From:[email protected]
To:City Council
Subject:March 7 Council Meeting
Date:Monday, March 6, 2023 5:56:28 PM
External Email
Dear Councilmember
It has been brought to my attention that a closed-door meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to decide whether a pedestrian easement will be purchased by the city at 302 Vista Del Mar (Item 3A)? I’m not sure of the specifics of the meeting and I’m guessing this was all discussed when the recent permit application notification was circulated. I read the basics of what the owner’s want to do and did no more research. I’m fine with them improving their home. Don’t remember any mention of a pedestrian right- of-way?
I am the owner of 315 Terrace. My house and my immediate neighbors own the alley to the rear of our properties that intersects with the driveway to 302 Vista Del Mar and 2054 Ocean. I am obviously concerned about the potential of increased public access to an alley that is, currently, almost exclusively used by our immediate neighborhood. Public access between Terrace and Vista Del Mar will surely invite trespassers, graffiti, theft, public urination, etc. Not what I’d consider improving city image.
I purchased my property in 2020 knowing that there was no public beach access from Terrace/Shoreline. This was an extremely attractive feature.
As it is we get a significant flow of cars on Terrace from people looking to access the beach or find an outlet through Shoreline. I don’t want to even imagine what our peaceful neighborhood would be like with a daily barrage of beach goers. What would it do to parking, noise, trash, etc. I cannot understand what the council is thinking to seek such a drastic change to the established property lines and sidewalks. On one hand you scrutinize every building and improvement project to ensure consistency with the neighborhood, then you propose a drastic change such as this that is totally contrary to long standing existing foot traffic.
Don’t forget to consider that the existing concrete at 302 Vista Del Mar is a driveway, and that the existing alley adjacent to it is a driveway. Cars use them. Why would you want to introduce that safety issue when there are established, safe pedestrian paths currently serving the public.
Also, don’t forget that Terrace is now the street used by Shell Beach Elementary students, parents, busses, and staff. Why would you want to increase traffic in this area.
I respectfully request the council abandon the pursuit of establishing a public pedestrian right-of-way between Terrace and Vista Del Mar. Just because a previous council thought it would be a good idea doesn’t make it so.
Sincerely
Ron Fanucchi