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Name:
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE PLANNIA/~c1eman1e
COMM ISSION APPLICATION MAY 1 l2023 ·
M. Steven Camp CllyCJerft Deparmnt
How long have you lived in San Clemente?
26 years
3. What is your occupation?
Architect/ business owner
4. Please explain why you would like to serve on the Planning Commission.
My wife Angela and I have enjoyed the privilege of living in the community of San Clemente while raising our family and growing my business for many years now. At 62 years of age, I have reached a sort of sweet spot in my career having had an opportunity to make a positive impact on the built environment of many cities. My career has also afforded me the opportunity to mentor a myriad of young professionals who are now thriving in the industry. At this stage of my life, I would like to give back to the community that has given (and continues to) give us so much joy.
5. Please explain how your background and experience wou ld contribute to the Planning Commission.
To me, the business of architecture has never been about designing and getting buildings built. It has been about shaping our communities in a way that creates joy and opportunities for it's inhabitants and visitors. While running a business, we have purposely maintained a small enough fim1 to allow me to be personally involved in projects.
As a result, I have presented hundreds of projects to Planning Commissions and City Councils through the years.
This background has informed me that functional and beautiful architecture should be the ingredients of good commrnunities and that development is truly a team effort. This team is made up of design and construction professionals serving their clients while working together with the local community jurisdictions to arrive at the best possible solution. This experience gives me insight into the process that will prove to be beneficial to both the city and the developers of projects.
6. What is your educational background?
High School/Colleges Attended Major Field of Study Degree? Troy High school - Graduated 1976
Fullerton Community College - Graduated 1979 Architecture Assoc. of Architecture
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Graduated 1984 Architecture 5 year Bachelor of Architecture
California Architecture License - 1987
7. In your opinion, what are the three top qualities of San Clemente that should remain unchanged for future generations?
There exists a wonderful charm and sense of community in San Clemente ,.--,-_____ 7:"""--::-:---:-:-:c:---------::,-:---:--:--------------------- -- that permeates all of the different areas of the city.
There is a strong connection between the beach and the community which is missing in many beach towns.
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San Clemente has a wonderful downtown on Del Mar.
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8. In your opinion, what are three characteristics of San Clemente that are most in need of correction? Del Mar is very important to the identity of San Clemente, but is too narrow in scope
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1._--:---:-~----:---:--------------------------------- and needs o be expanded The other regions of San Clemente (primarily Talega and North San Clemente) feel dis-jointed from Southwest.
2.--=,----,--......,...----.,.,.....,......,...----,- --,,----------------------- There needs to be a stronger link between the various areas.
The beach trail is very popular with residents and brings visitors from outside the community.
3. -;-;----,---o;-;--;-:----;--:--;----:-:-;:--7-:-:---:-:,-,--,---,-;------;-:---...,....,-,---,,---;--...,.,,-.,.,.-~-,---------- Howevcr, where possible, it needs lo be utilized to safely connect the adjacent neighborhoods with the beach.
Please explain any experience that you have had in community, governmental, charitable or educational affairs.
I mentioned my experience working with cities as an architect. We have completed many institutional projects through the years which involved working closely with large committees and affected neighborhoods directing the effort in a way that ensured a positive outcome. My wife and I have been active members of our church in a leadership role, mentoring young couples. I served as chairperson of the Architectural control committee at Seapointe Estates during the years of 1996 - 2002. Nearly a quarter of the homes were built during that period, and we worked very hard to ensure value in the community through quality development.
Please describe your idea l vision for San Clemente's future (as it pertains to growth and development). 'Growth is inevitable and good for a city, but it must be scrutinized for how it affects the community as a whole. For example, development in Talega will have a ripple affect through Southwest and North San Clemente and must be carefully evaluated for how it functions to create a reasonable balance so that all areas of the city will benefit. I also believe that San Clemente can help set a standard for other cities in South County. To do that, we must look at planned development around the area to see how proposed development in San Clemente can complement approved projects elsewhere.
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14. The Planning Commission meets on the Wednesday following the City Council's Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. Please explain any challenges, if any, you may have in meeting this commitment.
As a business owner, I have a flexible schedule which will afford me the time to attend and to do the necessary research to be prepared. We do travel from time to time, but typically for less than a week at a time, so I don't see this as a problem.
If you could influence the City of San Clemente in just one way, what would that be? Bringing the residents of San Clemente together in a way that facilitates "good" growth. I understand that our role as planning commissioners is to facilitate good growth - not stop development. The planning staff is paid to scrutinize the details of a given project, and though I think it is important to understand that process, we must look at the big picture while allowing property owners to build out their properties according to zoning regulations.
Do you have any experience with historic preservation or architectural history? If so, please explain:
As a degreed architect, I had a full year of architectural history, and came to be quite interested in it. For this reason, my wife and I have traveled throughout the world with the specific goal of visiting historic sites to view examples of not just buildings, but places for people that are successful in creating an identity for their communities and promoting public use.
As a firm we specialize in adaptive re-use. It is much more satisfying for me to take a poorly designed property and help turn it into a beautiful and functional space that enhances the community than to create something from scratch.
You can view many examples on our website - www.elementsarch.com.
Please use the space below to explain any other factors about yourself that you would like for the Councilmembers to consider as they review your application.
Over the last fifteen years, our firm has become very selective about doing work for speculative developers. When we started the firm in 1990, we were sustained by developer work, but came to realize that many of the larger companies were not concerned with the communities in which they built. This is certainly not true in all cases, and some developers understand that you can realize a profit while creating quality developments that are a benefit to the city.
My goal will be to work with my fellow commissioners to evaluate projects and see that this kind of balance is achieved.