Housing Element
Public Comments
Public comments received after the 03/03/2022
City Council meeting agenda packet was finalized.
From: Kay Williams
To: Ted Weill; Steve Downs; Richard W. Kite; Iris Smotrich; Charles Townsend Cc: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Housing Element/High Density zoning proposals
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2022 9:38:33 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my understanding that the City Council will meet on March 3, 2022 to consider "Housing Element" high-density parcels in Rancho Mirage. These would be 28+ units per acre.
This email is to put in record that the surrounding property owners did not receive notice, once again, of this meeting or of the prior Planning Commission and Council meetings. As stated before in emails and at meetings, posting in the local newspaper is not open, transparent, and is not seeking public comment.
The current parcels proposed are:
1. The former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park on Peterson Road
2. The Thunder Road area above the Shell station at HWY 111 and Peterson Road
3. The 2 acres adjacent to the Veneto homes and Blue Skies Village trailer park.
Please put in record that my husband and I OPPOSE these locations for such high-density.
Having 28+ more units per acre would negatively affect the surrounding neighborhoods and the City forever. This type of density can only be accomplished with 3 and 4 story buildings.
The Palms and Sands proposed 55 units on 4.5 acres on Mirage Cove was rejected by the City. (12.2 units per acre)
You are aware that there are other parcels in Rancho Mirage that would be more appropriate for ultra-high-density affordable housing mandated by the State of California. These include:
1. HWY 111, 12 acres across from Motel 6
2. Rancho Mirage High School: the adjacent 40 acres
3. Land South of Children's Discovery Museum
4. City Owned 50 acres between the Dog Park and Home Depot Center.
The above parcels are within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and employment.
From research, it appears that there will be massive competition for public and private funds to subsidize affordable housing in California and throughout America. Remember, the current Build Back Better plan focuses on citizens NOT owning anything by 2030 and being happy.
Rancho Mirage should plan for affordable housing that maximizes chances to get public and private funds. The locations at the top of this email are not the locations that would be instrumental in acquiring these funds. These are not appropriate locations for such high density developments.
Thank you for thinking wisely about your decision.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Williams
p.s. The new trash/recycling receptacles along the trails are beautiful. THANK YOU! From: Kathryn Swenson
To: Ted Weill; Steve Downs; Richard W. Kite; Iris Smotrich; Charles Townsend; Kristie Ramos, CMC Subject: Housing Element/HighDensity zoning proposals
Date: Monday, February 28, 2022 4:19:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Madam and Sirs,
I would like to thank all of the members of the Rancho Mirage City Council for your thoughtful discussion and consideration regarding High Density Proposals during the February 3rd Council Meeting. The Parcels under consideration are
1. The former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park on Peterson Road (Directly across from
The Morningside Country Club)
2. The Thunder Road area above the Shell Station at Hwy 111 and Peterson Road (adjacent to Thunderbird Heights)
3. Two acres adjacent to Veneto homes and Blue Skies Village (also in the direct line of sight of the Morningside CC) My Husband and I are both in strong opposition to these locations for such high density. At a minimum, 28 units per acre would necessitate multiple storied structures, and additional units beyond the 28 would require even higher structures.
The unprecedented heights called for in order to satisfy the newly mandated State of California's Affordable Housing demands will not only create a visual blight on the beautiful vistas of Rancho Mirage, but the population density for such condensed acreage will negatively impact this small area in many, many ways.
As I have indicated in previous emails to all of you, none of the property owners surrounding the proposed developments were ever given notice during an entire year of planning. And, while a notice posted in a back page of the local newspaper may fulfill some legal description of "Notification", having the City inform residents of something so consequential, in such an impersonal and non inclusive manner, is confirmation to those of us living in this area that we are all totally disregarded by our own City representatives. Hardly a Democratic process.
We are of the opinion that the designated areas proposed will do nothing to improve the lives of the thousands of people in question. Had residents in our small neighborhoods been informed about these plans before they began we would have happily worked with the City to find much better resolutions. As it stands, there are no walkable grocery stores, schools, job opportunities, recreation areas or affordable restaurants for people of limited means here in this very small neighborhood.
