Correspondence
From: Nancy Andrews
To: Planning
Subject: Opposes to the development at K Ave. and Ben Maddox Date: Monday, January 2, 2023 11:45:28 AM
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I am writing to voice my opposition to the project for the following reasons. * There is no other 3 story multi-family structure on such a large scale anywhere else in Visalia that is surrounded by single
family homes. I don't feel you would attempt this project on the southwest side of town because you'd get too much flak from
existing taxpayers but we are taxpayers too.
* Way to densely populated for the area. Propose 292 apartments on 10.8 acres times 3 people per apt. equals 876 people.
Currently the same 10.8 acres space has 46 single family homes times 4 people per apt. equals184 people. You have put an
additional 682 people in the same space.
* Affordable housing that is government subsidized equals low-income housing. Let's call it what it is.
* That many more people (692) packed into the same 10.8 acres with low income means more cars, more animals, more CRIME
* High impact on Annie Mitchel School
P.S. It looks like you are trying to move Ambler down the street. The north side will follow.
Concerned taxpayers,
Richard and Nancy Andrews
From: Brandon Smith
To: kris wassermann
Cc: Paul Bernal; Leslie Caviglia; Michelle Nicholson
Bcc: Chris Hawke
Subject: RE: Email from Website
Date: Thursday, January 5, 2023 2:53:00 PM
Good afternoon Kris,
The City of Visalia can answer Questions #2, 6, 10, and 11 based on the application and project materials that have been provided to us from the applicant. These answers are in black bold font.
For the balance of the questions that pertain closer to the property management side of the project, we have asked the project applicant to respond to the questions as they are the more appropriate party to address these questions. These answers are in red bold font.
In addition, please note that all new multi-family residential developments are subject to a set of “model good neighbor policies” that address many of your maintenance questions below. Policies are included as a recommended condition of approval, and can be enforced upon the property owner through the City’s Code Enforcement Division.
Following are responses to your questions:
1. I would like to know how this property will be managed and by whom? Will the management company be local or out of the area? Will the Town of Visalia have any oversight powers of compliance should the management be less than satisfactory? Who do neighbors go to if there are problems? I was told during the meeting at Annie Mitchell School that there would be three sets of managers for the complex and is this still the case? ConAm management will be the onsite manager and will have at least three full time managers and likely as many maintenance managers. If there is an issue we would welcome them to reach out to the management company or owners to resolve, the Town is also welcome to reach out to find resolution because we want to be good neighbors.
2. Will the developers be erecting a large 6 foot wall to run around the perimeter of the complex to prevent people jumping over into backyards and throwing garbage over? The applicants will be utilizing the existing 6’ block wall separating properties on Mesa Court and the subject site. No new wall will be installed. The existing wall meets the City standards wherein a screening block wall or wood fence not less than six feet in height is maintained along property lines except along the street frontages.
3. Will the access to the complex be subject to gate coded entry to prevent unwanted thieves, vandals, or general riff-raff? This project will not be gated but our onsite managers will be available to address any problems and if necessary report to the police immediately. Also see response to Q.4 below.
4. Will there be multiple security cameras around the complex and recorded monitoring that can be retrieved if needed? We will have cameras throughout the property, which are recorded and in some circumstances if local police would like we give them access to the monitoring 24/7.
5. Will there be multiple security lights or motion sensored lights on the property? The property will be well lit, and we do not typically put in motion sensored lights. If there is a Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
concern we can certainly add if needed, but have never needed them on a project.
6. How many garbage dumpsters will be provided to service these residents, and how often will garbage pick-up occur? I know from experience that dumpsters fill up quickly because people do not collapse cardboard boxes when they can, and over time wet garbage begins to smell and attract rodents, ants, and cockroaches. The site plan shows that 11 City standard double enclosures (for solid waste and recyclable bins) throughout the site. A few number of single enclosures for green/organic waste are also provided. All enclosures will be constructed to City standards which require a block wall enclosure and gates surrounding the enclosure. The City provides weekly pick-up service.
7. Will there be a pest control service employed at owner expense to service the facility or will pest control be left to the individual residents? The property will pay for all pest control on the property and in the units as needed.
8. How will unsightly grafitti and undrivable vehicles be handled. Each property management lease has provisions that addresses graffiti and inoperable vehicles. The property management company has protocols regarding cleaning graffiti as soon as possible and addressing inoperable vehicles in a timely manner.
9. How often will the management company visit and inspect the property so as to direct the resident managers in needed clean-up. There will be on-site management and maintenance full time at the property, as well as a regional manager to oversee the staff.
10. Who will be responsible for the landscaping maintenance? Will the proposed trees and plantings be replaced if they die? Landscaping maintenance is provided through the property owner and their management services team. This would include the maintenance and pruning of street trees along K and Ben Maddox. These trees are required to be maintained and replaced if they die, based on the recommended conditions of approval.
11. Will there be a sprinkler system for the landscaping? All landscaping is required to have an irrigation system. Furthermore, the landscaping and irrigation is required to meet the State guidelines included in the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Thank you for your inquiry.
Brandon Smith, AICP | Principal Planner
City of Visalia Community Development Department
Phone: (559) 713-4636
Email: [email protected]
www.visalia.city/depts/community_development/planning
From: kris wassermann <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2023 12:39 PM
To: Council Members <[email protected]>; Planning <[email protected]> Subject: Email from Website
I am sending this email regarding the proposed building project at the southwest corner of Ben Maddox Way and K Avenue. I own a home at 1210 E. Mesa Court which places the proposed project directly behind my backyard. I have gathered a list of questions and concerns regarding not so much the project itself but the management of said project once it is built and begins to be occupied. I remember only too well the apartments on Walnut Avenue which came to be known as “sin city” and although I’m hopeful this development will not devolve into that type of situation, my concerns are valid. I own a property management company that specializes in self storage facilities so my questions are directed towards maintenance and upkeep.
1. I would like to know how this property will be managed and by whom? Will the management company be local or out of the area? Will the Town of Visalia have any oversight powers of compliance should the management be less than satisfactory? Who do neighbors go to if there are problems? I was told during the meeting at Annie Mitchell School that there would be three sets of managers for the complex and is this still the case?
2. Will the developers be erecting a large 6 foot wall to run around the perimeter of the complex to prevent people jumping over into backyards and throwing garbage over?
3. Will the access to the complex be subject to gate coded entry to prevent unwanted thieves, vandals, or general riff-raff?
4. Will there be multiple security cameras around the complex and recorded monitoring that can be retrieved if needed?
5. Will there be multiple security lights or motion sensored lights on the property?
6. How many garbage dumpsters will be provided to service these residents, and how often will garbage pick-up occur? I know from experience that dumpsters fill up quickly because people do not collapse cardboard boxes when they can, and over time wet garbage begins to smell and attract rodents, ants, and cockroaches.
7. Will there be a pest control service employed at owner expense to service the facility or will pest control be left to the individual residents?
8. How will unsightly grafitti and undrivable vehicles be handled.
9. How often will the management company visit and inspect the property so as to direct the resident managers in needed clean-up.
10. Who will be responsible for the landscaping maintenance? Will the proposed trees and plantings be replaced if they die?
11. Will there be a sprinkler system for the landscaping?
I believe that these are questions that we as adjacent homeowners need to have answered because we are the ones who will be living with this project literally in our backyard. As a person very familiar with property management I know the importance of strong management and the need to keep the project well maintained. I also hope that the rental application process will include background checks as well as credit checks. The maintenance of high standards is the best way to insure that the facility attracts a responsible caliber of tenant who will care about where they live.
Submitted respectfully by Kris Wassermann, 1210 E. Mesa Ct., Visalia (530)592-5111
Sent from Mail
for Windows
From: jed.frazin
To: Planning
Subject: Conditional Use Permit No. 2022-23 for property at Ben Maddox and K Street Date: Thursday, January 5, 2023 3:02:49 PM
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My name is Judith E Drake. I am writing on behalf on myself and my husband, Lewis R Frazin, at 1608 E Beech Drive, Visalia, CA 93292
We are vehemently opposed to the building of the proposed 292 unit apartment complex at the corner of Ben Maddox and K Street (APN 126-750-050, 051).
It appears this will be low income housing which will negatively affect the value of homes in the surrounding neighborhoods. Increased traffic will also negatively impact our neighborhood. We may also see an increase in crime.
We also vehemently oppose the effort by Federal, State and local governments to turn us into a third world country, state, city and neighborhood, by forcing those of us who worked hard all our lives and now enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, in a nice neighborhood, to live in close proximity to those who haven't.
We respectfully ask the Council to vote against this proposal.
Thank you.
Judith E Drake and Lewis R Frazin
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
From: Ben Simpson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 2:34 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Conditional Use Permit 2022-23 affordable apartments K/Ben Maddox
To Whom it may concern
My wife and I currently reside in the neighborhood just south of K road on Ben Maddox.
