DEIR comment follow-up
San Pedro Creek and the steelhead that spawn in that creek are
important consideration to members of the Planning Commission and to
local environmentalist who attended the 6/20/11 meeting. Other
San Pedro Creek issues included cliff erosion and pollution, wetlands delineation and mitigation, set-back from the
creek, visual characteristics to and from neighborhood properties,
traffic, noise, pollutants in building the project, room/bathroom circulation design, and
adequacy of the report itself. From the City of Pacifica website regarding, the Steelhead trout. "Steelhead come up San Pedro Creek to spawn between December and March. Like salmon, they unerringly return from the ocean to the stream of their birth to mate. They're handsome fish, large and gunmetal gray, with a silvery stripe on the side and a white underbelly. Upon arriving, the female digs nests in the clean gravel by turning on her side and swimming rapidly. Once the eggs are deposited and fertilized, the parents return to the ocean.
In approximately fifty days, the
eggs hatch. The fry wriggle their way to the surface where
they hide among the overhanging plants and school up for
safety. Once they attain six inches or so, they're ready to
try the open sea. In the summer, you may see a few hardy souls
heading downstream toward San Pedro Beach. A small number of
steelhead never leave their streamside home. These stay quite
small and resemble rainbow trout with red side strips and
numerous black spots.
San Pedro Creek is one of the few remaining steelhead streams in San Mateo County. Elsewhere, the habitat for this fish has been destroyed by urbanization, flood control and silt from logging. Pacifica's trout population is severely depleted and was nearly wiped out a few years ago when a chlorine spill, probably from an emptying swimming pool, poisoned the stream and killed thousands of fish."
Individuals in attendance
associated with the Chamber of Commerce and others spoke in favor of the
project, whereas the local environmentalists well you know.
Posted by Kathy Meeh
94 comments:
Yeah, we do know. Most people call themselves environmentalists, except they rarely do things to help the environment.
The proposed site is adjacent to the North Fork of San Pedro creek, which is completely undergrounded upstream from Park Mall. Unfortunately the only steelhead that would go there are lost. I'm not sure how the project in question could make it any worse.
That being said, there are some things that could be done to make the North fork less hazardous to the steelhead.
The high water flows that result from all the impervious surfaces make the creek downstream hazardous. One idea that has been discussed is to make a pond behind the Sanchez library to capture some of the excess water during storm events.
Perhaps this is a good time to reconsider that idea as a way to mitigate any negative impact from the Assisted Living Center.
Ian Butler, as usual, brings a calm, clear viewpoint to any discussion. His frequently unorthodox suggestions indicate a willingness to seek solutions that are not constrained by rigid, preordained political dogma.
This commentary is refreshing, informative, and solution based. In doing a quick search its clear that a lot of expensive work has been done to maintain San Pedro Creek watershed and control flooding. And for those of us not that aware of the extensive watershed areas San Pedro Creek Watershed Coalition provides view (scroll down the link).
Ian, you may want to add your comments to the Planning Commission DEIR for this project, (public comments are accepted until 7/1/11).
I had no idea how huge this project was until I read the paper this morning. I think one of the smaller alternatives is more than enough for a first step. Having said that it does look attractive and would be even more so if made smaller, IMHO.
Todd..Why smaller? It is 96 accomodations in three separate buildings. The plan has met the building requirements and the EIR was most through. The mitigation for the steelhead was well thought out. Many of the people who came to meeting on Monday night were definite NIMBYS. These same folks probably use the land to walk their dogs. Most of the traffic going in and out of the facility will be at off commute and school times. Let's give this City another home town choice.
Because it's out of character with the neighborhood Chris. This is not a stand alone project out in the middle of some unoccupied area, it's in the middle of a neighborhood of single story single family homes. A smaller two story project as identified in the EIR is much more appropriate for the site and the surrounding area.
The applicant can say a smaller alternative is not financially feasible but that is not something the PC can consider in it's deliberations so that issue doesn't count.
The biological considerations are weak, the resident access/public safety issues are also weak, both of which are greatly impacted by the lot filling size of the project.
As far as the EIR being adequate that as yet has no been determined by the PC or council. This looks like one of those EIR's that can successfully be challenged in court if the council does ratify it because of what is not in the document, not because of what is in the document.