During the meeting on February 3rd, our chosen neighborhood representative, Mike Fontana, offered many plausible alternatives to the proposed plan that would far better serve those living in affordable Housing. He also offered to form a small group of our neighborhood residents to work with City Manager, Isaiah Hagerman.
Unfortunately, Mr. Hagerman very ungraciously declined the offer.
The City Council meets on 3/3/22 to consider "Housing Element" high-density parcels, a minimum of 28 units with the probability of many more units per acre, in the City of Rancho Mirage for the 1,746 housing units mandated by the State. We are hopeful that a better resolution might be arrived upon which would be a more advantageous solution for all concerned.
Respectfully,
Kathryn Swenson
Kathryn and Jack Swenson
38-590 Peterson Road
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
[email protected]
cell: 952-221-7088
From: [email protected]
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: FW: Housing Element
Date: Monday, February 28, 2022 11:02:21 AM
Attachments: image001.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I forgot to include you in this email.
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2022 10:59 AM
To: 'Isaiah Hagerman, CPA' <[email protected]> Cc: 'Iris Smotrich' <[email protected]>; '[email protected]' <[email protected]>; '[email protected]' <[email protected]>; '[email protected]' <[email protected]>; '[email protected]' <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Housing Element
Isaiah:
Thank you for the draft of the alternative motion for the City Council to consider at their March 3
rd meeting.
Staff is recommending that the Council not change the draft housing element and approve the Housing Element as proposed. Many residents are adamantly opposed to this recommendation. We will provide information at the March 3
rd meeting contrary to the staff report so that the
Council can consider the alternative motion.
Regarding the alternative motion, please clarify the provision of “and/or.” Legally, and/or means “either or both.” Is your intent to say remove Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and possibly Thunder Road from the Overlay? Please clarify.
This could get confusing for us and the public, and possibly the Council.
Getting clarification would certainly help shape the commentary at the meeting and the appearance to the public. We are here to work with you and get this resolved.
We hoped that we could meet with staff and discuss this in detail so that we could understand your concerns and you could understand ours. We sincerely wanted to review the alternatives with you and arrive at an acceptable solution. We regret that our requests to meet were denied.
Mike Fontana and the Petersen Ranch Residents
From: Isaiah Hagerman, CPA <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 9:30 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Housing Element
Hi Mike,
Here is the alternative motion, which will be in the staff report:
That the City Council direct staff to remove the Affordability Overlay from the former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park site and/or the Thunder Road area, assign it to Inventory Site A, B, or E, and continue to work with consultants on the preparation and resubmittal for State review.
See you Thursday. Let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Isaiah Hagerman, CPA
City Manager
Phone: 760-324-4511 Ext. 232
E-mail: [email protected]
69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California, 92270
www.RanchoMirageCa.gov
Rancho Mirage City Hall:
Open Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed daily from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Closed to the public on Fridays
ranchomirageca.gov
Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory:
From: Jim Walker
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: I am sharing "Email To Kristie R" with you
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 3:25:16 PM
Attachments: Email To Kristie R.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Email To: [email protected]
Re: Speaking time at 3/3/22 City Council Meeting
I oppose “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 1,500+ cars and 2,500+ car trips per pay do not belong in these neighborhoods.
I would also like to point out that the closest grocery stores are on an average of 4 miles away from these locations and for low income people that’s a lot of gas expense and time every time little Timmy needs baby formula and diapers.
We can do better than this for people that every penny counts.
I give up my speaking time to Mike Fontana and Jack Swenson and their designees.
Jim Walker
70315 Desert Cove Ave
Rancho Mirage CA. 92270
From: Bill Crowe
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Re; speaking at 3/3/22 City meeting
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 2:17:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I oppose “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 1,500+ cars and 2,500+ car trips per pay do not belong in these neighborhoods.
I give up my speaking time to Mike Fontana and Jack Swenson and their designees.
