You Can Help!

PLEASE ATTEND A CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT APPEAL HEARING AT THE
SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008.

What it's about: The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation has filed an appeal of the City Planning Commission's approval of a building project that proposes to demolish a small building, remove many trees, excavate the site, and construct a new mixed use commercial and residential condominium building at 800 Santa Barbara Street, at the Northeast corner of Santa Barbara and De la Guerra Streets. The appeal seeks City Council denial of the requested Tentative Subdivision Map and Development Plan.

When: September 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Where: Santa Barbara City Council Chambers (735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA)

Key Points: The project does not conform to City policies. The size, bulk and scale of the proposed project are not compatible with existing surrounding developments and its setting within the El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District. The minimal setbacks of the two-story elements and the three-story element completely change the character of the existing streetscape. Public views would be adversely affected.

If City Council votes to take action other than to deny the project, then the SBTHP asks that a full environmental impact report (EIR) be prepared according to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A "categorical exemption" is not appropriate for this particularly sensitive location and proposed project. Reasons for requiring a full EIR include the following:

• The potential for adverse effects on cultural resources, including historic structures and sites, the loss of public views, possible noise and air pollution, and the lack of vehicle parking spaces.
  
  
• A more thorough archaeological investigation of the project site should be required, minimally a Phase II archaeological study. This project undertaking may result in serious damage to valuable historical resources adjacent to El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
  
  
• There are traffic safety concerns at the intersection of Santa Barbara and De la Guerra Streets. For instance, the proposed extension of the curb and parkway strip further into the intersection will impede the view of oncoming traffic in the Anacapa School passenger drop-off area.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU CONTACT THE CITY COUNCIL AND COME TO THE HEARING TO SUPPORT THE PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD.