To
City of Palo Alto
Planning Department Mar 26,2024
Subject: Objections to planned development at 739 Sutter Ave Palo Alto Objection is raised to the planned development at 739 on the following grounds
1. Lack of Transparency in Planning Process:
• I have received no communication or acknowledgement on previously raised objections
2. The project is Incompatible with existing neighborhood character: The density and scale of the proposed development are incompatible with the current aesthetic, architecture, and feel of my neighborhood • There is no 3-story building in the neighborhood
3. The approval will open Pandora’s box with more developments of the same type following through, with developers seeing $ signs
• The city will have no choice but to approve successive applications once they approve this project
4. With this and other developments, the entire character of the street and neighborhood will change forever
5. The high-density impact has to be seen on not just this project but with others who will inevitably follow
• There will be significantly increase traffic congestion and strain existing parking resources in the neighborhood.
b. The high-density projects when taken collectively will lead to overcrowding in the neighborhood, potentially decreasing the quality of life for existing residents, including more noise and light pollution, disrupting the peacefulness of my neighborhood
6. Decreased property values: I am deeply concerned that the high-density projects on the street could potentially decrease property values in the surrounding areas due to overcrowding, increased traffic, and changes to the neighborhood character.
My investment in my house and my quality of life are extremely important to me, I would like to safeguard against their erosion. Kindly record my objections to the proposed project
Sincerely, Milan Saini [email protected] 775 Sutter Ave To: City of Palo Alto Mar 26,2024
Planning Department
Subject: Objections to planned development at 739 Sutter Ave Palo Alto
Objection is raised to the planned development on the following grounds:
1. There was a Lack of Transparency and Meaningful Community Involvement in the Planning Process
o The approval process lacked meaningful community engagement. o We filed our initial docusigned objections in 2022, however, we received no communication or acknowledgement on those objections
o This probably was an inadvertent oversight within the Planning office and while we understand that these things can happen, we certainly should not be left to bear a permanent and lifelong consequence as a result
o We request a more transparent and inclusive process, allowing residents to voice their concerns and explore alternative solutions
2. Approval Will Start a Cascade of New 3 story Developments on the Street o The approval will open Pandora’s box with more developments of the same 3 story developments in the near future
o The city will have no choice but to approve future such applications once they approve this project
o The combined effect of the collective potential large multi-unit building will significantly impact the existing neighborhood in terms of increased traffic, noise, and congestion. This will fundamentally alter the quiet, residential feel that attracted many of us to this community in the first place.
3. With this and other 3 story developments, the entire identity, character and delicate aesthetic harmony of the street and neighborhood will change forever o Our street is a charming community of two-story houses, known for positive neighborhood qualities - quiet streets, friendly atmosphere, close-knit community.
Adding three-story buildings would be a stark contrast, overwhelming the existing architectural style and potentially casting shadows that disrupt the enjoyment of our properties
o Our neighborhood was designed for a charming blend of architectural styles, with one and two-story homes that complement each other. A large swath of three-story building would disrupt this harmony, altering the visual landscape and diminishing the unique character of our street while being totally incompatible with the current aesthetic, architecture, feel and character of our neighborhood
4. The Housing Accountability Act is essential for addressing housing needs, but it should not come at the expense of our community’s well-being.
o The 3 story high-density projects when taken collectively will lead to overcrowding in the neighborhood, decreasing the peacefulness and quality of life for existing residents
o Decreased property values: We are deeply concerned that the high-density projects on the street could potentially decrease property values in the surrounding areas due to overcrowding, increased traffic, and changes to the neighborhood character.
Our investment in our house and our quality of life are extremely important to us, we would like to safeguard against their erosion.We implore the City Council to prioritize the preservation of our neighborhood’s identity, aesthetics and appeal over expedient development of low-cost housing.
Sincerely,
Resident Address Contact
Clark McElfresh 703 Clara Dr [email protected]
Moshe Frozenfar 767 Sutter Ave [email protected]
Zihao Wang 771 Sutter Ave [email protected]
David Wang 779 Sutter Ave [email protected]
May Mak 772 Sutter Ave [email protected]
Milan Saini 775 Sutter Ave [email protected]
Peter and Judyt Browne 761-3 Sutter Ave [email protected]