Sent from the all new AOL app for Android
1 Kristie Ramos, CMC
From: Daniel Donohue <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 4:53 PM
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Re: Speaking time at 3/3/22 City Council Meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Ms. Ramos,
I am a full‐time Rancho Mirage resident and resident of the Peterson Ranch neighborhood, directly adjacent to the site of the former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park. I oppose "Housing Element Overlay" on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 1,500+ cars and 2,500+ car trips per day do not belong in these neighborhoods.
I give up my speaking time to Mike Fontana and Jack Swenson and their designees. I do wish City Council meetings were not smack in the middle of the work day so that I could speak myself.
Sincerely,
Daniel Donohue
70305 Desert Cove Ave, Rancho Mirage
From: Denise Roberge
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Overlay on Peterson Road
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 4:17:02 PM
Attachments: Rancho Mirage rezone.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Kristi please pass on my letter
Kristi……..Overlay on Rancho Palms Mobil Home Park
Re: Speaking time at 3/3/22 City Council Meeting
I oppose “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 600+ cars and 1200+ car trips per pay do not belong in these neighborhoods.
You need to do the right thing, in the right place for the right reason place, satisfing the Stater of California is not the right reason to put this density in the these areas this is the wrong thing in the wrong place for the wrong reason.
I oppose “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 600+ cars and 1200+ car trips per pay do not belong in these neighborhoods.
You must consider the citizens living on and off Peterson, we bought our hom es in this area for the quite, low density, why would you make the empty land further down on Peterson single family 1 acre lots and put high density on the top of the street.
Please Please Please do not to this overlay.
From: Jim Lauerman
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Cc: Ted Weill; [email protected]; Charles Townsend; Steve Downs; Richard W. Kite; Marlene Foster; Larry Stahl
Subject: Letter in opposition to high density housing project Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 9:10:35 AM
Attachments: TB Villa letter to City Council.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Jim Lauerman
[email protected]
402-525-9700
1 Kristie Ramos, CMC
From: Joseph Wilson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 7:58 PM
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: CIty Council Meeting 3-2-2022
Attachments: RANCHOMIRAGEAlternative Sites.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Memo:
To the Rancho Mirage City Council
Please see attached letter RE: Alternative Sites for Housing Element I am in agreement with this letter designed by Mike Fontana et al.
I am a full-time resident of Rancho Mirage, CA
Respectfully,
Joseph Wilson
To: Rancho Mirage City Council 3/1/22
Mayor Ted Weill
Steve Downs
Richard Kite
Iris Smotrich
Charles Townsend
From: Mike Fontana
Jack Swenson
Re: Housing Element Overlay
March 3, 2022 Council Meeting
Dear Madam and Sirs,
Most of the residents of Mirage Cove, Peterson Road and Thunder Road neighborhoods adamantly oppose including former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas parcels in the Housing Element Overlay with ultra - high densities (38+ units per acre). We also question why notice was not given to property owners within 500 feet to 1,000 feet? Publishing notice in a newspaper is not open, transparent, nor seeking public comment and participation.
Below is a rational proposal of alternative parcels for the “Overlay.” The parcels would zone land for 3,000 plus low-income housing units.
Alternative Sites:
1. Site A: Land South of Rancho Mirage High School
Include minimum 25 acres of the 40 acres in affordability overlay. 28 X 25 = 700 Units. 40 acres = 1,120.
Benefits: This Site would leverage existing public infrastructure, to wit:
Education night classes, recreation and walking distance for High School aged children.
2. Site B: City owned Land Section 30. Use 35 acres rather than 25 acres in “overlay”. 35 X 28 = 980 Units. Leave 15 acres Public Park. Zone former Rancho Mirage Mobile Home Park “Public Park. Th ese 12 acres replace the 10 acre reduction in Public Park “Site A” plus 2 acres. See “Site D” below.
Benefits: Walking distance to major shopping, restaurants and employment.
Affordable housing residents Low Income/ critical need is employment and jobs…providing opportunities to move up the economic ladder. The 50 acres could be a Master Planned Community with pods of housing for multiple developers and open space.
