complimentary to the neighborhood? What are the hours of Special Events?
When will landscaping be installed along Madison?
Perimeter landscaping on our property along Madison and Ave 58 will be included in the initial phase of construction.
Construction of The Wave Pool? Too vague.
This area is the “front door” to our community, requiring early completion to ensure the 671 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
property looks great for the home sale process.
What are the anticipated prices for lots and homes at Coral Mountain? Similar to other
exclusive private residential communities do not have public hotel rooms, nor un-escorted guests. in La Quinta, our homesites are large with most ranging in size from 12,000 to 40,000 sf. Prices for large estate lots will begin at more than $2 million and finished homes
in the village core will range from $2-$5 million.
What type of Dwelling Units planned for outside the Core? How tall is the hotel?
The hotel is still planned to have a portion of the rooms and facilities in a 2-story configuration, with a majority of the rooms in 1 story casitas. A 3-story slender structure with a footprint of approximately 1,000 sf is currently planned on the edge of the wave basin for viewing and operations.
How many feet, not stories, high is the hotel and Viewing tower/aka Slender Structure? What are dimensions of “slender structure”?
What are operating hours of “Slender Structure? “
Where is the Wave Announcer speaking from?
Will Wave Announcer voice be amplified? How many speakers are needed for Wave Announcer to be heard over 17 acres?
Will TV crews be filming from the ‘Slender structure”?
Will lights and amplified noise come from the ‘slender structure”? Will short term rentals be allowed?
Short term rentals (at the option of the homeowner) are proposed for the community; however, we plan
to manage 100% of the rentals through an onsite 24/7 management program. While we are confident we
can address the issues related to short term rentals through onsite management and security, we understand this is a hot topic in La Quinta and look forward to working with the City to ensure compliance
with all regulations. Extremely vague.
Will you go by LQ STR rules and regs, even though you are not obligated to? Why are lights for the wave basin required?
Due to the short daylight hours during the winter, directional lights are planned to allow for operations to
18- hole Golf courses, as zoned, do not need lights nor announcers to be useable. continue into the early evening hours.
What are time is “evening hours”?
The proposed lighting has been designed to meet the City of La Quinta requirements
(vague, I need specifics. Will lighting be under Residential Guidelines or Tourist/Commercial Guidelines?) and ensure there is no light spillage outside of the basin property.
What is the Basin Property? The entire parcel of land?
Please provide light spill charts.
The proposed
lighting plan consists of single-mounted poles with directed LED lights with full cutoff and will not appear
anything like stadium lights for tennis or athletic courts. The lights and sounds produced by the activities 672 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
are meant to be confined to the areas they are being produced, and not disturb the residences within this
project let alone those that are bordering our project.
Are “Public” areas of the Hotel and Rental Casitas lit at dark ? Are parking areas lit?
How large are the parking lots? How many parking lots?
What is surface of parking lots? Asphalt? Gravel? Sand? Grass? Will I hear the wave basin?
The noise generated from the wave basin is the movement of water, similar to the ocean. The existing facility in Lemoore has been recorded by the sound engineer and this information has been incorporated
Oceans can be deafening. Beach goers can leave the ocean and return home to a quiet home. Wave Park neighbors cannot unless they sell their home.
into the noise study for the project. We expect the findings from the final report to confirm all City of La Quinta noise standards are met.
This sound study is not professional nor scientific. It was not done on premises.
It is comparing apples to oranges.
Surf Ranch has soft ground. Coral Mt is hard ground. Surf Ranch is flat and green with agricultural crops.
Coral Mountain has valleys, Mountains, and flat desert floor.
Surf Ranch does not contain: a 150- room hotel, 154 Rental Casitas, restaurant, bars, and 456 dwelling units, each with people staying overnight.
The guests, by invitation only, arriving at Surf Ranch, are on their best behavior. 3-4 Travel Campers are parked at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch.
This is not a scientific study and is misleading to the Public.
While not scientific like the above-mentioned study, last year we coordinated a site visit for a concerned neighbor which resulted in confirmation that the wave basin was barely audible at 300’ distance with only
an 8’ wooden fence in between. His sound level meter recorded readings less than 50 decibels at this distance, significantly lower than the City of La Quinta’s 65 decibel threshold for single family residential use. At 2,600’ from the site, he was unable to hear any noise. It is important to note that the area surrounding the Lemoore facility is undeveloped flat land, very different than the plans at Coral Mountain
Apples and oranges again. This is hearsay and not sufficient for an EIR report.
This sound test was performed by amateurs, not professionals, nor w/ professional measuring devices.
Sounds were not measured at intervals throughout the day, and only in 1 location. Your information is not valid.
which will contain buildings and landscaping to further insulate the wave basin.
The following notes the approximate shortest distance from the wave basin to the closest homes in each neighborhood:
The Quarry – 2,400’ (Coral Mountain sits in between the wave basin and all homes at The Quarry) Trilogy – 2,600’
Andalusia – 4,100’
Ave 60 Private Residence – 870’
Will speakers be used to communicate with surfers in the basin? The existing wave basin operation in Lemoore, CA utilizes a speaker system to make periodic (every 150 seconds, for 30 second duration) safety.
How many speakers are used in the speaker system?
673 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
What are hours for Wave operation? What are hours for Wave maintenance? How will this noise be mitigated?