A scaled back project will be safer, more suitable to the neighborhood it's in and have reasonable mitigate-able impacts on the biologicals all of which it now lacks... IMHO.
Other than that I like the facade design and think a smaller version of the project would be quite nice.
Todd..When people are building different types of construction, cost has to come into play. This complex is being designed to fill a required need for our aging population in this town. The EIR said the access issues were good enough for a fire truck and again the traffic will be at off peak hours. Just because their will be older people living in the facitity does not mean ambulances will be there continually. This somehow fits in the "profiling" senario. I dispute that it is in the middle of a neighborhood but on farm ground near a shopping center with open space right across the street. Why must we always think of things in "court" terms? Everyone present their side and the one that carries the most valid points wins and the rest of us live with it and move on to the next project.
Todd, you are simply repeating the same reflexive objections that local NIMBYs always use to block development.
Chris, the PC can not deliberate the financial situation of a project, that is a rule. I understand our difference of opinion and have no problem with that or you. :)
Steve, I'm not repeating anything, merely answering Chris' question to me directly.
The odd thing is that the NIMBYs typically present themselves as friends of the environment, but they mostly live happily spread out in their Linda Mar ranchers. The fact is that denser housing is better for the environment for countless reasons. This contradiction is why Pacifica NIMBYs are hypocrites and should never present themselves as environmentalists.
Making a project unprofitable by down-sizing and requiring endless so-called "mitigations" is basic Planning Commission Methodology in Pacifica. And it's done while loudly and repeatedly declaring support for "the idea" or saying "it's a noble project". This is a good spot for another senior facility with 2 other large ones very close by. Perfect location. No single project is going to finance this town but this one would bring a lot of people to visit their loved ones, take them shopping, out to eat, to get their hair done, etc. And let's not overlook the jobs this would create, construction and local longterm. I think economist Paul Krugman has it right...real recovery is about jobs. Not frogs, snakes, fish, nimbys or silly planning commissions...let's create jobs.
any idea people how much it would cost to stay in this proposed place? as someone that wishes they could afford long term care for one of their parents, this place will probably cost about $5000 per month, something that most pacificans will not be able to afford anyway - what b.s. to imply that we need this to be able to take care of our elderly...
What b.s. to assume that just because this project doesn't work for you personally that it
isn't good for others or this community. I think most of the residents would come from surrounding cities(that's typical with such facilities) but there would be a fair number from Pacifica. And really for your own good get more info on how you/your family might finance this type of care for a parent.
Thinking very optimistically, defiantly so, would Pete have to recuse himself from a vote on this project because of family living very close to site? How's that work? Beyond the close proximity issue there would seem to be a conflict and issues of fairness and ethics involved (his sister is already on record as opposed). I know they'll try to drag this out til after 2012 elections (makes a great campaign issue for challengers) but just wondering.
There are 2 other senior housing units across from the shopping center. While I am for development, I'd rather this site be used for work force housing which I think is more of a need than assisted living. I hear the paramedic/ambulances 2 to 3 times a day, so yes, noise is an issue. Just my two cents.
Anonymous 4:56pm, please explain what kind of paramedic/ambulance noises you are hearing and approximately how close are you to this site?
Why do you think more "work housing" in that location would be better? What is "work housing", apartments, regular housing or what?
Of course, you understand the private owner/developer has a DEIR and a plan proposal in place currently. Research has been done, plans drafted, money spent.
Nah, I don't think so. I live very close to the proposed site, work at home and I sure don't hear EMT or ambulance sirens 2 or 3 times a day. Not even every day. Pure exageration. True, we could use more apartments/townhomes for the growing number of people who do not want or cannot buy homes but maybe we'll see those up on Oddstad at the old school. Plenty of room and real need for both projects. Could we be so lucky as to have both happen?
Not all sirens are ambulances and really that is so lame. Just another NIMBY.
Can some one send an ambulance to my house. I have fallin and cant get up. Too much drinkin and dancin. Time to put away the record player.
"While I am for development..."
Translation: "I am a NIMBY"
Because it's out of character with the neighborhood Chris.
Senior apartments are on Oddstad and Terra Nova within 100 yards of this project.
Sneaky Pete must be whispering in Bray's ear again
"Senior apartments are on Oddstad and Terra Nova within 100 yards of this project."