3. Site C: Section 19. Land East of Bob Hope and North of Dinah Shore Drives. 22 acres zoned for 588 affordable housing units. The 3 parcels comprising 22 acres are not now in Housing Element Overlay. Include these in Housing Element Overlay and yield 616 units.
Planning Areas 4.01-4.03. The Specific Plan states:
“PAs 4.01through 4.03 are designated Residential and will serve as a transition between the mixed-use core and the future residences across Key Largo Avenue in the City of Palm Desert. The higher density residential development would also provide new housing opportunities previously unavailable in the City, attracting residents seeking shorter commutes to jobs, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. A maximum of 588 units could be constructed at densities reaching 28 units per acre in buildings ranging from three to four stories in height. The inclusion of affordable housing is highly encouraged and could increase allowable density to approximately 36 units per acre.”
36 X 22 = 792 units.
4. Site D: Former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park.
12 acres City owned.
Remove from Housing Overlay.
Designate for Public Park. Then there would be a Park near Country Club Drive entrance to Butler-Abrams Trail. The Park would be bounded by Peterson Road and Butler-Abrams Trail for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian use. The B-A Trail is heavily used and prized by Rancho Mirage and other Valley residents.
The Coachella Valley Water District prohibits building within 300’ of the Channel if Channel is not fully lined along a parcel. The Channel is NOT fully lined behind Site D. Therefore, no housing in the rear 3 acres.
5. Site E: Land along Hwy 111 across from Motel 6. The Site (12+ acres) was approved about 2 years ago for a mixed-use development. Commercial fronting Hwy 111, Boutique Hotel and Residential Units in rear of property.
The applicant failed to find an investor to develop the Hotel and Condo Units. Two reasons: The site is not desirable for such use and is not market or financially feasible. Staff states, “would not be prudent to convert the entire property to residential use.” Therefore, zone 4 acres fronting Hwy 111 Commercial and rear 8 acres for Housing Overlay. 8 acres X 28 units per acre =224 low-income units. Staff also states “large volumes of vehicular traffic on Hwy 111 creates reciprocal noise impacts which are appropriate for commercial uses.” By Staff’s analysis, Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential is appropriate for this Site. Again, this Site was approved approximately 2 years ago for Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential. Large volumes of vehicular traffic are not appropriate for a residential street and neighborhood (Peterson Road and Thunder Road).
Benefits: Walking Distance to shopping, restaurants and employment.
6. Site F: Land across from Atrium Center between City Hall and Mirage Cove. That site is Zoned Hotel and Commercial. Appropriate use.
7. Site G: Thunder Road area. Remove from Housing Element Overlay.
Density, traffic, noise, and 4 story buildings would be a blight on neighborhoods and City forever.
8. Site H: This land is already approved for 3 Auto Dealerships across Hwy 111 from Library.
9. Site I: San Jacinto Road. Agree Housing Element Overlay not best use for this land. More Senior Housing would be appropriate.
10. Additional Land to include:
Approximately 100 acres behind Children’s Discovery Museum bounded by Gerald Ford Drive on North and Bob Hope Drive on East. Designate 20 acres in Housing Element Overlay. 20 X 28 yields 224 units.
The above alternatives yield 3,256 units.
Rancho Mirage High School 25 X 28 = 700
Section 30 35 X 28 = 980
Section 19 22 X 36 = 792
“Motel 6” 8 X 28 = 224
“Discovery Museum” 20 X 28 =560
28 units per acre (plus “Bonus Density”) does not belong in low density, residential neighborhoods. The Housing Element is mandated by the State of California so cities have no choice. Zoning must therefore meet State mandates but do so to minimize the negative effects on a City and its’ neighborhoods.
We urge the City Council to remove Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road parcels from this Housing Overlay. There is ample land to meet the State Mandates without these areas.
From: Joseph Wilson
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC; [email protected]
Subject: City Council Meeting Speaker Time 3/3/2022
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 7:51:04 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Memo:
To the City Council of Rancho Mirage; attention [email protected] I have emailed numerous times regarding the Housing Elements off Peterson Road.