Kelly Slater, Mike Schwab, Kelly Slater Wave Design Company, and Ca. Assemblyman, Ian Calderon, sponsored legislation # AB 1161, to change the Calif. Health & Safety Code, June 13, 2019. Coral Mt parcel was purchased May 2019. KSWDC and Mike Schwab’s Big Sky companies retracted the Wave Pool Permit application in West Palm Beach, Fla. On an 80- acre parcel Mike Schwab purchased. #AB1161 legislation requests that hygienic standards of water in the Wave Pool/Basin be lowered. (Even though brain-eating amoebas have been found and verified in Wave Pool water.) Is this what La Quinta City Council wants for The Jewel of the Crown, South La Quinta? announcements and has been included in the noise analysis for our EIR. While we are confident the noise
study will show the speakers will not be audible off of our property, we will continue to look for alternatives to ensure this does not become a nuisance. These speakers are NOT used to project music across the wave basin.
How will the music be projected? Amplified?
What type of music? D.J., live bands, Opera, Symphony?
How many different sources of music will be allowed to play at same time? Will the music being played be the same song at the same time? Or different steams of music? A “Battle of the Bands” atmosphere? Where will music emanate from?
How many music/entertainment stages?
Where and How many locations?
Will short term guests be able to amplify music outside? Will personal watercraft (jet skis) operate in the wave basin? Currently in the existing facility, one jet ski is used to reposition surfers within the basin and for life safety
Again, that does not answer the question. This Wave Pool is larger and operating 365 days/year. Surf Ranch is by invitation only. Apples to Oranges.
In Surf Ranch videos, the jet-ski operates non-stop. I expect it will be similar, if not more.
What other water vessels will be used?
What are the hours of usage? Are jet skis used for pool maintenance? If more than 1 jet ski is needed, how will the extra noise be mitigated? Jet skis have been measured at 95-165 decibels. That noise level is higher the City Regs. purposes. We anticipate this will also be the case at Coral Mountain. Vague- not fact.
Need to know exact sound levels of all: jet-skis, wave, train, announcer, music over 24- hour day combined., and when and where sound readings were taken. They will be noise from the spectators and surfers added.
How will impacts from the four proposed annual public events impact the neighborhood? It is imperative to note the application as submitted does not give us the unilateral right to host an event. What “rights” does the application give the Developer? Nonetheless, Meriwether plans to have Special Events, totaling more days than Coachella Fest and Stagecoach combined.
The EIR will study impacts should be applied for Special Events. we apply for and receive approval for events. We will be required to go
through the City of La Quinta’s special use permit process which requires significant detail to address items such as noise, traffic, etc. This would be a public process and include input from the community. 674 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
What is nature of Special Events? What are the components of Special Events? How many days per year? Special Event Hours, # of attendees? # of cars allowed to park on site? What type of extra activity is associated when holding a Special Event? I look forward to the EIR professionals’ answers to my questions.
Sincerely,
Kathy Weiss
[email protected]
675 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 22, 2021 at 06:40:17 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Proposed Waterpark
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 3:06:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Jim Welch
To: [email protected]
ADachments: image001.jpg
HI Nicole,
We are Jim & Mary Welch 81450 Carboneras La Quinta CA 92253 303-886-7578. We purchased a home in Andalusia about 2 years ago because we preferred the quiet pace of this neighborhood to Palm Springs. We like stop signs rather than stop lights. We like being able to ride our bikes on the street without having to fear for our life due to heavy traffic. We enjoy the beautiful dark sky at night and we really enjoy the peace and quiet !
If you want to keep receiving the high property taxes we are paying, please do not allow our neighborhood to be ruined. We will not continue to pay these taxes if this is approved.
WE WILL LEAVE !
We agree with our neighbors concerns below and do not want our neighborhood to turn into a “shit show”.
1. Light pollution. This tract is in one of the last unspoiled areas of La Quinta where total darkness survives and our Andalusian observation of the beautiful desert night sky is uncompromised. This project proposes the installation of 80 ft high light poles all along the wave trench to allow for nighttime commercial activity which will likely completely obliterate the night sky. The area where the poles will sit is already about 20ft higher than Andalusia, which increases the likelihood that the emitted light will shine straight into our development. All desert cities have specific and strict rules on light pollution, so how come this can be tolerated by the city planners? And make no mistake, this will be 7 days per week all year long.
2. Traffic and visual pollution. This tract was zoned to be a low density residential area (with full golf) and this new proposal will create substantial additional traffic to/from a full fledged commercial sports complex, hotel, multiple restaurants and higher density residential housing (up to 600 units – many likely short term rentals). The hotel, which was originally presented as two story maximum, is now planned as 4-story and will obstruct view of Coral Mountain from pretty much every residence with that view. Traffic on Madison will increase by many hundreds of vehicles.
3. Noise pollution. The proposed wave equipment generates substantial and constant noise (minimum 75 decibels) that will travel far in the desert and is pretty much as if you are living next to a busy freeway. The developers admit that the wave operation will involve loudspeaker announcement of every wave. Noise pollution should be investigated more vigorously than stated in section 4.2.12.
4. Seismic disturbance. The proposed wave equipment by its very nature generates vibration (not to mention the additional seismic disturbance generated by the resulting wave crashing) which will easily travel long distances in the loose desert soil. Pool and jacuzzi leaks for the neighboring properties will not be far behind. Seismic disturbance 676 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
should be investigated more vigorously than stated in section 4.2.12.
5. Quality of life reduction. The hours of operation of this facility have been insufficiently clarified but there is a distinct impression the wave operation may be started as early as 6 in the morning and go well into the night? This should be considered unacceptable in a once peaceful residential area where the only disturbance might be an errand golf ball. It totally ignores the original zoning intent for this tract. The zoning change request should be more thoroughly investigated and the change to commercial should be opposed.