Possibly (or not) all the more reason to have an ASSISTED CARE living facility. Some assisted care facilities have levels of care in different areas of one facility and that seems to be a good model.
Ambulances and firetrucks do make some noise in a neighborhood, and it would seem in a 2 acre area the most affected by that noise would be those who live in the assisted care facility. The occurrence would likely periodic rather than daily.
At this time emergency sirens are not an issue. Living near Linda Mar Blvd, between Oddstad and the fire station, only occasionally do I hear sirens. There would be no reason to expect much increase. This facility would have some skilled medical personnel, those who can lift a patient who has fallen, and a transport truck.
Think the NIMBY folks will have to come-up with a better script, comments here are too savvy to fall for that "sink the city" line again.
One thing, the project is at the DEIR approval stage, and the project has yet to be reviewed by the City Council majority appointed NIMBY Commission. Size, scale and how it will sit in the neighborhood should be more clear then. My first impression (similar to Todd's comment) was the project is big, but then it sits on 2 acres of land and those who developed the project are familiar with the logistics (not me).
Nah, I don't think so. I live very close to the proposed site, work at home and I sure don't hear EMT or ambulance sirens 2 or 3 times a day. Not even every day. Pure exageration. True, we could use more apartments/townhomes for the growing number of people who do not want or cannot buy homes but maybe we'll see those up on Oddstad at the old school. Plenty of room and real need for both projects. Could we be so lucky as to have both happen?
Funny this is word for word what John Curtis, said at the first joint study session
To make official comments on the DEIR contact Assistant Planner Kathryn Farbstein at farbstrin@ci.pacifica.ca.us or mail/drop off to the,
City of Pacifica Planning and Economic Development Dept.
1800 Francisco Boulevard
Pacifica, Ca. 94044
Comments must be received by Friday July 1 2011 at 5:00 P.M.
On Fix Pacifica?? Shocking, simply shocking!
Stop it. You're giving the Anonymice a bad name. Worse name?
I live 2 blocks away, and yes I hear sirens 2 to 3 times a day, but not every day so I can appreicate the noise factor for someone who is home all day.
I can also see the need for workforce housing for our teachers, police, fire personnel. Even with the down economy, I don't think our average police/fire/teacher type can afford to own within an easy commute. That being said, I don't think the plan as drawn or presented will be done. Given the history in Pacifica, I say good luck.
There's a fire station on Linda Mar Blvd. not far away. Just because people hear sirens doesn't mean the fire department is responding to one of the assisted-living centers.
Here we go again.
"If we don't let them build it, they won't come".
When all these faux enviro NIMBY's turn 80 they'll start singing a different song.
My neighborhood and often home and there are not that many sirens and some are not EMTs and we get the occasional police car w/lights and whistle. That facility is not going to change that situation by much. But it has a snowball's chance in hell of being built because you can already hear and see the opposition on the planning commission. That's where it will get stalled and/or mitigated into a project the developer can not afford to build. That's how that works. They don't have to actually say no to stop a project. Council very carefully appoints and this city suffers. But it is a beautiful project and we sure could use it.
Anon (900) you said "I hear sirens 2 to 3 times a day, but not every day." Reality check, try the same comment with "I hear sirens 2 or 3 a MONTH", but not every MONTH". That's better.
Affordable housing could be build elsewhere. City council could support doing this, and has been sleeping on such a project for at least 6-8 years.
The Oddstad Assisted Living Project is in planning currently. The private property owner may have invested $200,000 in development vs. your midnight hour opinion. With that in mind, the location seems to be as good as any.
Anon (119) true, nothing balanced about the NIMBY commissions appointed by city council. Last PC meeting the DEIR was discussed, only Commissioner Tom Clifford seemed interested in the building.
Tom Clifford appears to be the lone ranger on the PC who isn't using the appointment as an opportunity for environmental activism. He actually works within the job description and keeps his personal philosophy in the background. The rest seem to not only share an
anti-development idealogy but have no qualms about abusing the position in their zeal to make sure nothing grows in Pacifica. Do you doubt that? Just watch them in action in any meeting. It's a commission with an abundance of lawyers and career civil serpents who know all too well how to work the system to control the outcome. All hand-picked and approved by Council majority.
