Thursday, March 20, 2014

Coastal Commission approves Holiday Inn expansion, denies Appeal


Holiday Inn, Pacifica before the expansion.
The article includes a graphic of the planned expansion
.
Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop, Staff Writer, 3/18/14.  "Coastal Commission denies Pacifican's appeal over Holiday Inn expansion."

....  "One of the Holiday Inn owners, Radha Patel said, "Bray's complaints include aesthetic displeasure of the plan, parking concerns and concerns about the environment. Unfortunately, with the exception of the first reason which is relative, the other objections by Bray are ultimately unfounded. So far, his opposition to our development is not rooted in any rational, definitive argument/data that supports his assertion. The public had their opportunity to voice concerns for five years and I would assert that Bray's recent actions are detrimental to our business and the community at large," he said.

 ....  "I think the building permits may take some time, but I am hopeful we get the approvals soon so that we could get started. I envision a great new building to help our business, create jobs and build a structure that is friendly to the environment -- all of which would be great for Pacifica. On a personal note, I'm looking forward to seeing the dilapidated building renewed," he said.   Read article.  Article includes architectural rendering of the project expansion."

Reference - Holiday Inn Express, Pacifica, CA.  Note:  Holiday Inn, Pacifica, CA photograph is from UK Hotels.com.

Submitted by Bob Hutchinson

Posted by Kathy Meeh

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

So Bray, just wasted the owners time and money. I strongly believe the owners of the parcel should go after him for the lost money and time.

Being the Coastal Commission said his appeal had zero merit.

A first semester law student can win this case.

Anonymous said...

Todd Bray "no comment"

Muhahha that's priceless. Never knew him to shutup before.

He and others have cost this city dearly by stalling projects like this that will bring $100's of thousands into Pacifica coffers. \

Todd & Pete please move away. We will even chip in.

Anonymous said...

620 I agree the owners should go after Bray personally. Sure you have a right to make false claims, and they have a right to sue you. Maybe we as citizens can sue Todd. He cost our city big bucks.

Anonymous said...

"his opposition to our development is not rooted in any rational, definitive argument"

Isn't that like most things Mr Brown Shirt Bray is involved with?

On the bright side this is a good sign. Now Todd is on the CC's list of wackadoodles.

Chris Porter said...

I read comments on RIPTIDE regarding the appeal put into the Coastal Commission by Todd Bray. Did Todd have the right to do this? Yes, but I strongly feel he used the wrong venue. He, to the best of my knowledge, did not protest at the Pacifica Planning Commission meeting nor did he appeal the process to the Pacifica City Council. By bringing his appeal to the Coastal Commission he stalled the process and forced the owners to expend large amounts of money that were really unnecessary if Todd had followed the local appeal process. This is what angers business and building people in this town. If your appeal has no merit, as the Coastal Commission, not me, is saying, your appeal is viewed as sour grapes and a delay tactic. I am just asking you to think things through before using a large expense generating vehicle to posture your concerns. Please tell me that was not the reason you took this approach and why no comment now?

Anonymous said...

Perhaps because he feels Council has emasculated the Planning Commission through administrative changes played out behind the scenes?
I'm just guessing and am not taking his side in this, but this is often why people choose to ignore a particular process or person and go rogue.

Anonymous said...

That building looks fine in the artist's rendering. Seems to match the original HIE structure--as it should. And it's a vast improvement to that old Horizons building and the empty lot between. No one is recreating the California Missions, nor should they be expected to. Let the Patels and their very well- managed business continue to thrive!
They are an asset to Pacifica.

Anonymous said...

I think Todd should read Ms. Patel's comment and pay particular attention to the part where she says his actions were detrimental to her business.

Kathy Meeh said...

But, Chris 1113, lawsuits and appeals are part of the "obstruct the project, kill developer financing" game. Never mind the lack of ethics or sincerity. NIMBIES do this for similar reasons termites in solidarity chew down a house-- because they can.

A core NIMBY goal is "poor city". That, and the alluded to mission, "our non-productive empty space is our economy", have delivered this city its stellar San Mateo County status: #1 poorest city. (Of 20 cities, this city continues its revenue gap, with the lowest general fund spending toward the benefit of our residents).

Anonymous said...

And Kathy by the way they seem to be hating on Police it's understandable why they want the city broke.

Anonymous said...

Kathy

Is Pacifica even more poor than East Palo Alto?

Kathy Meeh said...

146, based upon General Fund revenue spending per resident, yes "Pacifica is even more poor than East Palo Alto." Apparently the studies have been consistent over several years. Mayor Nihart mentioned something about such an official study last year.

Several years ago, because there was so much dialog at city council meetings about "average" city and cities spending, I was curious and put together a spreadsheet comparing key revenue and spending of cities in San Mateo County. The information was obtained from San Mateo County city websites. No real surprise of 20 cities per capita revenue/spending, Daly City was #1; more of a surprise, Pacifica was #20 (-12% below East Palo Alto).