Thanks,
Jim Welch
1205 W Center Ave.
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 777-3100 office
(303) 886-7578 cell
677 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Friday, March 12, 2021 at 14:06:30 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Wave Park
Date: Friday, March 12, 2021 at 1:50:19 PM Pacific Standard Time From: kelly welton
To: [email protected]
Hello Nicole,
My name is Kelly Welton, I am a resident of Trilogy. I moved here a year ago to enjoy the peace and quiet that South La Quinta has to offer. I am vehemently opposed to anything that will disturb the tranquility of this area. Why such a nuisance has to be built right in the middle of a residential area is puzzling at best. There are many other locations, with nothing else around but dirt, closer to Interstate 10, where no one will be bothered by the noise, to consider that can be zoned for this type of development. The mere thought of listening to constant truck traffic and construction every day for the next 5 years is distressing, at the very least.
We, the residents of Trilogy, want to make sure the City of La Quinta maintains the highest standard of living possible. Allowing this kind of attraction in our community will only bring traffic, trash, noise, and trouble. Please spend time reconsidering this proposal.
Sincerely,
Kelly Welton
--
Kelly Welton
www.AcademyofNeonatalCare.org
877-884-4587
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelwel
"A Healthy Person has a thousand wishes; a sick person has but one". -Indian proverb
678 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 07:48:28 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Wave Park
Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 9:55:43 AM Pacific Standard Time From: TEEUU1447
To: [email protected]
I just wanted to state that I am against the park. Too much noise, too much traffic. I moved here from Los Angeles to get away from just that reason.
Terry Werdann
60387 Lavender Court.... Trilogy
760 289 7602
[email protected]
679 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:30:17 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Wave Park Proposal
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:24:13 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Dave Wiezel
To: [email protected]
Date: March 9, 2021
To: Nicole Criste
From: Dave Wiezel and Bruce Tersiner
Subject: Wave Park Proposal
We are full time residents of Andalusia Country Club at 58540 Aracena for nearly eight years now.
When we purchased, we were told of the plans to develop an adjoining custom home golf course community across Madison Street below Coral Mountain. This certainly made sense as the area surrounding Andalusia for many miles is comprised of golf course communities.
We learned a year ago that the property for the proposed golf course community at Coral Mountain had been sold and the developers were planning a wave park community. The developers met with concerned Andalusia homeowners and shared their plans. Andalusia homeowners shared their concerns which include traffic, noise, and appearance. Generally we want the new development to blend in with the surrounding community as inconspicuously as possible, in a manner similar to all of the surrounding golf course communities.
We recently learned that the wave park developer is proposing to include 80 foot lighting towers in their plans, and to operate the wave park at night. We believe this is totally inappropriate and inconsiderate to all surrounding developments and neighborhoods. There are not such stadium lights for a football, baseball, soccer or any other stadium within many miles of this planned development, and for good reason. We believe that operating the wave park at night will create a carnival-like atmosphere inconsistent with that of the quiet residential surrounding areas. We would respectfully request that these lights not be permitted, nor the operation of the wave park at night be allowed.
We understand that other Andalusia owners have sent in letters expressing concerns regarding building heights, paint colors, landscape screening, etc. We share those concerns as well.
Thank you for your consideration. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dave Wiezel
Bruce Tersiner
680 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 08:50:02 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: La Quinta Wave Proposed Wave Park
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 7:27:26 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Carolyn Winnor
To: [email protected]
Attention: Nicole Sauviat Criste
I live in Trilogy at La Quinta, our backyard faces 60th Avenue and I am opposed as others in our community to the Proposed Wave Park. I aMended the presentaEon given to our community by the developer. ANer doing further research and actually seeing how the waves are produced I became very concerned. The first Wave Park developed by Kelly Slater is located in Lemoore, Ca, currently siQng in an agricultural area, the Palm Desert development is surrounded by the Desert Willow Golf Course and the proposed Thermal development is near the private race track in the middle of an agricultural area. In the city of La Quinta, Mr. Slater is proposing placing a Wave Park in the middle of a residenEal area. I am against the rezoning of the property known as Andalusia West. I believe this project will have a negaEve impact on housing values:
1. ConEnuous noise of the wave machine, lighEng aNer dusk, the park running 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. AddiEonal traffic, 4 special events per year, aMracEng an addiEonal 2,500 people per event. AddiEonal traffic for the Hotel and Restaurant daily.
3. Short term rentals, Coachella and Stage Coach aMendees and constant traffic.
4. Our area in La Quinta should be considered the Quiet Zone. We enjoy the quiet evenings, the stars and tranquility.
Please consider placing this development elsewhere in La Quinta, if you need the tax revenue; not next door to a 55 and older ResidenEal Community located in the La Quinta Quiet Zone. We understand the property will need to be developed, please leave this parcel zoned as “ResidenEal” not “Commercial Property”.
How many Wave Parks can the Coachella Valley Support?
Thank You,
Carolyn Winnor
81134 Barrel Cactus Road.
La Quinta, CA 92253
760-238-4779
681 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 13:51:46 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: La Quinta proposed and/or approved projects at Coral Mountain Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 1:43:30 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Derek Wong
To: [email protected]
Dear Nicole Sauviat Criste,
I recently was made aware of the full scope and impact of the Wave park/hotel/homes/stores/restaurants/rentals in the eastern portion of La Quinta bordering Trilogy and Andalusia and am profoundly troubled on its decades long magnitude of disruption to our low-key communities. As a planner, I'm sure you're aware of the laundry list of issues so I won't rehash them here but the list is long, verifiable and formidable.