We currently feel that will place a large influx of students to Annie R Mitchelle school. This will only increase the already disproportionate ratio of student-to-teacher. I feel this will add significant stress and tension to the school. Also 292 apt complex will add a significant amount of traffic to the area vs single family housing. Please take this into consideration before building
Thank you Benjamin Simpson
From: Steven Santellan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 1:28 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Apartment complex Ben Maddox and K
I am writing to voice my concern for the development of low income housing on Ben Maddox and K. The neighborhood is barely starting to come together, the surrounding neighborhoods are great for families. The school is already over crowded , this will be a huge mistake. K road has always been run down. This is not fair to the people who have bought housing in the area. This is a big NO for me
From: Nina Pitman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 5:29 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Never received notice of this hearing
Found on social media!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 9, 2023, at 5:26 PM, Nina Pitman <[email protected] > wrote:
>
> Just found out about this today. What are the rules of notification? No one in my neighborhood was notified about n order to make plans to attend this meeting. > Nathena Pitman
> 1737 E Monte verde
> Visalia Ca 93292
From: Chris Wessel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 6:03 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Notice of Public Hearing…
Hello,
My name is Chris Wessel and I recently became aware of the low cost housing on the corner of Ben Maddox and K Road. I never received a notice for a public hearing. I strongly disagreed with the decision to place low cost housing within this single family home community.
Chris Wessel
From: Felipe Miranda <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 6:07 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: No notifications Urgent
I received no notification of this meeting. I would like time to think about this topic, i found on social media today please pospone voting.
1837 E Monte verde visalia Ca 93292
From: Barbara Martin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 6:07 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Development at Ben Maddox and K Road
To Whom It May Concern,
I live less than 3/10 of a mile from this proposed complex and was not given any notice about the building, I also was not notified of the planning commission meeting being help tonight. I am opposed to this lack of notice given. I would like to know what the requirements are for giving notice. I am opposed to anything that large being built and for what purposes being built with out notice to find out more details about it.
Barbara Martin
559-827-3215
From: Maya <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2023 11:04 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Conditional Use Permit No. 2022-23 - 292-unit deed restricted affordability apartment complex
Good morning,
I'm emailing to express my very strong opposition regarding the plans to build a 292-unit deed restricted affordability apartment complex on the southwest corner of Ben Maddox and K Avenue.
These types of projects, very often bring crime & drugs with them. They turn nice areas into bad ones.
There are quite a few new homes in this area. This will also bring property value down.
I absolutely do NOT want this built near my home. We purposely purchased a home in SW Visalia to stay away from this type of thing.
I currently live in the Chelsea West subdivision and this would be very close to my home. I use K Road daily to get to work.
Sincerely,
Maria Rios
559-303-8392
From: MICHÆL <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 8:48 AM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Possible Apartment Complex on Ben Maddox & K
Good morning,
My name is Michael Smith and I've been a resident of Visalia since 2009. I moved here to find a town that was good to raise my family in. I had a very specific set of things I was looking for. Three bedrooms, large backyard, quiet neighborhood, cul de sac, friendly neighbors and preferably edge of town. I looked for a few years and finally found my home.
It fit quite perfectly and over the past 10 years, has been the best decision of my life.
This is why I'm extremely against having an apartment complex built in, literally, my backyard. Here's a list of my reasons:
1.) Traffic. With 292 units, that's a MINIMUM of 300 vehicles. Ben Maddox already has a traffic issue and has even installed a stop sign to help but still we have accidents, speeding and clogged streets. Monte Verde even has more traffic and speeding as well.
2.) Crime. Let's be real, with more people comes more crime. It's not just the 292 units of people but also the people they bring around. The neighborhood was promised Monte Verde wouldn't be opened up to K when development started, but look what happened. it opened. Now, Burke park is the spot to be if you want some drugs. Our neighborhood needs homes that people respect and take pride in and not some apartment they don't have to worry about being in forever.
3.) Noise. I lived in an apartment complex. I first handedly know that this is true. I moved into Ashley Square off of Riggen and County Center when it was still new. The few years I lived here, I watched it transform. From a quiet, friendly neighborhood to a party central full of noise til early hours of morning and people wandering the streets. Eventually, it started to happen all throughout the week.
4.) Location. This is a large, quiet, secluded neighborhood. This property needs to be used for that same. Apartments have no place here and should be located closer to town, shopping and larger streets.
Please PLEASE consider all of your citizens that live in this area. And how itll affect them and the homes they own and live in with their families. There is plenty of property that'd be more suitable for this type of venture. Thank you for your time and understanding.