From: Jeffrey Amos
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Weil, Louis Cc: Sharma, Shaveta CD; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; [email protected]; [email protected]; Todd Brooks
Subject: Concerns Regarding the McIntosh Remodel in 607 Short Street Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 8:57:13 AM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members, Todd and I wanted to provide our comments and perspective in advance of the Design Review meeting later today.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our concerns regarding the proposed remodel of our neighbors, the McIntosh family.
We appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective, as we know these decisions require careful thought. We’ve had a good relationship with Steve McIntosh and his family since they moved in and fully support their desire to improve their home. However, we have concerns about how the addition and ADU will affect our property, particularly in terms of privacy.
We have lived in our home for 25 years, and one of the things we’ve always valued most is the privacy and openness of our backyard. The proposed second-story addition and ADU are very close to our property, and their placement significantly impacts both the sense of privacy and the overall enjoyment of our outdoor space. The second floor, in particular, looms directly over our back patio, creating a much more enclosed feeling than we’ve ever had before. It also blocks our view of the hill, which has been an important and cherished feature of our home.
We wonder if there is any flexibility in the plans that could help mitigate these effects. Even a small pullback of certain elements might make a meaningful difference in maintaining privacy and helping the new structure blend more smoothly with the surrounding properties. We know that Steve and his family have put a great deal of thought into their remodel, and we respect that. We simply hope that a compromise can be found that allows them to move forward with their improvements while also considering the long-standing character and privacy of our home.
We have always valued being part of this neighborhood and maintaining a good relationship with our neighbors. We trust that we can work together to find a solution that respects everyone’s needs.
Thank you again for your time and consideration, and we look forward to discussing this further.
Thank you,
Jeff & Todd
_____________________
Jeffrey W. Amos, Ph.D.
Partner
Clear Oak Multifamily Investments, LLC
480 Los Robles
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 637 5983 cell
Attachment 8
150
View Jeffrey Amos's digital business card.
151
From: Julie Maison
To: Jung, Wendy CD
Subject: McIntosh remodel
Date: Monday, February 24, 2025 1:52:54 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hello Ms. Jung,
We are Laguna Beach residents of 565 Legion Street, neighbors of Steve and Vicki McIntosh.
They have graciously shown us their plans to remodel and we are in support and have no objections to the project.
Best regards,
Julie and Skip Maison
949-422-1097
152
From: Jeffrey Amos
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Weil, Louis Cc: Sharma, Shaveta CD; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; [email protected]; [email protected]; Todd Brooks
Subject: Concerns Regarding the McIntosh Remodel in 607 Short Street Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 8:57:13 AM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members, Todd and I wanted to provide our comments and perspective in advance of the Design Review meeting later today.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our concerns regarding the proposed remodel of our neighbors, the McIntosh family.
We appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective, as we know these decisions require careful thought. We’ve had a good relationship with Steve McIntosh and his family since they moved in and fully support their desire to improve their home. However, we have concerns about how the addition and ADU will affect our property, particularly in terms of privacy.
We have lived in our home for 25 years, and one of the things we’ve always valued most is the privacy and openness of our backyard. The proposed second-story addition and ADU are very close to our property, and their placement significantly impacts both the sense of privacy and the overall enjoyment of our outdoor space. The second floor, in particular, looms directly over our back patio, creating a much more enclosed feeling than we’ve ever had before. It also blocks our view of the hill, which has been an important and cherished feature of our home.
We wonder if there is any flexibility in the plans that could help mitigate these effects. Even a small pullback of certain elements might make a meaningful difference in maintaining privacy and helping the new structure blend more smoothly with the surrounding properties. We know that Steve and his family have put a great deal of thought into their remodel, and we respect that. We simply hope that a compromise can be found that allows them to move forward with their improvements while also considering the long-standing character and privacy of our home.
We have always valued being part of this neighborhood and maintaining a good relationship with our neighbors. We trust that we can work together to find a solution that respects everyone’s needs.
Thank you again for your time and consideration, and we look forward to discussing this further.
Thank you,
Jeff & Todd
_____________________
Jeffrey W. Amos, Ph.D.
Partner
Clear Oak Multifamily Investments, LLC
480 Los Robles
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 637 5983 cell
153
View Jeffrey Amos's digital business card.
154
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 2:44 PM
To: Gannon, Jessica <[email protected]>; Gibbs, Thomas <[email protected]>; Coveny, Mary Jo <[email protected]>; Thalman, Kristine <[email protected]>; Weil, Louis <[email protected]> Cc: Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>
Subject: 607 Short St. Remodel
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members, Vicki and I would like to thank the board for taking a look at our remodel.