I and presumably many others have no opposition to new developments as thats the natural course of things but they should be a continuation of what's here: upscale single family residences and not enormous projects that will overtax our streets, intersections, water consumption, endanger the local ecology and above all, disrupt our peaceful way of life.
In reviewing the projects listed on the City of LQ website, I found no mention of the Wave park nor of the rental development between Ave. 60 and Ave. 62 off Monroe and find this quite odd. My understanding was that the project off Monroe had been approved for ~90 residential family homes but new information says the plan is now to build 200+ STVR's. I do not see how this can be acceptable on any level: this would devalue our homes in Trilogy as there are dozens of homes backing up to this property. If my home was located here, I would sell and move without haste.
We already have issues here; racing on 60th, Monroe and 62nd streets: daily donut practice on Madison and 60th and the dumping ground on Monroe and 60th. I really hope that other departments within the city are taking a hard look at these concerns but I have my doubts as these are years old already and the problems persist to this day.
I'm not sure what impact this letter might have but I sincerely hope that you apply due consideration.
Thank you,
Derek Wong
81183 Caspian Ct.
La Quinta, CA 92253
669-333-1818
682 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 14:50:38 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: Coral Mountain Wave Pool development
Date: Friday, April 2, 2021 at 1:39:35 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Derek Wong
To: ConsulFng Planner
CC: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
AEachments: Screen Shot 2021-04-02 at 11.39.43 AM.png
Nicole,
By now, you have undoubtedly received innumerable communications form several communities and individuals opposing the building of this Wave Park. The evidence and anathema on this project increases daily: one of the worst drought years ever for California, 3 other wave parks already green-lit, potential equity loss for dozens of neighboring homes, nightmare traffic scenarios with no remedy planned, pollution from construction vehicles, elimination of dark skies, non-stop parties with no definitive oversight, long-range permit plan changes, the right to quiet enjoyment effectively eliminated, potential of increased crime & accidents and noise, noise, noise...everyday without end.
Grow the community yes but adhere to the approved zoning of residential developments.
Look at this picture: do these light towers really not intrude into the evening sky? How many home views will this affect? Ask yourself and the council members if they want this in their backyard.
Thank you,
Derek Wong
683 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
684
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 13:03:53 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Opposi&on to the Water Park: The Coral Mountain Development Date: Monday, March 8, 2021 at 11:53:08 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Duncan Woodfin
To: consul&[email protected]
March 8, 2021
Nicole Sauviat Criste, Consulting Planner: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, Ca. 92253
Good Morning:
I write in opposition to the zoning change on The Coral Mountain Development from low-density residential w/ 18-hole golf course to a tourist oriented, commercial resort.
This mega resort with short term nightly rentals and amusement park type activities will disrupt the tranquil environment of our stable residential community. There will be constant guest turnover, short term overnight stays, noise, crime and traffic and the destruction of a stable neighborhood. This sort of development belongs in a commercially zoned area.
Please do not destroy our residential zoned section of the Coachella Valley with events, amusement attractions, adventure park, extreme sporting activities and a Wave Machine measuring noise of 75 decibels at a similar Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. Noise levels akin to living along a freeway.
And also, I thought California was in a drought crisis? Construction of a huge wave machine demanding precious water resources. How can we justify water use like this in a desert? How can government approve such a wanton waste of water when they continue to demand conservation from its residents? Is all this drought news fake?
Finally, most galling to me, per numerous admissions by their Company Spokesman, the walking path along the base of the Coral Mountains will be walled off and gated to be used only by the privileged guest able to afford the resort charges. Signs posted by the US Federal Bureau of Land Management along this hiking path encourage the enjoyment of this beautiful walk for all citizens, not just the special few. How is it possible that a private, well financed land owner is able to control public land? The development company clearly does not care at all how this mega resort will impact the neighbors as well as the increased costs of police/sheriff personal.
I am not unreasonable. Change happens and development is inevitable. But not the inappropriately huge scale with a negative neighborhood impact this commercial nightmare will have. It will bring massive, detrimental changes to the the environment and the residential lifestyle. The only benefit will be to the development company, not to citizens of La Quinta.
Please deny the zoning change to allow this Disneyland oriented development. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Duncan Woodfin
685 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
60482 Desert Shadows Dr.
La Quinta, CA 92253
400 422 3524
686 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 11:52:37 Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: FW: Zoning for Meriwether Development at Coral Mountain Date: Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 11:18:12 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: Cheri Flores
To: Nicole Criste
CC: Planning WebMail, Danny Castro
AEachments: image001.png
Nicole,
Another comment for the record.
Cheri L. Flores | Planning Manager
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253
Ph. 760-777-7067
www.laquintaca.gov
PLEASE NOTE: City Hall is closed to the public due to the current Stay-At-Home orders regarding COVID-19. All services are available via phone, email or online web portal. Please contact City staff if you need assistance at (760) 777-7125.
From: Wrobbel, ScoJ <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 1, 2021 11:12 AM
To: Planning WebMail <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]; Jean Wrobbel <[email protected]> Subject: Zoning for Meriwether Development at Coral Mountain ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and cauUon when opening aJachments, clicking links or responding to requests for informaUon. ** La Quinta Planning Commission,
I am wriUng in regards to the proposed zoning change for the Meriwether Development at Coral Mountain. I understand there was a virtual meeUng on March 30, 2021 that I was unable to aJend.