All this concern about sirens is just a smoke screen. There aren't that many sirens in that area. Days go by with none at all. And who's to say what a siren is about? Fire, traffic stop, medical, could be any of those. There's probably data available on how many are medical.
The project is an assisted living facility not a hospice or ER. Probably no noisier than the surrounding neighborhood in which it would fit very very well.
Multiple days and weeks go by without sirens. The 2 or 3 sirens per MONTH is correct.
Anti-development Planning Commission was hand picked by Council Majority: Vreeland, DeJarnatte and Digree.
'nouf said?
I hear nothing. It is so quiet in lindamar that even the burglars breaking in know they have to be stealth or heard by dogs. But, I still dont want development condos, I want business. Selling the property now is a bad move. Is this development soley for seniors? and where does it say that and for how long? What if they change their mind and cant find enough seniors to rent to ? Yes, I know, this development will create lots of jobs. Good jobs. We just have to be very careful who we bring into our precious neighborhoods where our children play and vulnerable seniors already live. Serious stuff.
Kathy why, if this is clearly not your neighborhood, are you so antagonistic towards the concerns of the people who live adjacent to this site? Its obvious because of your ignorant statement about the frequency of sirens without checking the facts. They are several times a week, sometimes several times a day according to the emergency response logs.
What about the poor bastard that owns the house right in front of the site? From what I understand from people who will be living right across the creek from this development, they don't want the area to be a grey ghetto. Which I completely understand as there are 2 Sr. Housing developments within 100 yards of the proposed site. All anyone is asking is that you think about their concerns. Can you just do that instead of playing blind attack dog?
I remember when my kids played sports there was always a shortage of fields, and scheduling practices and games, was challenging. I want to thank all league leaders and coaches for doing a job that is greatly needed. Field maintence was one of the first to be cut, and they did that years ago. Volunteers maintained the fields, with some city help. Thanks to all who chipped in. We need these school fields. Please dont sell old school property.
Unbelievable. "Grey ghetto"? Wake up. That's a green ghetto as in money. That assisted living facility is a multi-million dollar business that wants to locate in Pacifica. How often do we see that? Jobs, jobs, jobs plus all the collateral spending in local restaurants, gas stations, personal services, grocery stores, florists, etc. from facility residents and visitors. Another year or two of these brutal budgets (no end in sight) and we'll be very close to living in our very own economic ghetto of poor services, shabby surroundings and decayed infrastructure. That's the ghetto we should be worrying about. There's no magic money coming and no gov't bailout. But there is a real chance to bring a viable business to Pacifica if we can move beyond this NIMBY crap. This is a type of real business that has such potential for Pacifica. The need for elder services is only going to grow. Shall we miss that boat, too?
Anon(847), remember the issue is SIRENS? I live and work about half-way between the Linda Mar Fire Department and Oddstad Blvd, 1 block above Linda Mar Blvd. Unless those sirens are blasted upon arrival there, they are heard en route here about 2 TO 3 TIMES PER MONTH period.
The intent to move this project forward has been around for a few years, where have you been? Now its LATE, you're late. Don't blame me, I didn't turn my comments back on the neighborhood, you did (as you said I don't live in that neighborhood). My prior comments were directed at some NIMBYS, and those who fake eco and other concerns that are not.
The project has been in planning regulation, developed a plan, a DEIR, etc. Now you care about this facility being a "grey getto"?
At Planning, another neighbor who spoke about losing bird life, others "steelhead" in the creek (which turns-out to be a non-issue), others wetlands, others fire truck turn-around (also not an issue).
I live very close to this proposed senior facility and I support it 100%. There are occasional sirens now but certainly not daily and who knows if medical or fire or police. I don't care. It's part of living in a community and I'm worried about my community and its future.
We're circling the drain as a city and desperately need the revenue. Don't people see that? We should grab this chance and look for more of the same.
Better a gray ghetto than black.
If we can get a guarantee that these facilities would be used soley for senior citizens and/or disabled military veterans- then I am halfway there in supporting it.
Next question-is this a private facility? Versus gov run? I would never support a government run facility. NEVER. How many personnel/staff would be needed to run facility? How many would have to live at facility? Who are these workers? i.e., nurses? janitorial? maintenance? etc. etc. Other-than-that, sounds like city council needs to keep proceeding with plans to move forward.
