From:Ron Reilly
To:City Council
Subject:Support for Pismo Gateway
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 8:59:00 AM
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External Email
Dear Honorable Mayor Waage and Esteemed Members of the City Council, We are writing as the owners of Garing, Taylor & Associates, Inc., a civil engineering and land surveying firm that has proudly served the Central Coast for over 60 years. As the civil engineers for the Pismo Gateway Project—and as local employers with deep roots in this community—we strongly urge you to deny both appeals and uphold the Planning Commission’s June 10 approval of this important project.
Addressing the Appeals
We have carefully reviewed the issues raised in the two submitted appeals and would like to offer the following observations:
Setbacks and Design Compliance: The appeal related to setbacks has been thoroughly addressed. Updated plans clarify that all setbacks comply with the City’s zoning standards and density bonus allowances. The balconies and building locations conform to the required dimensions per plan sheet T15.
Parking and Traffic Concerns: The project includes a complete transportation impact analysis prepared by a licensed traffic engineer, reviewed and accepted by the City’s Public Works Department. The developer is voluntarily adding 21 new public parking spaces, along with a $27,000 in-lieu contribution—a proactive public benefit well beyond the requirements of SB 330.
Story Poles and Visual Analysis: While story poles are not required under the City's Local Coastal Program, the project provided detailed visual renderings and simulations to meet all applicable view corridor and scenic impact regulations. These materials were available for public review ahead of the June 10 hearing.
Claims of “Common Sense” Safety Flags: We respect concerns about circulation and pedestrian safety. However, the project’s street improvements, pedestrian access, and traffic study-driven Bay Street one-way conversion all reflect a coordinated, data-driven approach—not a rushed approval. There is no basis for halting the project under vague claims of “red flags” unsupported by evidence.
Why This Project Matters
As local employers, we know firsthand how housing scarcity in our region disrupts lives and weakens businesses. We have seen valued staff, colleagues, and even family members forced to leave due to rising costs and limited options. Our region cannot thrive unless its housing supply meets the needs of the people who work, serve, and build this community.
The Gateway Project offers 39 new homes, including five deed-restricted affordable units, designed with character and intent. With its California coastal design, community-facing plaza, ground-floor commercial space, and walkability, this is exactly the kind of thoughtful infill development that honors both the city’s heritage and its future.
We are proud to support this project—not only as its engineers but as business owners committed to the future of Pismo Beach and the Central Coast. Please stand by the Planning Commission’s well-considered decision and deny these appeals in full.
Sincerely,
Ron Reilly & Perry McBeth
Owners, Garing, Taylor & Associates, Inc.
Arroyo Grande, CA
Ron Reilly, PE, QSD
President
805-489-1321
805-458-5230
[email protected]
www.garingtaylor.com
141 S Elm St, Arroyo Grande 93420