Let me just first say that I do not envy the tasks undertaken by the board. It is not easy and is difficult to weed through all the static to see what is real and what is not.
In our over 22 years in our house, it has been our dream to add onto our home and have a second floor with a ocean view. (Since we don’t have one at all) We started the process 3 years after moving in and had to put it on hold several times.
All 5 of our neighbors have 2nd stories, and all have decks, one with 3! In hopes of clearing some things up, we would like to address several statements being made or what’s being left out about us, our project, and our neighbors.
There were several conversations between Miles Mahoney and myself that were not entirely addressed correctly in the letters from the them.
In several chats over the years, including right after they moved in, I mentioned that we have had plans to remodel and add a second floor. Miles replied then and several times since, including when I showed him our final plans in September of 24, “I have never understood how people can be told what they can or cannot build on their property”. He also stated that Ali will not like it but will get over it.
When meeting with the Mahoneys, we have shown nothing but empathy for them. We explained we have had this plan and dream for over 22 years. 155
All of the previous owners of 615 knew about our dream. They all said, wouldn’t be our first choice, but we get it. You are our friends, and we want you to enjoy the ocean views we have. All said they will still have a great view out of the master bedroom, bathroom, deck and back bedroom.
All those great views at 615 have been left out of their letters, making it sound like the secondary, North facing bedroom windows are the only views they have.
When meeting, with the Mahoneys, they explained their concerns about views and privacy. I was never asked what would you do if I were in their shoes? I volunteered it. Several times I stated, “I get it, I wouldn’t be happy either. But I would understand that as a friend, I would want you to have your dream”.
The statement that the height and placement of the new structure allow for direct visibility into their bedrooms, bathrooms, spa and living room is just not true.
As we have stated 10 times, the windows on the upper side of our proposed addition facing the Mahoneys, are 2 small bathroom windows and 2 reduced column windows, all can be frosted and one in the stairwell, There is also a major row of their trees that block any views into their backyard spa. Their living room windows are 12” square. Just nonsense.
In fact, we cannot open our shades or blinds on our current first floor windows because they can see in from both their first floor and 2nd floor windows. In addition, their massively, scaled house blocks casts a shadow on our house most of the day. But we have lived with it, as that what good neighbors do. It is part of living in a tight, densely populated area.
Many times, we have discussed privacy with the Mahoneys and explained what we did to eliminate that issue for them.
They asked us to let another architect look at alternatives, etc. We said no thank you. What we explained is that there are very few alternatives since we are remodeling, not rebuilding.
They suggested we “flip” the design. We spoke to our architect again to see if there was any way he thought that could work. It does not work for many reasons. The irony is that in the “flipped” scenario, our small deck and all 7 of our windows would be facing the Mahony’s 3 156
windows! Absolutely NO privacy for either house and a violation of DRB Guidelines that say; Outdoor living spaces should not be placed to reduce privacy of nearby homes. In this “flip” suggestion, I did not say the views weren’t as good, I said the view corridor is not there. The view corridor is where we designed the addition to see.
The statement that the Mahoneys would not have bought that house had we already built years ago, does not hold water. When they described wanting that house over the years, the bedroom views never came up. The location, back ocean views, the style of house and the 4 bedrooms also did.
We decided a long time ago we would not play the over-design game and “scale back” to what we want. Trusting the system to recognize when concessions have been made outside being ordered to do so. We have done just that, to make many adjustments on our own for our neighbor’s privacy, views, etc.
While not popular with some, our addition has NO variances, and is basically within the envelope of the existing house.
The Design Review Criteria states; While a property may enjoy a specific view today, that experience may change as surrounding properties are developed. A balance of interests should be achieved in which all those who enjoy the view, retain some access to it.
When a neighbor has enjoyed primary, ocean views for years and will still maintain them, and another has none, what is a balance, when there are secondary views that will not be totally lost?
There is also a mention of buying next to an empty lot or small house, that they might be built or remodeled.
I trust the board’s understanding and fairness will recognize what we have done to make our project fit all the design criteria.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Steve & Vicki McIntosh
157
158
From: jeanne meyers
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; [email protected]; Alison Mahoney Subject: McIntosh - Design Review input for 607 Short Street...
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 8:14:27 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members – Thank you for taking into consideration my POV re the Second Story addition of the MacIntosh home.
I appreciate that the neighbors want to increase the size of their home and take advantage of ocean views.