As a La Quinta resident and homeowner in the Andalusia development, I am opposed to any change in the current zoning of that property. The proposed development, which includes a water basin (surf park) and a hotel, would cause irreparable damage to the beauty and landscape of that porUon of La Quinta. Specifically, the light that will be emiJed from the park and 687 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
related noise will damage the desert serenity and peacefulness that currently exits.
I know that the La Quinta tag line is the “gem of the desert”. This development will cause a step backwards from that aspiraUon. As an example, would the planning commission be supporUve of such a surf park in the Sliver Rock development? Please accept my input. I look forward to further informaUon and hope the Planning Commission evaluates the consequences of the proposed zoning change to the Meriwether development very thoroughly.
Kind regards,
Scott A. Wrobbel
59505 Seville
La Quinta, CA 92253
414.573.2117
This message (including any aJachments) contains confidenUal informaUon intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message and any disclosure, copying, or distribuUon of this message, or the taking of any acUon based on it, by you is strictly prohibited.
DeloiJe refers to a DeloiJe member firm, one of its related enUUes, or DeloiJe Touche Tohmatsu Limited ("DTTL").
Each DeloiJe member firm is a separate legal enUty and a member of DTTL. DTTL does not provide services to clients.
Please see www.deloiJe.com/about to learn more.
v.E.1
688 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 16:35:27 Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Wave Park Impact on Andalusia Homeowners.
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 3:16:03 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Sarah Zappas
To: [email protected]
CC: Greg Zappas, Sarah Zappas
>
> Hi Nicole CrisH,
> My name is Sarah Zappas a homeowner in Andalusia for the last 8 years. I am wriHng this leRer to communicate our displeasure with the Wave Park development going in across the street. One reason for our decision to move to Andalusia was the quiet nature of the surrounding area and the lack of major commercial building. >
> We learned of not only the wave park coming in across the street but the hotel that was originally going to be 2 stories. We have concerns about what the addiHonal size of the hotel will do to our views as well the 80 foot lighHng polls that will illuminate the sky at night which goes completely against the desert dark that has been enforced for as long as we have lived in La Quinta.
>
> I feel having the wave park open at night is a very one sided decision, that is not taking into consideraHon, Andalusia’s property owners and how this will effect our property values going forward. Many of the streets in the development have views that will look on to the hotel and the 80 foot lighHng structures. I don’t think that the developers have our best interest at heart, quite the contrary. Andalusia was here first and to build something that would be detrimental to our property, is corporate greed at its worst. >
> Please confirm what the status is of both the hotel height and the 80[ lighHng structures. >
> Best Regards,
> Sarah Zappas
689 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
690 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
691
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
692 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
693 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
694 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
695 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
696 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
697
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
698 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
699 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
700
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
701
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
702 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
703 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
704 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
705 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
706 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
707 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
708
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
709
CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
OUR
DESERT
UNIQUE COMMUNITY
Diverse communities have made the Coachella Valley
their home - indigenous Cahuilla, farmworkers, retirees, celebrities, and more. Our unique experiences with
the desert combine to create a special place!
What makes the
Coachella Valley
Special?
EXTREME CONDITIONS
The Coachella Valley region ranges from below sea level to the highest peaks in Southern California - an 11,000 foot difference! Temperatures go from below freezing in the
mountains, to blazing hot summer highs.
IN THE SHADOW OF
THE MOUNTAINS
These conditions are the result of geography - mountains to the west create a "rain shadow" over the valley. The average annual rainfall is about 6 inches in Palm Springs, and only about 3 inches in Coachella.
UNIQUE LANDSCAPE
Deserts, mountains, rivers, and seas all come together
in the Coachella Valley. Our combination of high and low elevations, hot and cold temperatures, droughts and flash floods, is unique!
UNIQUE WILDLIFE
Within these landscapes, plants and animals have
adapted to survive. Living on the edge leads to new
strategies, and many plants and animals in the desert
are found nowhere else on Earth!
A RESILIENT FUTURE
Today inequality, urban sprawl, and climate change
threaten the unique and diverse communities found here.
Working together, we can adapt to change and build a
more resilient future.
PROTECT OUR HOME
Caring for our home is up to all of us, and involves
decisions big and small. Understand and contribute to
relationships between people, plants, animals, and
climate.
ACT NOW!
Start by going outside, on the trail or in your
neighborhood. Practice Leave No Trace principles, and
use water wisely in the desert. You can make
a difference in our community!
Download, share, and adapt this graphic!
Distributed under an CC BY-SA 4.0 license
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
www.CactusToCloud.org
710 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Amendment V adjusts the location and layout of residential, golf and commercial uses on the west side of Madison Street and establishes fresh planning, architectural and landscape design guidelines for that area. The area East of Madison Street (Andalusia) remains as it is with no changes. Revised text is shown in red and revised exhibits are outlined in red, relating to the Western area (Coral Mountain Club) being revised. Any inconsistencies between the revised text and exhibits and the currently adopted Specific Plan document for the area outlined in red are to be interpreted in favor of the revised text and exhibits. 711 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
I
. !
. 1
i
I
I I
L
I ..
I
~
' . i
I : !
! :
i .. :
I
I I
I ~
! I
I
I i
I
.
i i
I I
:"""I
1 I
i
,~ .
I L !
\• .
' \ '•
:'I
I l
! '
,:·,
: i
i .