I, Joseph Wilson and my household on Desert Cove; WE oppose “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 1,500+ cars and 2,500+ car trips per pay do not belong in these neighborhoods.
I give up my speaking time to Mike Fontana and Jack Swenson and their designees.
Respecfully,
Joseph Wilson
I likewise speak for my household
Taina Allen
Gabrielle Wilson
Noah Allen
Annika Allen
ALL Residents in Rancho Mirage
1 Kristie Ramos, CMC
From: Lljessup <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 9:45 PM
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Peterson/ Mirage Cove Density
Attachments: Alternative Sites.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Subject: Re: Peterson/ Mirage Cove Density
Hello Council!
Again, we are asking you to stand strong on our behalf! vote NO to the overlay (density housing)
vote YES TO ALTERNATIVE SITES!!
Please hear our plea!
Please take action as if you too reside in our neighborhood— relocate the high density chaos to better suited areas!
Thank you for your support
Laura Savannah Sierra & Sydney Jessup
70173 Mirage Cove Drive Rancho Mirage
1 Kristie Ramos, CMC
From: Lljessup <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 9:46 PM
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Peterson/ Mirage Cove Density
Attachments: 2-21-22 Housing Element Letter.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Morning
> Rancho Mirage Council,
>
> I hope all is well and I thank you for your time.
> Please
see the following attached letter in addition to my comments. >
> I stand with all the neighborhood in opposing the high density housing projects being considered in the Mirage Cove/ Peterson area.
> I have written to the Department on numerous occasions expressing my concerns. > Here is a brief recap of some of my issues.
> The amount of traffic that currently cuts through from Hwy 111 at Mirage Cove to Peterson then back to Hwy 111 is utterly ridiculous especially when the cars are far exceeding neighborhood speed limits. I have forewarned the City Dept. that it’s an accident waiting to happen. My late husband tried to petition for a speed bump 18 years ago! It has continued to be an ongoing and increasing danger.
> There is also a parking issue on the streets already! When the existing neighbors host people (and especially the Senior Center hosts guests) they literally line up down the street and block my mailbox. > Where are all the high density housing people and guest to park as well? Seriously? > We simply do not have the room for this massive project in our little corner of Rancho Mirage. Let’s also address the trash issue. How are those massive Burrtec trucks managing through these high density areas? >
> I invite you to sit outside my house and watch the current chaos on the streets in our area. You too will question how it’s possible to squeeze all these people back here without liability. >
> Please, please, please protect the residents of Rancho Mirage. Please utilize the large plots of open land elsewhere that would be better suited for these Rancho Mirage proposed projects. > Please keep Rancho Mirage like Rancho Mirage has been. > Thank you
>
> Laura Jessup
> 70173 Mirage Cove Drive
> Rancho Mirage
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Rancho Mirage City Council: 2/21/22
Mayor Ted Weill
Steve Downs, Richard Kite, Iris Smotrich, Charles Townsend Housing Element/High Density zoning proposals
Dear Madam and Sirs:
The City Council meets on 3/3/22 to consider “Housing Element” high-density parcels, (28 and more units per acre), in Rancho Mirage.
The surrounding property owners did not receive notice of prior Planning Commission and Council meetings, nor the 3/3/22 Council meeting. Posting in newspaper is not open, transparent nor seeking public comment.
The parcels proposed include:
1. Former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park on Peterson Road
2. Thunder Road area above Shell station at Hwy 111 and Peterson Road
3. 2 acres adjacent to Veneto homes and Blue Skies Village I OPPOSE these locations for such high-density. 28 and more units per acre would be a blight on the surrounding neighborhoods and the City forever. That density would require 3 and 4 story buildings. The Palms and Sands proposed 55 units on 4.5 acres, (12.2 units per acre), was rejected by the City.