I have lived at 472 los robles since 1998. I have enjoyed privacy in my backyard until neighbors on Legion were given permission to add a small second story addition to their home renovation with the understanding that they would keep the privacy hedge between our properties.
They did not. The city enforced the ruling and they hauled in large trees / shrubs that protected our privacy.
A few years later they trimmed the scrubs and the city did not enforce the ruling.
Now this addition poses a similar but more significant impact on our backyard privacy.
Attached are images of stakes from my POV.
Appreciate the opportunity to share this info as you consider the addition. jeanne meyers
472 los robles
Laguna Beach, Ca. 92651
159
160
161
162
From: Steven Chidester <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 2:44 PM
To: Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>
Subject: 607 Short Street Remodel
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hello !
We are Steven and Margaret Chidester.
We live at 555 Legion Street, Laguna Beach.
We have known Steve & Vickie McIntosh, the owners of 607 Short Street for many years and appreciate their concern for our community.
We have met with Steve and Vickie to review the plans for their remodel and believe it will be an attractive addition to our neighborhood.
Steve and Vickie were very concerned and considerate about the privacy of all their neighbors in planning their remodel.
We support their remodel and hope it will be approved as planned.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Thank you !
Steven R. Chidester
714 651 8687
Steven R. Chidester, Esq.
Managing Partner
Law Offices of
Margaret A. Chidester & Associates
2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 260
Irvine, CA 92612-1369
(949) 474-5040
Fax: (949) 474-8540
E-mail: [email protected]
163
This e-mail is from a law firm and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential, including, without limitation, attorney-client privileged communication(s) and/or confidential attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If you believe that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender and delete all copies. 164
From: malinda howard <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2025 10:50 AM
To: Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>
Subject: Design Review Board - 607 Short Street
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hello,
My name is Malinda Howard. I live at 585 Legion St. and have for 28 years.
I am writing in support of the remodel of 607 Short St. My property is next to and to the North, at the corner of Legion, Park and Short.
I believe the design is wonderful and a great fit in and for the neighborhood. I feel they are entitled to do this addition to the property. I know they have wanted to do this for a long time.
The McIntoshes have been very communicative with me and have made sure I understood what they were planning. They have been careful in making sure I am happy and comfortable with my privacy.
I am in support of the project.
Thank you,
Malinda Howard
165
From: Alison Mahoney
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Weil, Louis Cc: Sharma, Shaveta CD; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; Miles Mahoney Subject: McIntosh - Design Review input for 607 Short Street...
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 3:56:26 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members - I wanted to provide my comments and perspective in advance of our meetings this week, and the Design Review meeting on Thursday.
We have lived in Laguna for 15 years in several homes. Miles and believe all our neighbors should be able to make improvements to their homes and we are not opposed to reasonable and thoughtful improvements.
During the years we have been next door neighbors and friends, we have enjoyed a close relationship with the McIntoshes, they have been a part of many holiday events, graduations, parties and we initiated and collaborated to get speed bumps put in on our street. I am hopeful that there is a productive and thoughtful way forward for us.
We have met with the McIntoshes on three occasions, however, and find ourselves at an impasse, and want to preserve the relationship we have.
From the point the McIntoshes let us know they had a design plan drafted and asked usto sit down and give our input, we have given consideration and met with them within 24 hours of each request. They have been on an urgent timeframe and we have willingly supported and kept pace with their meeting requests. Once the stakes went up at Thansksgiving, it was clear how impactful their proposed plan would be to us. Each time we met, they asked and we thoughtfully shared our concerns for privacy, light and how the large flat wall and mass of their proposed front-to-back wall will impact us, our privacy and lifestyle, plus block views and light. Our lot and theirs have a smaller easement, and our homes are sited at the same elevation. Their proposed plan represents a significant impact to our views, privacy and our continued enjoyment of our home.
When we bought our home, we had been searching for 4 years. Our home was built in 1937 and thoughtfully designed to maximize the privacy, light and functionality for the size of each room. We make our living and function only by having full use of these rooms during daytime.
We don’t use our upstairs space for sleeping only. We needed a 4 bedroom home for our family of five, and space to work during daytime hours on conference/video calls for our corporate employers, plus run our family Real Estate business plus. We spend about 12 hours a week day, or about 65% of our time working upstairs in two of the three rooms. In addition, our teenage kids work and study from their rooms. Our adult daughter has been displaced 166
from LA and living with us. Even from our Master Bedroom bathtub and toilet, we can see their proposed home and they also see us. This is an intrusion of our privacy.
To close - When we had our third conversation, one of the points that the McIntoshes mentioned was that they fully expected to push back the position of their upstairs design, but were not prepared to discuss any expectations with us and were waiting for the Board meeting so that they would not unnecessarily reduce the size/scale of their upstairs in advance or tolerate more expenses or delays to starting their major rebuild. The McIntoshes also said in conversation that making any adjustments to their plan might impact the privacy they are seeking, and that their design preference was not the perspective of viewing the proximity and mass of our home. Both these conversation points are examples of their acknowledgement and substantiate the value we both place on privacy and mass/proximity of our homes as important to each of us.
We are counting on the Board to help us navigate a plan that will take these points into consideration and not reduce or take away from our homes’ privacy and function in order to support theirs. Lastly, there is also the consideration of the equity and value of our home which is significant to us.
Please reach out for any questions or clarification, Sincerely - Alison Mahoney (949)212-6552
167
From: [email protected]
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Weil, Louis Cc: Sharma, Shaveta CD; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; [email protected]; "Alison Mahoney"
Subject: McIntosh - Design Review input for 607 Short Street...
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 4:02:34 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members – Thank you for taking into consideration our point of view on the Second Story addition of the MacIntosh home. This has been a very difficult process for Alison, me and our children as we have enjoyed a friendship and love the McIntosh Family for over 5 years now. What’s at stake here is not just the addition of a second story on their home, but the fundamental right to privacy, to our views and to our peace of mind. I also want to underscore, we understand and support them making improvements to their property and enhance their living space, but NOT at the expense of our privacy, our views, the lighting, and quality of life. As some of you had the chance to tour our home, specifically see the area impacted by the second story addition, our family spends 60-70% of our waking and sleeping hours in the north run of our home directly impacted and affected by the second story additions the McIntosh’s are proposing.
Firstly, the new structure will block the sunlight and open airspace that provides privacy and quality to our daily lives. We cherished the natural light and air that fills our home from the northwest side of our house, and without it, it will feel much darker, very closed off and less inviting. I am confident that a solution can be found that allows the McIntoshs to proceed with their remodeling while also preserving our access to sunlight, which is a significant aspect of the enjoyment of living here.
Secondly, the construction will obstruct our views, for every room along the north facing side of our property, which we’ve always considered a significant benefit of living, working, and spending time in this run of our home. (which we can argue is our main living space) The view of the water and nature has been a peaceful aspect of our daily life, and it would be really disheartening to see it disappearing. I wanted to express how important this view is to our family, not just as a luxury, but as a part of what makes my home special. In fact on one occasion, we asked Vicky and Steve, just like some of you did, to come over and see for themselves the massive impact their proposed project will have on that entire side of our home. I asked Steve….” how would you feel if you were in my shoes and I was proposing what you are proposing” and Steve responded, “I would be upset”. 168
But it’s not only our views that are under threat. Our privacy is and will be impeded. The addition of the second story has led to a lack of privacy in certain areas of our property. I feel that the height and placement of the new structure allow for direct visibility into our home (downstairs living room and every bedroom, including bathroom upstairs, our backyard SPA and living area). This has made us feel less comfortable and secure in our own home. I believe this was unintended, but I wanted to suggest finding a development plan that allows improvements without removing the reasons we chose our home and location. In a separate dialogue, Steve asked us if we would have purchased the home if the view from all 3 rooms upstairs was NOT available and our answer was NO….We spent nearly 5 years looking for a 4 bed property, with a view and we found it, now we are at risk to lose it all and are asking the Board to NOT allow the McIntosh’s to build a second story wall along the north side of our home, and offer suggestions of expanding their downstairs and/or simply move the existing second story structure to the other side of their home (north side). When faced with that proposal, Steve said “The Views aren’t as nice”.
Let me be absolutely clear: This addition is not a mere aesthetic change- it’s a complete violation of the quality of life that residents like us have chosen to enjoy in this very community. I know these are significant choices and considerations for the Board and I want to restate, we want to be a good neighbors as I believe we have been, I’m hoping with your support that the McIntosh’s can find an alternative way to have their remodel without changing our way of life, our privacy and happiness we get from the current layout of both homes.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to our concerns. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m looking forward to discussing how we can move forward in a way that respects both of our spaces.