I I
1.3 PROJECT REGIONAL SETTING
Exhibit 1
In 1999 the project was renamed to "Coral Mountain" after a significant landform. which bas been historically referred to as "Coral Reef Mountain.,, This significant geological feature forms part of what is referred to as the "Remnant of Ancient Shoreline" on the Recreation & Thoroughfare Map of Desert Communities.
The Coachella Valley is divided into the Upper and Lower Coachella Valley Land Use Planning Area profiles and the project site is located witWn the Lower Coachella Land Use Planning Area.
The predominant land use in the area is agriculture, including dry farming and citriculture, while a large portion of the Planning Area is vacant, nonMirrigated desert. Several sections ofland in the Planning Area are under Indian (Torres Martinez and Augustine Indian reservations) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ownership. The resulting checkerboard pattern is found throughout eastern Riverside Cmmty.
Coral Mountain Specific Plan Amendment 1 included 1,280 aores of flat, slightly sloping land.
Approximately 355 acres have been added to the plan area bringing the total acreage of the pr~ vious plan to roughly 1635 The elevation ranges from approximately sea level in the western portion of the site to 90 feet below sea level in the eastern portion.
Specific Plan 03-067 1.3
--·- ---·- -- -----··--- . 712 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda j•.
I j I ,
I· I .. 1 ... 1
. I f_;
I ~
i ;
i '
: ·'
. i f't
; ·l
I"' : I '. I
l I
. I f ·;
I i
I
.. , }-.
. 1 i 1· I'
I ..
! .. :
. I
1.4 PROJECT LOCAL SETIING
The Specific Plan boundary is within the City of La Quinta, a 31 square mile municipality lo cat~ ed in the southwestern portion of the Coachella Valley. The City> which was in90rporated in 1982, is bounded on the west by the City of Indian Wells, on the east, by the City of Indio and~verside County, on the north by Riverside County. and Federal and County lands to the South.
The amended Specific Plan project site is generally defined by Avenue 58 along the Northerly boundacy, Monroe Street to the East, Avenue 60 to the South, and to the West, vacant land and portions of the flood control dike.
AV9Wl! Ill
1.r--t------- PROJECT SITE
AVENUE 60
Exhibit 2
Specific Plan 03..067 is accessible from Interstate 10 by way of Jefferson Street and Madison Street or Monroe Street
The Specific Plan 03-067 project continues the implementation of a network of General Plan roads and infrastructure within the City's Master Plan for development and exemplifies a quality ·- of growth that reiterates the City's emergence as a desert resort community with the highest standards for resort residential and recreational development.
1.4 Speoifio Plan 03-067
713 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
LDR
LDR
MC
OS-R
OS-R
OS-N
OS-N
OS-R
LDR
OS-R
OS-N
OS-N
OS-R
LDR
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
TC
MHDR
OS-R
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
MC
LDR
MHDR
TC
OS-R
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
OS-R
MC
OS-R
OS-R
OS-R
OS-N
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
OS-N
LDR
OS-R
OS-R
OS-R
MHDR
CG
CG
CG
LDR
LDR
TC
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
CG CG
MHDR
CG
MC
CG
J:\USE
Washington St
OS-N
OS-R
LDR
TC
OS-R
CG
LDR
MC
CG
MC
OS-N
TC
OS-N
MHDR
CG
MH
OS-R
TC
MHDR
CG
CG
CG
MHDR
LDR
LDR
General Plan Designations
LDR Low Density Residential
MHDR Medium and High Density Residential
CG General Commercial
TC Tourist Commercial
VC Village Commercial
I Industrial and Light Manufacturing
MC Major Community Facilities
OS-N Open Space Natural
OS-R Open Space Recreation
ROW Street Rights of Way
Sphere of Influence and Planning Area
Riverside County Parcel Boundaries
City Limits
Gen
Pref
Property adjacent to Specific Plan 03-067 is designated by the General Plan for a variety of land uses. Low Density Residential (LDR) and Open Space Recreation (OS-R) uses are proposed and existing to the north and south of the property. The property west of the project site is designated as Open Space Natural (OS-N).
714 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA City Council Meeting 4 November 2025 to [email protected],
Mary Mann
80451 Palatine Ct.
La Quinta
775-527-8963
[email protected]
Subject: Plea to ‘call up’ Planning Commission Approval for further evaluation TTM2025- 0001, SDP 2025-0001, and SDP 2025-0002 related to the Club At Coral Mt.
At last weeks planning commission approvals were granted, despite lingering questions on timing, specifics of implementation of plan that impacts directly our Quality of Life and impacts our Community Resources. I presented many questions that are in the public record of the Public Hearing last week, and assume you have looked through this. I hope to drive some of these points home that the City is making a mistake in allowing this conception of the project to go forward there are specific unanswered questions surrounding the basis of the whole project approval down to the specific implementation plans as presented in the plans under consideration.
Residents surrounding the property will be subject to large amounts of dust during construction. Given the potential for a many years long construction period and the large scale disturbance required for the proposed first phases, we are owed at least a look at the plan in place for dust suppression and description of how the natural dust fixing that is occurring now can be preserved for as long as possible. Dust is a documented significant health risk in our area.
Below are some images from different perspectives of the project that I can point out what will be impacted. Have not had time to annotate all of these, but hope it spurs thought and discussion.
Directly below in italics I’ve pasted a communication with the City planner, that goes through some of my other concerns about the Club at Coral Mt. Moving forward. I will also point to the Directors Hearing from yesterday 3 Oct. that I included comments regarding the Travertine project and how both of these developments will be defining La Quinta’s future. Care and integrated planning is needed NOW before either of these projects move forward.
715 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Email from 4 Oct. Planning with others copied: Thank you for the responses to my questions prior to the Planning commission last week and also appreciate you and the others meeting with me last week at City Hall.
I still have significant questions on the implementation of this plan as presented in TTM2025-0001, SDP 2025-0001, and SDP 2025-0002 for the club at Coral Mountain project.
You indicated you might be able to provide me with contact information for your archaeologist, the contact at the agua caliente tribe, forest service, and Desert Recreation District for more information about some different aspects of this plan and the agreements with the city and developer.
The rock art plan needs to be reviewed and approved before any ground work starts. The plan needs to incorporate potential impacts of proposed development across the tufa exposure as this is all connected. The developer and adjoining property owners (BLM, BOR, leaseholder DRD, CVWD) also need to be informed and approve of this plan for this larger community resource. City and CVWD suggestions may be needed to provide for the protection of historical and biological resources in the same area.
There was also an indication from our conversation that in the applicants plan there has been an incorporation of the activities of the La Quinta Historical Society related to the pending project into their implementation plan. Given the amount of resources contained on this property I'm hoping that this is the case and requesting documentation of the plan for at a minimum documenting the history of this place before these resources can be cut off and destroyed.
I'm very concerned about the vague timelines given by the applicant and the possibility of work beginning that will directly impact sensitive resources that have yet to be documented defined or adequate matters put into place for their protection or the long-term enjoyment and education of the public.
There is significant uncertainty with the agreement with IID as to win this project could finally go forward with adequate electricity agreements in place. Building a barrier wall cuts off all of our community views of Coral Mt and shoreline. The disturbing dust of grading a building the golf course puts current residences at jeopardy from an or quality perspective and will significantly impact our quality of life. I'm saddened by the thought of my son growing up in a construction zone. There was no discussion of the water resources and impacts to the water district infrastructure, this must be better understood by the City before this plan is about to be implemented.
716 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
The alignment of the barrier wall on the west side crosses over and blocks off critical water infrastructure and I have seen no documentation of the agreements with Coachella valley water district or any other public safety arms that indicate they are aware or have planned for how are public resources and infrastructure will be accessed and maintained.
Other public comments at the meeting on 28 October and myself have a concern about the lake, this was not mentioned how much material will be moved and where it will be placed. Please keep in mind the fine dust that will be liberated by any action on this property that is fully naturally stable at the moment.
Significant questions and skepticism from the planning commissioners were not adequately explained regarding the ingress egress plan all around the development at last week's public meeting.
We have been given no timeline for when this project will start, and how it is planned to progress, when grading will begin , and etc. This risk is putting all of us in a situation of blowing dust for years to come, in an unfinished or unused project.
Then significant reduction of the number of svtr in the proposed plan has the city looked into or requested information from applicant regarding the demand for this type of housing or another golf course and how that impacts our City finances? This is definitely not my area of expertise but it seems that the justification for approval of this project hinged a lot on the projected money from the future homeowners and their investments.
Given that there will be a lot less of them how come there hasn't been a discussion of this significant impact to what the City thought it would gain from this project in the way of TOT I hope that we can be privy to the cost benefit analysis of City supporting development of this project at this time.
There is a map in backup documentation (EIR) for this project showing the significant growth of trees Palo Verde, mesquite especially on edges of the property where boundary wall and fence are indicated. We have not seen a plan of which of these trees could or would be protected. These trees provide forage and food for many desert animals the property has been left idle enough are active ecological communities all over this property.
And raptors and other birds on Coral Mountain depend on these for food shelter and forage.
You need to see the details of the implementation of the biological protection measures.
These included limits on time up here for disturbance. None of this was mentioned in the staff report for questions from Planning commission.
717 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Enough for now. Please provide any documentation or contacts that would assist me in making the connections with others who have been involved in the analysis of this project.
I encourage council to insist on a harder look at TTM2025-0001, SDP 2025-0001, and SDP 2025-0002 and realize the significance of the implementation of this project for La Quinta's future.
Figure 1: In email communication with City Planner I requested information regarding the project activities surrounding our public water infrastructure. The Planners communication indicate City is not aware of this active water conveyance structure (White structure) . We need to see the agreement with CVWD and ensure that they are in line with the City and Water districts expectation. Some of the unused water infrastructure that will be disturbed is now a historical resource and should be documented and catalogued at a minimum with the La Quinta Historical Society. This cannot happen in the vague timeframe presented by the applicant.
718 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 2: example of the current condition of a portion of the tufa. It shows marking from humans from 100s of years ago to today. An integrated plan is needed to manage these historic, prehistoric and natural history areas prior to imposing development on them.
719 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 3: view from tip of CM looking North showing proximity to Lake Cahuilla Park, and a complex network of landownership and rights that will be impacted by the implementation of the Club at Coral Mt. plan. Note there is a distinct slope break off the toe of CM.
720 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 4: A second view looking south showing the extent infiltration ponds, levee, and existing developments. City, public, emergency access are all key concerns in this complex network of land ownership, active development, and established open space recreation in the City.
721 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 5: Lookout on CM.
722 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 6: Flag posing on CM looking east to Salton Sea Basin. CM is a beacon from around the Valley. Development on and around it must be integrated to conserve this amazing community resource and open space opportunity. 723 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 7 The ‘coral’ of Coral Mountain. This provide us an educational opportunity, respect for our desert environment and understanding of the integrated nature of natural and human history. 724 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 8: Mary and Amos in the future Coral Mt. Regional park! This provide us an educational opportunity, respect for our desert environment and understanding of the integrated nature of natural and human history. 725 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 9: The ‘coral’ of Coral Mountain.