There are other parcels in Rancho Mirage that would be appropriate for ultra-high- density affordable housing mandated by the State of California. These include:
1. Hwy 111, 12 acres across from Motel 6
2. Rancho Mirage High School adjacent 40 acres increase density to 28 units per acre
3. Land South of Children’s Discovery Museum
4. City Owned 50 acres between Dog Park and Home Depot Center. Use 40 acres for housing and 10 acres for open space.
Benefits of parcels noted as 1,3 and 4 include public transportation, walking distance to shopping, restaurants and employment. The Rancho Mirage High School adjacent land would leverage an existing public investment infrastructure. To wit: Education night classes, recreation and walking distance for high school aged children. The 50 acre Rancho Mirage City owned property is easy walking distance to major shopping, restaurants and employment hub. Affordable housing residents critical need is employment/jobs…Providing opportunities to move up the economic ladder and into better homes. The 50 acres could be a Master Planned Community making Rancho Mirage a leader in enabling affordable housing.
THERE is and will be massive competition for public and private funds to subsidize affordable housing in California and America. Rancho Mirage should plan for affordable housing that maximizes chances to get public and private funds.
From: Lisa McFadden
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Oppose "Housing Element Overlay" - 3/3/22 City Council Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 3:00:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Re: Speaking time at 3/3/22 City Council Meeting
I own seven acres on Kelley Lane and go on record as opposing the “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Four-story buildings, 900+ housing units, 1,500+ cars and 2,500+ car trips per day do not belong in these neighborhoods.
I also give my speaking time to Mike Fontana, Jack Swenson and their designees.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Lisa McFadden
38900 Kelley Lane
Rancho Mirage, CA. 92270
(760) 992-6500
From: Maydel Holdings, LLC
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Housing Element Overlay
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 1:28:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
To: Rancho Mirage City Council 3/1/22 Mayor Ted Weill
Steve Downs
Richard Kite
Iris Smotrich
Charles Townsend
From: Nadia L. Nathan, Homeowner at 70142 Mirage Cove drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Re: Housing Element Overlay
March 3, 2022 Council Meeting
Dear Madam and Sirs,
Most of the residents of Mirage Cove, Peterson Road and Thunder Road neighborhoods adamantly oppose including former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas parcels in the Housing Element Overlay with ultra high densities (38+ units per acre). We also question why notice was not given to property owners within 500 feet to 1,000 feet? Publishing notice in a newspaper is not open, transparent, nor seeking public comment and participation.
Below is a rational proposal of alternative parcels for the “Overlay.” The parcels would zone land for 3,000 plus low-income housing units.
Alternative Sites:
1. Site A: Land South of Rancho Mirage High School
Include minimum 25 acres of the 40 acres in affordability overlay. 28 X 25 = 700 Units. 40 acres = 1,120.
Benefits: This Site would leverage existing public infrastructure, to wit: Education night classes, recreation and walking distance for High School aged children.
2. Site B: City owned Land Section 30. Use 35 acres rather than 25 acres in “overlay”. 35 X 28 = 980 Units. Leave 15 acres Public Park.
Zone former
Rancho Mirage Mobile Home Park “Public Park. These 12 acres replace the 10 acre reduction in Public Park “Site A” plus 2 acres. See “Site D” below. Benefits: Walking distance to major shopping, restaurants and employment. Affordable housing residents Low Income/ critical need is employment and jobs…providing opportunities to move up the economic ladder. The 50 acres could be a Master Planned Community with pods of housing for multiple developers and open space.
3. Site C: Section 19. Land East of Bob Hope and North of Dinah Shore Drives. 22 acres zoned for 588 affordable housing units. The 3 parcels comprising 22 acres are not now in Housing Element Overlay. Include these in Housing Element Overlay and yield 616 units.
Planning Areas 4.01-4.03. The Specific Plan states:
“PAs 4.01through 4.03 are designated Residential and will serve as a transition between the mixed-use core and the future residences across Key Largo Avenue in the City of Palm Desert. The higher density residential development would also provide new housing opportunities previously unavailable in the City, attracting residents seeking shorter commutes to jobs, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. A maximum of 588 units could be constructed at densities reaching 28 units per acre in buildings ranging from three to four stories in height.