Please reach out for any questions, Sincerely - Miles
(949) 482-8540
169
-----Original Message-----
From: steve kawaratani <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 2:54 PM
To: Jessica Gannon <[email protected]>; Mary Jo & Steve Coveny <[email protected]>; Gibbs, Thomas <[email protected]>; Weil, Louis <[email protected]> Cc: Olsen, Sarah CD <[email protected]>; Sharma, Shaveta CD <[email protected]>; Latham, Daniel CD <[email protected]>; Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>; Campbell, James CD <[email protected]> Subject: 5.4 - 446 Holly St., 5.5 - 607 Short St., 5.6 514 Poplar St. [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Good afternoon, Chair Gannon and Board members,
This week, I am taking a break from being an applicant to represent neighbors who have concerns and objections regarding three projects that impact their enjoyment of views and create excessive or inappropriate massing. As the Board is aware, even the best neighbors can disagree when self-interest comes into play.
Gina Watson, who lives at 452 Holly Street, is concerned about the proposed walk-in closet, which would obstruct views from her master bedroom and create awkward massing that appears dissimilar to the existing residence. Gina requests that the Board consider reducing the size of the walk-in closet, pulling it further away from her property, and lowering it to improve view equity and reduce massing.
Alison and Miles Mahoney, residents of 615 Short Street, are significantly affected by the initial iteration of a design that places a large addition adjacent to their home, negatively impacting their views, air, and light. They urge the Board to review the excessive and inappropriate massing and encourage the applicant to take their neighbors' perspectives into account during the design process.
Lastly, Danny and Kathy Botros, who own the property at 528 Poplar Street, raise concerns regarding the proposed project that requires a variance for driveway slope. They believe that the story poles reveal a severe impact on their views from their living and dining rooms that cannot be legally justified. We believe that the Board will find that view equity has not been achieved in this case.
I would like to meet with you onsite this coming week; I am available after 930 am on Tuesday and anytime on Wednesday or Thursday. I am coordinating appointments with Gina and Danny & Kathy so please schedule appointments with me.
Enjoy a fabulous weekend!
Best,
Steve
170
From: jeanne meyers
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; [email protected]; Alison Mahoney Subject: McIntosh - Design Review input for 607 Short Street...
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 8:14:27 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members – Thank you for taking into consideration my POV re the Second Story addition of the MacIntosh home.
I appreciate that the neighbors want to increase the size of their home and take advantage of ocean views.
I have lived at 472 los robles since 1998. I have enjoyed privacy in my backyard until neighbors on Legion were given permission to add a small second story addition to their home renovation with the understanding that they would keep the privacy hedge between our properties.
They did not. The city enforced the ruling and they hauled in large trees / shrubs that protected our privacy.
A few years later they trimmed the scrubs and the city did not enforce the ruling.
Now this addition poses a similar but more significant impact on our backyard privacy.
Attached are images of stakes from my POV.
Appreciate the opportunity to share this info as you consider the addition. jeanne meyers
472 los robles
Laguna Beach, Ca. 92651
171
172
173
174
From: Julie Maison
To: Jung, Wendy CD
Subject: McIntosh remodel
Date: Monday, February 24, 2025 1:52:54 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hello Ms. Jung,
We are Laguna Beach residents of 565 Legion Street, neighbors of Steve and Vicki McIntosh.
They have graciously shown us their plans to remodel and we are in support and have no objections to the project.
Best regards,
Julie and Skip Maison
949-422-1097
175
From: malinda howard <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2025 10:50 AM
To: Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>
Subject: Design Review Board - 607 Short Street
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hello,
My name is Malinda Howard. I live at 585 Legion St. and have for 28 years.
I am writing in support of the remodel of 607 Short St. My property is next to and to the North, at the corner of Legion, Park and Short.
I believe the design is wonderful and a great fit in and for the neighborhood. I feel they are entitled to do this addition to the property. I know they have wanted to do this for a long time.
The McIntoshes have been very communicative with me and have made sure I understood what they were planning. They have been careful in making sure I am happy and comfortable with my privacy.
I am in support of the project.
Thank you,
Malinda Howard
176
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 2:44 PM
To: Gannon, Jessica <[email protected]>; Gibbs, Thomas <[email protected]>; Coveny, Mary Jo <[email protected]>; Thalman, Kristine <[email protected]>; Weil, Louis <[email protected]> Cc: Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>
Subject: 607 Short St. Remodel
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members, Vicki and I would like to thank the board for taking a look at our remodel.
Let me just first say that I do not envy the tasks undertaken by the board. It is not easy and is difficult to weed through all the static to see what is real and what is not.
In our over 22 years in our house, it has been our dream to add onto our home and have a second floor with a ocean view. (Since we don’t have one at all) We started the process 3 years after moving in and had to put it on hold several times.