"We're circling the drain as a city and desperately need the revenue." I support this project but I don't think revenue is an argument in favor of it. How much revenue will it produce for the city vs. cost of city services? My guess is at best it's a wash, if not a money-loser. What would most of the revenue be from - city share of increased property taxes? How much would that be on an annual basis?
you hippies can also go on www.firedispatch.com and check the facts.
"What about the poor bastard that owns the house right in front of the site?" (Neighborhood Anon 6/27, 8:47pm).
Looks like 725 Oddstad Blvd, the single family house in front of 721 Oddstad, the 2 acre project, is or was owned by Checkerspot Nursery. The site being replaced is the nursery.
"Red Hearing" Anon (939) not sure what "cost of City services" you are referring to. The facility will buy food, buy supplies, pay maintenance, provide jobs, and pay sales, user and property taxes. Paramedic cost is not funded by the City.
Seniors should be good neighbors, they generally are not that visible, not that noisy, probably won't be breaking into your house (unless confused by the welcome mat). Based upon the comments of "neighborhood Anon", doubt that is an issue.
Kathy Meeh, apparently you're not aware that all development has city services costs. This has always been the argument against more housing - that the cost of city services exceeds the revenue produced by new housing development. That's why cities are always after commercial development.
An assisted living facility is an intermediate type of development between strictly commercial and purely residential. As such, it probably will have a greater demand on city services than, say, an apartment building of the same size. It will also generate greater revenues, but much less than a conventional commercial project such as retail (sales taxes) or hotel (transient occupancy tax).
"....all development has city services costs."
Whoever Anonymous with whatever intent (1129), I think we are talking about a benefit to our community and the net financial gain in doing that-- for this, the city should be way ahead.
You won't have to send these seniors to school, and their social world will likely be narrow. The Assisted Living Facility and the senior community there will pay taxes vs. the current empty lot only tax. Paramedic cost (when needed) is generally paid by medicare, medicaid, insurance. Remember the Fire Tax? Yes it would have covered the 30% total cost (the real cost) for fire/paramedic services. Conventionally, Fire has been considered a City General Fund cost, already paid by our taxes.
As for building cost, this City charges something like the top 20% of highest fees in California. Build will boost city fees, put some locals to work, and enhance our business economy.
Whatever is built in this City will have creative complainers with bogus alternative "what if" projects or none (proposed and alleged during the regulatory process). neighbors probably have several valid concerns (I can think of a few). IMO these concerns have yet to be addressed by real neighbors on this blog.
This is how Pacifica lives..
Broke dirty dusty..wait I forgot crusty
just like the hippies
There have been 2 meetings in 2 years with Mike Diaz and Javier Chavez with the neighbors. The issues raised by the neighbors were ignored and ridiculed by Mr. Diaz. This project was presented to the people immediately affected as a fait accompli.
If people have been voicing their opinions for 2 years and have been ignored by the supposed developers/designers, what other recourse do they have other than to bring their concerns, no matter your opinion of their merit, to the public?
Yes, this blog purports to be for reasoned discussion, only as long as you agree with Kathy Meeh. Nice.
I don't agree with you hidden Anonymous (103), and I don't appreciate the attacks either. Find a real name, talking to you is like talking to the wind. Being afraid, cowardly or duplicitous is another problem in this city, and that has its limited benefits.
Private property is still valued in this country, not particularly in this city, and the planning process through the NIMBY Commission will likely be "the pits" for the developer.
Have you posted your concerns and comments in the DEIR, other than "I don't want the project because I don't want it?" Planning Commissioner Tom Clifford advised that information and address (6/26/11, 10:29am, above).
You have yet to present a reasoned discussion:
1) Siren noise an issue, no, probably more likely back-up noise; 2) problem with the single house, no nursery seller or applicant owned; 3) negative financial impact on the community, no the financial impact is positive; 4) "grey ghetto", so you don't need the services yet. Most of this amounts to minus zero. What is your real complaint about this project? I think we have yet to hear that? Go for it...
This blog provides for posting anonymously, yet when someone does, they are attacked as being afraid, cowardly and duplicitous. There are good reasons for posting anonymously. If you don't like anonymous posts, don't read them or take them seriously. But if you attack people for making use of a feature that the blog provides, you are being hypocritical.