The inclusion of affordable housing is highly encouraged and could increase allowable density to approximately 36 units per acre.” 36 X 22 = 792 units.
4. Site D: Former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park.
12 acres City owned.
Remove from Housing Overlay.
Designate for Public Park. Then there would be a Park near Country Club Drive entrance to Butler-Abrams Trail. The Park would be bounded by Peterson Road and Butler-Abrams Trail for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian use. The B-A Trail is heavily used and prized by Rancho Mirage and other Valley residents.
The Coachella Valley Water District prohibits building within 300’ of the Channel if Channel is not fully lined along a parcel. The Channel is NOT fully lined behind Site D. Therefore, no housing in the rear 3 acres.
5. Site E: Land along Hwy 111 across from Motel 6. The Site (12+ acres) was approved about 2 years ago for a mixed-use development.
Commercial fronting Hwy 111, Boutique Hotel and Residential Units in rear of property. The applicant failed to find an investor to develop the Hotel and Condo Units. Two reasons: The site is not desirable for such use and is not market or financially feasible. Staff states, “would not be prudent to convert the entire property to residential use.” Therefore, zone 4 acres fronting Hwy 111 Commercial and rear 8 acres for Housing Overlay. 8 acres X 28 units per acre =224 low-income units. Staff also states “large volumes of vehicular traffic on Hwy 111 creates reciprocal noise impacts which are appropriate for commercial uses.” By Staff’s analysis, Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential is appropriate for this Site. Again, this Site was approved approximately 2 years ago for Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential. Large volumes of vehicular traffic are not appropriate for a residential street and neighborhood (Peterson Road and Thunder Road). Benefits: Walking Distance to shopping, restaurants and employment.
6. Site F: Land across from Atrium Center between City Hall and Mirage Cove. That site is Zoned Hotel and Commercial. Appropriate use.
7. Site G: Thunder Road area. Remove from Housing Element Overlay. Density, traffic, noise, and 4 story buildings would be a blight on neighborhoods and City forever.
8. Site H: This land is already approved for 3 Auto Dealerships across Hwy 111 from Library.
9. Site I: San Jacinto Road. Agree Housing Element Overlay not best use for this land. More Senior Housing would be appropriate.
10.Additional Land to include:
Approximately 100 acres behind Children’s Discovery Museum bounded by Gerald Ford Drive on North and Bob Hope Drive on East.
Designate 20 acres in Housing Element Overlay. 20 X 28 yields 224 units.
The above alternatives yield 3,256 units.
Rancho Mirage High School 25 X 28 = 700
Section 30 35 X 28 = 980
Section 19 22 X 36 = 792
“Motel 6” 8 X 28 = 224
“Discovery Museum” 20 X 28 =560
28 units per acre (plus “Bonus Density”) does not belong in low density, residential neighborhoods. The Housing Element is mandated by the State of California so cities have no choice. Zoning must therefore meet State mandates but do so to minimize the negative effects on a City and its’ neighborhoods.
We urge the City Council to remove Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road parcels from this Housing Overlay. There is ample land to meet the State Mandates without these areas.
--
Maydel Holdings, LLC
72877 Dinah Shore #103
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 582-5600 (c)
(310) 306-7799 (f)
1 Kristie Ramos, CMC
From: Maydel Holdings, LLC <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 12:32 PM
To: Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject: Re: Speaking time at 3/3/22 City Council Meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside The City of Rancho Mirage. DO NOT CLICK links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello, I am the homeowner at 70142 Mirage Cove Drive
I oppose “Housing Element Overlay” on former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park and Thunder Road areas. Adding four story buildings, 900+ housing units, 1,500+ cars and 2,500+ car trips per pay do not belong in these neighborhoods.
I give up my speaking time to Mike Fontana and Jack Swenson and their designees.
Thanks!
Nadia L. Nathan
‐‐
Maydel Holdings, LLC
72877 Dinah Shore #103
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 582-5600 (c)
(310) 306-7799 (f)