All 5 of our neighbors have 2nd stories, and all have decks, one with 3! In hopes of clearing some things up, we would like to address several statements being made or what’s being left out about us, our project, and our neighbors.
There were several conversations between Miles Mahoney and myself that were not entirely addressed correctly in the letters from the them.
In several chats over the years, including right after they moved in, I mentioned that we have had plans to remodel and add a second floor. Miles replied then and several times since, including when I showed him our final plans in September of 24, “I have never understood how people can be told what they can or cannot build on their property”. He also stated that Ali will not like it but will get over it.
When meeting with the Mahoneys, we have shown nothing but empathy for them. We explained we have had this plan and dream for over 22 years. 177
All of the previous owners of 615 knew about our dream. They all said, wouldn’t be our first choice, but we get it. You are our friends, and we want you to enjoy the ocean views we have. All said they will still have a great view out of the master bedroom, bathroom, deck and back bedroom.
All those great views at 615 have been left out of their letters, making it sound like the secondary, North facing bedroom windows are the only views they have.
When meeting, with the Mahoneys, they explained their concerns about views and privacy. I was never asked what would you do if I were in their shoes? I volunteered it. Several times I stated, “I get it, I wouldn’t be happy either. But I would understand that as a friend, I would want you to have your dream”.
The statement that the height and placement of the new structure allow for direct visibility into their bedrooms, bathrooms, spa and living room is just not true.
As we have stated 10 times, the windows on the upper side of our proposed addition facing the Mahoneys, are 2 small bathroom windows and 2 reduced column windows, all can be frosted and one in the stairwell, There is also a major row of their trees that block any views into their backyard spa. Their living room windows are 12” square. Just nonsense.
In fact, we cannot open our shades or blinds on our current first floor windows because they can see in from both their first floor and 2nd floor windows. In addition, their massively, scaled house blocks casts a shadow on our house most of the day. But we have lived with it, as that what good neighbors do. It is part of living in a tight, densely populated area.
Many times, we have discussed privacy with the Mahoneys and explained what we did to eliminate that issue for them.
They asked us to let another architect look at alternatives, etc. We said no thank you. What we explained is that there are very few alternatives since we are remodeling, not rebuilding.
They suggested we “flip” the design. We spoke to our architect again to see if there was any way he thought that could work. It does not work for many reasons. The irony is that in the “flipped” scenario, our small deck and all 7 of our windows would be facing the Mahony’s 3 178
windows! Absolutely NO privacy for either house and a violation of DRB Guidelines that say; Outdoor living spaces should not be placed to reduce privacy of nearby homes. In this “flip” suggestion, I did not say the views weren’t as good, I said the view corridor is not there. The view corridor is where we designed the addition to see.
The statement that the Mahoneys would not have bought that house had we already built years ago, does not hold water. When they described wanting that house over the years, the bedroom views never came up. The location, back ocean views, the style of house and the 4 bedrooms also did.
We decided a long time ago we would not play the over-design game and “scale back” to what we want. Trusting the system to recognize when concessions have been made outside being ordered to do so. We have done just that, to make many adjustments on our own for our neighbor’s privacy, views, etc.
While not popular with some, our addition has NO variances, and is basically within the envelope of the existing house.
The Design Review Criteria states; While a property may enjoy a specific view today, that experience may change as surrounding properties are developed. A balance of interests should be achieved in which all those who enjoy the view, retain some access to it.
When a neighbor has enjoyed primary, ocean views for years and will still maintain them, and another has none, what is a balance, when there are secondary views that will not be totally lost?
There is also a mention of buying next to an empty lot or small house, that they might be built or remodeled.
I trust the board’s understanding and fairness will recognize what we have done to make our project fit all the design criteria.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Steve & Vicki McIntosh
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From: Steven Chidester <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 2:44 PM
To: Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>
Subject: 607 Short Street Remodel
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hello !
We are Steven and Margaret Chidester.
We live at 555 Legion Street, Laguna Beach.
We have known Steve & Vickie McIntosh, the owners of 607 Short Street for many years and appreciate their concern for our community.
We have met with Steve and Vickie to review the plans for their remodel and believe it will be an attractive addition to our neighborhood.
Steve and Vickie were very concerned and considerate about the privacy of all their neighbors in planning their remodel.
We support their remodel and hope it will be approved as planned.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Thank you !
Steven R. Chidester
714 651 8687
Steven R. Chidester, Esq.
Managing Partner
Law Offices of
Margaret A. Chidester & Associates
2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 260
Irvine, CA 92612-1369
(949) 474-5040
Fax: (949) 474-8540
E-mail: [email protected]
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This e-mail is from a law firm and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential, including, without limitation, attorney-client privileged communication(s) and/or confidential attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If you believe that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender and delete all copies. 182
-----Original Message-----
From: steve kawaratani <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 2:54 PM
To: Jessica Gannon <[email protected]>; Mary Jo & Steve Coveny <[email protected]>; Gibbs, Thomas <[email protected]>; Weil, Louis <[email protected]> Cc: Olsen, Sarah CD <[email protected]>; Sharma, Shaveta CD <[email protected]>; Latham, Daniel CD <[email protected]>; Jung, Wendy CD <[email protected]>; Campbell, James CD <[email protected]> Subject: 5.4 - 446 Holly St., 5.5 - 607 Short St., 5.6 514 Poplar St. [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Good afternoon, Chair Gannon and Board members,
This week, I am taking a break from being an applicant to represent neighbors who have concerns and objections regarding three projects that impact their enjoyment of views and create excessive or inappropriate massing. As the Board is aware, even the best neighbors can disagree when self-interest comes into play.
Gina Watson, who lives at 452 Holly Street, is concerned about the proposed walk-in closet, which would obstruct views from her master bedroom and create awkward massing that appears dissimilar to the existing residence. Gina requests that the Board consider reducing the size of the walk-in closet, pulling it further away from her property, and lowering it to improve view equity and reduce massing.
Alison and Miles Mahoney, residents of 615 Short Street, are significantly affected by the initial iteration of a design that places a large addition adjacent to their home, negatively impacting their views, air, and light. They urge the Board to review the excessive and inappropriate massing and encourage the applicant to take their neighbors' perspectives into account during the design process.
Lastly, Danny and Kathy Botros, who own the property at 528 Poplar Street, raise concerns regarding the proposed project that requires a variance for driveway slope. They believe that the story poles reveal a severe impact on their views from their living and dining rooms that cannot be legally justified. We believe that the Board will find that view equity has not been achieved in this case.
I would like to meet with you onsite this coming week; I am available after 930 am on Tuesday and anytime on Wednesday or Thursday. I am coordinating appointments with Gina and Danny & Kathy so please schedule appointments with me.
Enjoy a fabulous weekend!
Best,
Steve
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From: Alison Mahoney
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Weil, Louis Cc: Sharma, Shaveta CD; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; Miles Mahoney Subject: McIntosh - Design Review input for 607 Short Street...
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 3:56:26 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members - I wanted to provide my comments and perspective in advance of our meetings this week, and the Design Review meeting on Thursday.
We have lived in Laguna for 15 years in several homes. Miles and believe all our neighbors should be able to make improvements to their homes and we are not opposed to reasonable and thoughtful improvements.
During the years we have been next door neighbors and friends, we have enjoyed a close relationship with the McIntoshes, they have been a part of many holiday events, graduations, parties and we initiated and collaborated to get speed bumps put in on our street. I am hopeful that there is a productive and thoughtful way forward for us.
We have met with the McIntoshes on three occasions, however, and find ourselves at an impasse, and want to preserve the relationship we have.
From the point the McIntoshes let us know they had a design plan drafted and asked usto sit down and give our input, we have given consideration and met with them within 24 hours of each request. They have been on an urgent timeframe and we have willingly supported and kept pace with their meeting requests. Once the stakes went up at Thansksgiving, it was clear how impactful their proposed plan would be to us. Each time we met, they asked and we thoughtfully shared our concerns for privacy, light and how the large flat wall and mass of their proposed front-to-back wall will impact us, our privacy and lifestyle, plus block views and light. Our lot and theirs have a smaller easement, and our homes are sited at the same elevation. Their proposed plan represents a significant impact to our views, privacy and our continued enjoyment of our home.
When we bought our home, we had been searching for 4 years. Our home was built in 1937 and thoughtfully designed to maximize the privacy, light and functionality for the size of each room. We make our living and function only by having full use of these rooms during daytime.
We don’t use our upstairs space for sleeping only. We needed a 4 bedroom home for our family of five, and space to work during daytime hours on conference/video calls for our corporate employers, plus run our family Real Estate business plus. We spend about 12 hours a week day, or about 65% of our time working upstairs in two of the three rooms. In addition, our teenage kids work and study from their rooms. Our adult daughter has been displaced 184
from LA and living with us. Even from our Master Bedroom bathtub and toilet, we can see their proposed home and they also see us. This is an intrusion of our privacy.
To close - When we had our third conversation, one of the points that the McIntoshes mentioned was that they fully expected to push back the position of their upstairs design, but were not prepared to discuss any expectations with us and were waiting for the Board meeting so that they would not unnecessarily reduce the size/scale of their upstairs in advance or tolerate more expenses or delays to starting their major rebuild. The McIntoshes also said in conversation that making any adjustments to their plan might impact the privacy they are seeking, and that their design preference was not the perspective of viewing the proximity and mass of our home. Both these conversation points are examples of their acknowledgement and substantiate the value we both place on privacy and mass/proximity of our homes as important to each of us.
We are counting on the Board to help us navigate a plan that will take these points into consideration and not reduce or take away from our homes’ privacy and function in order to support theirs. Lastly, there is also the consideration of the equity and value of our home which is significant to us.
Please reach out for any questions or clarification, Sincerely - Alison Mahoney (949)212-6552
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From: [email protected]
To: Gannon, Jessica; Gibbs, Thomas; Coveny, Mary Jo; Thalman, Kristine; Weil, Louis Cc: Sharma, Shaveta CD; Ballard, Maria CD; Jung, Wendy CD; Campbell, James CD; [email protected]; "Alison Mahoney"
Subject: McIntosh - Design Review input for 607 Short Street...
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 4:02:34 PM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Design Review Board Chair Gannon and Board Members – Thank you for taking into consideration our point of view on the Second Story addition of the MacIntosh home. This has been a very difficult process for Alison, me and our children as we have enjoyed a friendship and love the McIntosh Family for over 5 years now. What’s at stake here is not just the addition of a second story on their home, but the fundamental right to privacy, to our views and to our peace of mind. I also want to underscore, we understand and support them making improvements to their property and enhance their living space, but NOT at the expense of our privacy, our views, the lighting, and quality of life. As some of you had the chance to tour our home, specifically see the area impacted by the second story addition, our family spends 60-70% of our waking and sleeping hours in the north run of our home directly impacted and affected by the second story additions the McIntosh’s are proposing.
Firstly, the new structure will block the sunlight and open airspace that provides privacy and quality to our daily lives. We cherished the natural light and air that fills our home from the northwest side of our house, and without it, it will feel much darker, very closed off and less inviting. I am confident that a solution can be found that allows the McIntoshs to proceed with their remodeling while also preserving our access to sunlight, which is a significant aspect of the enjoyment of living here.
Secondly, the construction will obstruct our views, for every room along the north facing side of our property, which we’ve always considered a significant benefit of living, working, and spending time in this run of our home. (which we can argue is our main living space) The view of the water and nature has been a peaceful aspect of our daily life, and it would be really disheartening to see it disappearing. I wanted to express how important this view is to our family, not just as a luxury, but as a part of what makes my home special. In fact on one occasion, we asked Vicky and Steve, just like some of you did, to come over and see for themselves the massive impact their proposed project will have on that entire side of our home. I asked Steve….” how would you feel if you were in my shoes and I was proposing what you are proposing” and Steve responded, “I would be upset”. 186
But it’s not only our views that are under threat. Our privacy is and will be impeded. The addition of the second story has led to a lack of privacy in certain areas of our property. I feel that the height and placement of the new structure allow for direct visibility into our home (downstairs living room and every bedroom, including bathroom upstairs, our backyard SPA and living area). This has made us feel less comfortable and secure in our own home. I believe this was unintended, but I wanted to suggest finding a development plan that allows improvements without removing the reasons we chose our home and location. In a separate dialogue, Steve asked us if we would have purchased the home if the view from all 3 rooms upstairs was NOT available and our answer was NO….We spent nearly 5 years looking for a 4 bed property, with a view and we found it, now we are at risk to lose it all and are asking the Board to NOT allow the McIntosh’s to build a second story wall along the north side of our home, and offer suggestions of expanding their downstairs and/or simply move the existing second story structure to the other side of their home (north side). When faced with that proposal, Steve said “The Views aren’t as nice”.
Let me be absolutely clear: This addition is not a mere aesthetic change- it’s a complete violation of the quality of life that residents like us have chosen to enjoy in this very community. I know these are significant choices and considerations for the Board and I want to restate, we want to be a good neighbors as I believe we have been, I’m hoping with your support that the McIntosh’s can find an alternative way to have their remodel without changing our way of life, our privacy and happiness we get from the current layout of both homes.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to our concerns. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m looking forward to discussing how we can move forward in a way that respects both of our spaces.
Please reach out for any questions, Sincerely - Miles
(949) 482-8540
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