Hiding Anonymous (351) some fake or false information from you, I've just cleaned-up with fact. If you think its okay for you to enjoy an Anonymous name, tell stories that don't make sense, then attacked me-- you sure have earned a critical dialog with me.
You still have not disclosed the real reason you oppose this assisted living facility project. Got to love the transparency of people who call others "hypocrite"!
the Anonymouses are different people
Thanks Anon (447) that works too. See not all Anonymous people are alike. Pen names are also available, some anonymous people might try a google account, with "display name".
Diaz doesn't have a pot to piss in
and Javier's name is not Chavez..
Whatev, tell them to roll up their blue prints and go to South City or San Bruno where they'll be welcomed with open arms. This town is dying but don't anybody dial 911 'cause those sirens are way too noisy.
The property owner is Cabot Sheley, a Pacifica resident.
From the city council agenda, item 3, 10/25/10, pdf page 4, discussion: Choice of environmental review was WRA Environmental Consultants because "their proposal was the most comprehensive.."
WDM Marketing Consultants LLC is marketing, assuming that is Mike Diaz, I don't understand how the "hiden hippie" 6/28,8:53pm comment would be relevant if true.
Ms. Meeh, you are deliberately obtuse. Unlike most of my neighbors who are antidevelopment, I'm not saying I don't want any project, I want a project to bring young families here that are part of our infrastructure and could use a helping hand to be close to where they work. That is what keeps a community such as ours growing, new blood and new ideas, not the same old group that thinks things are fine the way they are. I just might need that facility, I'm one good hip away from it right now.
Why is voicing my opinion, as someone who lives close to the proposed project site, so painful to you? You have yet to post a fact, you have so far posted only your opinion on someone else's perception.
WRONG and FALSE hidden Anonymous (1029), not sure what you are referring to because you reference is "obtuse" (your language, shame on you). I have posted 2 articles regarding the "assisted living center". The first Planning Commission announcement article has both an Agenda and the DEIR. And, my opinion comments here (and a long track record of the same) stem from fact and reality. That's who I am, who are you?
Sorry your dream for Pacifica, your neighborhood, is not coming true. Neither is mine. I really wanted to live in a functional city, but that progressively has not been happening. Too much land gone, not enough city money, inadequate general planning and no incentive to do what you suggest. IMO the primary leadership culprit is 8 year+, no-growth City Council which has lowered city expertise and citizen expectations. At the same time this same City Council majority has turned this city into a volunteer organization.
This Assisted Living project has advanced 2 years, a DEIR has been completed. The LEED silver building is on the commercial side of the property, with what looks like trees and or bushes on the housing side. Not bad, looks like it fits nicely into the 2 acres.
Jobs, revenue, more customers for local businesses, big neighborhood upgrade. We're not having any of that stuff in Pacifica and don't you worry the Planning Commission knows how to keep it out.
But let's talk about the real problem. It isn't the bldg it's the elderly people in it. They just don't fit into the All Volunteer Pacifica program coming out of city hall. Those people would be too old, too frail to be pooper scoopers, trash trolls, roadside gardeners, burglar baggers. Those are our jobs, yours and mine...you betcha baby. Woohoo. Keep it pathetic, Pacifica.
Ha, Anon (327), that's right, lets target the "fail elderly", they can't pick-up trash, move them out. They are "over the hill", so move them over the hill where they belong along with everything else.
What about people (adults and children)? People impact city services, "cost this city more money than they bring in". True, they can pick-up trash. Let them visit from Daly City. While we're at it, get rid of those pesky garter snakes, they keep chasing us, I can't find my friends.
Hey Meeh the guy is the Rev at the Church of the Highlands. Sneath Lane and Skyline Highway 35.
He lives in San Bruno..
Close only works with horsehoes and hand grenades
That last one sounds like a whole lotta crazy but we are going to need lots more able-bodied and not too bright types for our new All Volunteer Pacifica. That rules out most seniors. Forget the assisted living thing. How about a minimum-security work camp for non-violent or only occassionally violent offenders? Lock'em down during the full moon? Creekside accomodations! Free labor!
"No cigar" Anon (504) who are you referring to "the Rev" in comments, or the property owner? If in comments, that "hypocrite" word seems familiar. For some reason some "Christians" just love that word as it applies to others, while never recognizing the implication when looking in the mirror.
Win, win Anon (523). Almost perfect Pacifica mooch and partnership with government. Maybe a little neighborhood downside though.
Can anyone else understand what Kathy Meeh is saying?
Is Kathy bashing Christians?
Check the posts just above, and see if even you can figure-it-out. Otherwise, its difficult to assist some people with a double digit IQ. Got the drift?
With Baby Boomers hitting the retirement age, we will need more of these facilities. The question is, what will this facility bring to the surrounding community? Most of these facilities are quiet. The majority of the residents in these places eat in the facility. The employees may shop on their way home from work, eat lunch at one of the restaurants in Park Mall. The property will be improved and the site should be agreeable to the location.
All that being said, the long view is that this, like all the other projects brought forward, will languish in legal hell while the PSD crowd drags this out with bogus claims and lawsuits. Quite frankly, I'll be surprised when the first shovelfull is turned.
Unfortunately the poverty loving, faux enviro, anti-developers aren't quite old enough to need these types of facilities. Wait a few years and they will do a 180 on projects like this.
I don't think this project has a chance. And neither does Pacifica. All the excuses and silly little distractions are not going to delay the inevitable meltdown. We're going to get the town we deserve and maybe then we'll vote smarter to get the town we want.
Mike, these places cost on average $5,000 a month and up. By the time I would need one the cost will be close to double that. Who besides those with a publicly funded pension or exceptionally generous family members can, or will, be able to afford these places?
BTW love the whiny new labeling you are repeating endlessly, a real non-stick schtick.
No cigar" Anon (504) who are you referring to "the Rev" in comments, or the property owner? If in comments, that "hypocrite" word seems familiar. For some reason some "Christians" just love that word as it applies to others, while never recognizing the implication when looking in the mirror.
The Rev is the property owner. Or to make it easy the property owner is also the Rev
Hi Todd (824), I'm chirping-in. People can and do afford living in assisted-care facilities for family members when staying at home is no longer an option. You may be correct about the monthly cost, plus or minus. Most of the rooms are twins, some single, and level of care may affect cost.
Living in an assisted care facility is frequently a near end-of-life option. Funding options may possibly include accumulated savings, investments, stream-of-income social security, pensions, long-term care insurance, rental income. Selling a house, other property, family money, or possibly medicare or medicaid might include other financing options.
Living in an assisted care facility us usually not first choice for most people, or families. But, with aging and chronic conditions the chances of needing such a facility go up (whether for short term or long term). If the business/care model for this facility is good, the location is a pretty and peaceful setting.
"property owner" (1000), thanks for the information, interesting.
Some may be unable to afford it, some may have other options to age-in-place, and some won't live long enough or well enough to need it, but if this is a good business model--and it has been for other places-- then this community should hand over the keys to the city, gag and bind the Planning Commission, pray that only 3 councilmembers show up to vote, and put out the welcome mat bigtime for what could be the only type of industry land-poor Pacifica can hope to attract.
Agreed Anon @ 11:12, these types of care facilities are most likely the commercial real estate future for Pacifica.
I understand that DeJarnatt's mother lives on Toledo Ct and is adamantly opposed to this project. I also understand that Anne DeJarnatt voiced her opposition. It's kind of interesting that it is rumored that John Curtis is still pulling the strings on the Dejarnatt's from, and this is the ironic part, an assisted living facility operated by the county in Burlingame. Evidently, he's still suckling at the public tit and yanking the strings of DeJarnatt.
So I heard.
No secret about their opposition. Don't know if Curtis is still a factor but the real dirty work on this thing will be done by the Planning Commission. They are council's first line of defense and can be trusted to delay, stall and make unprofitable any business that presents a change to the status quo aka self-imposed poverty. But wait a minute...wouldn't it be easier for Curtis to yank those strings from right here in Pacifica? Come on Pacifica, let's build it for John!
Curtis is in very bad health. Last time someone saw him out in public he was in a wheel chair and had an oxygen tube in his nose.
Years and years of the McDonalds diet is slowly doing him in.
I have heard his words at the first joint city study session, repeated on here.
Classic Pete, being told what to do by Curtis.
BTW sneaky Pete has a major conflict on this issue because his Mom has given him campaign money
"Curtis Watch" (559), "none of us will get out of this life alive", including John. McDonalds feeds a lot of people, and it probably did not feed John exclusively.
I saw John at the General Plan meeting and spoke with him for a few minutes. True he was in a wheel chair, removed his oxygen air tube to talk; he was lucid, and was strong enough to lift himself into the passenger's side of the truck which brought him to the meeting.
If the assisted living project reaches city council without being mangled by the planning commission, at least 3 votes to approve are probably there.
Kathy any idea how much tax revenue Curtis and his gang of buddies cost the city??
How about legal fees?
Watcher/Ghost sort it out please. Curtis is in favor of project so that he can get back to the 'hood? Pete, his drone, is for or against? Pete's sister and mother are very against. Pete probably has to recuse from vote. Oh, what a dilemma for a conscientous councilman!
At the top of this thread I stated that the development is adjacent to the North fork of San Pedro Creek, but I just poked around over there and discovered that it's actually along the central fork, just upstream from where the North fork joins it.
This is a big difference, because the central fork is still pretty healthy and not subject to the extreme water flows that make the North fork so problematic.
The proposed project would minimally affect the steelhead population, but since they are just barely hanging on any further stresses could be catastrophic. However, several worthy mitigations that could help the steelhead are presently unable to go forward for lack of funds, and could more than compensate for the negative impacts of the proposed development.
One such mitigation is a fish ladder to allow steelhead to access the Sanchez fork (behind St. Edmunds church) which, although a healthy creek ecosystem with a landlocked steelhead population, is presently impossible for the steelhead to reach from the ocean due to a poorly designed culvert. This simple improvement would significantly increase steelhead spawning grounds.
Perhaps it is time to put that project and others like it on the table.
Curtis doesn't live in Pacifica anymore? No wonder the local McDonalds are struggling.
Why does a private developer get saddled with saving fish? I know, I know. But this is the problem.
Ian (134), it seems reasonable that the developer might mitigate his own project creek. The fish ladder behind St. Edmunds sounds like another potential Fish and Wildlife grant. In addition to other fees, this developer will also be "held-up" by exorbitant City park fees.
Anon (1230) how much tax revenue lost? Over 30 years, maybe more in thousands than all the RLF and SFGS that ever lived on the planet. Clearly we have have much to learn about being good stewards of people and our city.
"Why does a private developer get saddled with saving fish?"
I know it can seem crazy, but if a development might harm an endangered species, the developer is required to take actions to compensate for that possibility. Mitigation sometimes makes a development possible that otherwise wouldn't have a chance of getting off the ground.
Maybe so but I think that unless there are really deep pockets involved the so-called mitigations often make development unprofitable and impossible. Who really loses when that happens? Too often the developer is looked upon as some sort of sugar daddy and a ready source of funds to mitigate situations in which he is minimally involved. No city has to help developers make money but we must have enough growth to stay alive.
steelhead and salmon are pretty resilient fish. It is imprinted into their brains to go to the exact River, Creek, Stream to spawn.
Terra Nova emptied the pool water into the storm drain and killed off all the fish from Oddstad down to the Mouth. They had to restock the creek with Eel River strain Steelhead.
Silver Salmon also spawned in San Pedro Creek years ago.
The fish in the East & South Bays go thru miles of cement culverts to try to get back to the waters of their hatching.
You people should be screaming when 7.5 million gallons of sewage or Tar Balls according to Sneaky Pete gets spilled into the ocean.
People really, all up in arms about a project that does not stand a chance and not because of the city. Mike Diaz, you recall him, is supposed to be the investor. Wasn't he the lead in Skyfield? Con man ...you think he can really raise the funds to build this? Really? You are wasting your venom.
Anon@453 you are the voice of reason. Just goes to show how desperate we are for any good news for Pacifica. Somebody could probably propose an auto wrecking yard for that site and get support. Sounds like the assisted living facility is a non-starter. Sorry about that, John Curtis. Seems like your karma and dogma collided.
Anon@616, you sound like non-starter decoy. Let's not cancel the already in planning project before it begins.
Zero chance and not because of Diaz.
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