At that time, through NIMBY city council and friends, we residents were also being fed dialog about how "cutting edge" Pacifica was. Reality check, more likely as a city, we residents have been living on the edge, with high city debt, neglected city infrastructure, tax inequities, and a whole lot of help from citizen volunteers. Such managed stupidity, isn't fair to citizens who sacrifice their own incomes to hold this marginal city together.

Anonymous said...

The cone of stupid has been in place over this city for some time. Recent events may be further sign of deep infrastructure problems exacerbated by no money in the city kitty. We're not a collection of grass huts on the beach with a communal food stash and kindly village elders to keep order. Complex problems demand complex and sophisticated solutions, which cost money. They also require leadership unafraid to make unpopular choices. Or we can expect more situations handled badly, some with tragic effect.

Anonymous said...

438 It sounds like that's code for increasing taxes. And you sound like you're one of them softening us up. NO that is not the answer. Our officials have taxed people to death here regardless of income or ability to pay.

NO the problem is not that we need to increase taxes. The problem is still that we are trying to keep up with the Jones's. We can not afford to pay what richer cities pay employees. And now they're talking about a 30 million dollar library? Don't forget, CALPERS is going to need another big payment soon. Council better not float another 20 mill bond.

This council has still made little effort to reduce expenditures. Do that before you ever thing of taking more of our money.

Anonymous said...

757 In full halucinatory froth already.

Hutch said...

I believe this addition will mean over $200,000 a year in TOT for Pacifica. We need more of these revenue producing development and less of these baseless complaints and lawsuits from the gang of no.

Anonymous said...

Careful, do nothing to draw a police response.

Anonymous said...

Basing your numbers on what, Hutch?

Anonymous said...

Do the math 636. TOT is 12%. One room (Av rate) at $200 per night = $73,000 per year X 12% = $8760 x 30 rooms = $262,000 in taxes for Pacifica per year. Minus for vacancy and it's still over $200K.

Anonymous said...

Thus the reason why the building owner should promptly sue him for damages.

Anonymous said...

How good are hotels for Pacifica? Oh about half a million in total annual TOT revenue from an expanded HIE. One hotel=half a million bucks for the city. That's based on 38 current rooms plus 44 new rooms at 70% occupancy, a $200 avg nightly rate, and a 12%TOT. These people visit, spend and leave. Perfect business for service-poor Pacifica. Maybe we could even develop something for them to spend money on while here? And I don't mean a library. Use that city owned land to woo another medium sized hotel with restaurant. The CCC will want public access/open space and why not? Without a library parked there it could be done. Half a million in annual TOT for about 80 rooms. Realistically, what better business is there for this city? As the Patels have ably demonstrated, it can be done. Where's that Rock guy?

Anonymous said...

I think poor Todd may be losing it. He made this paranoid comment over on Riptide yesterday.

"Watch Video 3. The SWAT team notices a local filming them and the guy yelling on the loudspeaker orders one of the officers to toss a flash-bang grenade at the local filming them. The Daly City SWAT team had an agenda, no doubt about it, and it didn't include public safety, just their egos".

Anonymous said...

Todd, Isn't paranoid. He just thinks everyone is out to get him. Funny I was standing right behind the SWAT Truck and the guy on the top said everyone stand back and told us to turn around and they fired the stun grenade at the house.

Coming from the guy who calls the "fire department" and "police department" princess crews.

I find this highly hypocritical being the fire department "princess crews" saved his sorry ass twice.

Anonymous said...

1017 Relax yourself. I'm thinking you and Todd cancel each other out being at far opposite ends of the spectrum like you are.

Anonymous said...

1147 Both versions could have happened, or, for that matter, neither one. Another reason to have
complete video and audio records of these things for the inevitable review, lawsuits, criminal charges if applicable.

Anonymous said...

I watched Video 2 several times. The officer throws a flash bang grenade into the street. They may have separately "fired a stun grenade into the house" but the video doesn't show that. I have no idea why they would throw a grenade into the street, except possibly to distract the person inside the house or to make him more scared and freaked out than he already was.

Anonymous said...

Doesn't one of those videos on Riptide show through that front window what appears to be some sort of explosion inside the house? Unfortunately, not everything was video taped or recorded and that results in an incomplete version of the events.

Anonymous said...

Or to maybe distract him while they were getting into the house. Just because you distrust police don't jump to conclusions. This is very sad but it is not a travesty of justice. The parents are the ones who called police because they were afraid.

Anonymous said...

329 Your advice is don't jump to conclusions? You jump any higher you're going to hurt yourself. Questioning how this happened has nothing to do with faith in, or distrust of, the police. Wearing a uniform and carrying a gun does not exempt one from scrutiny. Quite the contrary.

Anonymous said...

1147 How/when did "the fire dept save his sorry ass twice."

Anonymous said...

11:47

Why Don't you ask him.

Wait, being he lost what little credibility he had, he will never answer!

Anonymous said...

As if it's anyone's business.