726 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 10: Coral Mt. offers many adventures and views ! 727 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 11: Local oddity- monkey face (shows up a as label on google earth). On or adjacent to property. 728 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 12: current condition sw boundary showing well used through road that access public land and infrastructure.
These different uses must be accounted for. We are headed for a big mess. 729 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 13: Spray paint shows where fence is planned. This is way to close to the tufa to accommodate a trail and I am dismayed by the further degradation of this resource with the spray paint in advance of approval for the map and plans. 730 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 14: Quiet cove along east side of Coral Mountain.
Figure 15: Current condition, shows the well-used road and CVWD infrastructure. 731 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 16: View to west from N. tip of CM to the west into the Wilderness area. Vultures, owls and Hawks live on coral mt. 732 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 17: the Quarry and Lake Cahuilla park from CM.
733 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 18: turkey Vultures on coral Mt. Looking down on proposed development area. Many raptors live on Coral mountain-owls and hawks as well as these birds. The Property in question is an established hunting area adjacent to the mountain. These populations will be impacted negatively in the development of the project. 734 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
Figure 19: View from east towards the mouth of Devils Canyon showing Martinez landslide on left and Coral Mt on right.
Gateway to the Santa Rosa Wilderenss.
735 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
VISTA SANTA ROSA
MASTER PLAN
REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS
DUE BY:
JANUARY 5, 2026
BY 5 P.M.
736 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The City of La Quinta (City) seeks proposals from qualified firms to conduct a phased public outreach program and prepare a Master Plan for the Vista Santa Rosa community.
Project/Services Title: Vista Santa Rosa Master Plan
Issue Date: November 12, 2025
DUE DATE: January 5, 2026
Requesting Department: Design and Development Department
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Proposals can be submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail. All proposals must bear original or electronic signatures.
Submit five (5) paper original proposals in a sealed envelope or email an electronic original, as a single document in a PDF format, to the following contact:
City of La Quinta
Attn: Scott Nespor, Senior Planner
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
Tel: (760) 777 – 7069
Email: [email protected]
Email Subject: RFP – Vista Santa Rosa Master Plan
2. SUBMISSION RESTRICTIONS
All proposals must be submitted in writing; no oral, facsimile, or telephone proposals or modifications will be considered. Proposals received after the due date and time are considered non-responsive and will be returned unopened.
3. QUESTIONS or REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
Any requests for clarification or other questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing by December 12, 2025; and sent via email to Scott Nespor, Senior Planner, [email protected]
4. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS
If a proposer discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the RFP or any of its attachments, he/she shall immediately notify the City of such error in writing and request modification or clarification of the document. Modifications will be made by addenda.
Clarifications will be provided in writing to all parties who have submitted proposals or who have requested an RFP for the purpose of preparing a proposal, without divulging the source of the request.
If a proposer fails to notify the City prior to the date fixed for submission of proposals of an error in the RFP known to him/her, or an error that reasonably should have been known to him/her, 737 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
he/she shall submit a proposal at his/her own risk, and if he/she is awarded an agreement, he/she shall not be entitled to additional compensation or time by reason of the error or any corrections thereof.
5. MODIFICATIONS AND WITHDRAWALS OF SUBMITTED PROPOSALS Proposer may withdraw proposals prior to the Submittal Deadline by submitting a written request to Scott Nespor, Senior Planner, at [email protected]. Withdrawn proposals will be returned unopened.
Proposers may modify proposals prior to the Submittal Deadline by withdrawing their proposal as noted above and resubmitting anew before the Submittal Deadline.
6. ADDENDA
The City may modify this RFP, any of its key action dates, or any of its attachments, prior to the submittal deadline. Addenda will be numbered consecutively and noted following the RFP title.
It is the proposer’s responsibility to ensure they have incorporated all addenda. Failure to acknowledge and incorporate addenda will not relieve the proposer from the responsibility to meet all terms and conditions of the RFP and any subsequent addenda.
7. REJECTION OF PROPOSALS
The City may reject any or all proposals in whole or in part for any reason, including suspicion of collusion among proposers, and may waive any immaterial deviation in a proposal. The City’s waiver of an immaterial defect shall in no way modify the RFP as published or excuse the proposer from full compliance with the specifications if he/she is awarded the agreement.
Proposals referring to terms and conditions other than the City’s terms and conditions as listed in the RFP may be rejected as being non-responsive.
The City may conduct an investigation as deemed necessary to determine the ability of the proposer to perform the work, and the proposer shall furnish to the City all such information and data for this purpose as requested by the City. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such proposer fails to satisfy the City that such proposer is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the agreement and to complete the specified work.
8. CANCELLATION OF RFP
This RFP does not obligate the City to enter into an agreement. The City reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time, should the project be cancelled, the City loses the required funding, or it is deemed in the best interest of the City. No obligation, either expressed or implied, exists on the part of the City to make an award or to pay any cost incurred in the preparation or submission of a proposal.
9. DISPUTES/PROTESTS
The City encourages proposers to resolve issues regarding the requirements or the procurement process through written correspondence and discussions during the period in which clarifying addenda may be issued. The City wishes to foster cooperative relationships and to reach a fair agreement in a timely manner. Formal proposals for major professional and technical services shall be governed by the City’s Purchasing Policy.
738 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda