TGO #24 — But Wait, There’s More!

The Goodland Outlook, Edition 24, October 30, 2015

This TGO edition is titled “But Wait, There’s More” for a reason. Some Goleta residents think that the unfortunate 3-2 City Council vote approving the 175-unit Goleta Old Town housing development is the end of Goleta’s build-out and that no more projects will be coming up.

This Outlook is to:

  1. Give a brief summary of Goleta City Council’s 3-2 approval of a 175-unit development in Old Town, contrary to Goleta’s General Plan.
  2. Point out that several more significant projects are being proposed. Two of the biggest looming projects are coming up in the next few months, see below.
  3. Alert residents to the upcoming revision of Goleta’s zoning code that could have a greater impact on Goleta than all the projects combined.
  4. Point to several actions Goleta residents can take to get Goleta back on track and preserve what’s left of the Goodland.

If you care about the growing traffic, noise, insufficient sidewalk repairs, reduced library hours and lack of recreation, please read on.

1. RESULTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON GOLETA OLD TOWN VILLAGE

As some may have heard, this 175 unit development was approved by council members Aceves, Farr and Vallejo. Mayor Perotte and council member Bennett voted NO. At the hearing about 18 people, including several Old Town residents testified in opposition. Only the Goleta Chamber of Commerce representative and one other person spoke in favor. This project was approved despite the facts that:

  • It will add even more traffic to already crowded Hollister, as people will have to drive to get to schools, hardware stores, major shopping venues such as Vons, Costco, Ralphs
  • Goleta already has about 1,500 housing units approved or under construction.
  • It did not provide the 20% affordable housing that projects are supposed to include
  • It required a rezone, contrary to Goleta’s General Plan that we all worked so hard on.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

2. TWO MORE MAJOR PROJECTS ARE ON THEIR WAY FOR APPROVAL

A. The Shelby development, 60 units of single-family houses on a 14.38-net acre property at 7400 Cathedral Oaks Road (APN 077-530-019) next to the Glen Annie Golf Course. The property is zoned for agriculture and so the developer is requesting that the zoning should be changed to residential, which is contrary to the will of the people expressed in Goleta’s General Plan.

To learn more, click here http://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/planning-and-environmental-review/ceqa-review/shelby-general-plan-amendment-and-shelby-residential-project

B. The Heritage Ridge development (aka “Willow Springs III”) at Los Carneros just south of U.S. Highway 101 and the Union Pacific Railroad corridor and north of Camino Vista Road.

This project includes 360 rental apartments and a request to provide 345 parking spaces rather than the required 367 spaces. (NOTE: This is just across Los Carneros from the approved Los Carneros Village of 465 units currently under construction.)

To learn more, click here: http://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/planning-and-environmental-review/ceqa-review/archived-ceqa-review/2015-ceqa-review

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

3. New Goleta Zoning Code 

Work is being completed on a new Zoning Code for Goleta that should be available to the public in November 2015. Goleta has a website specifically devoted to the zoning code where we expect the new code will first appear: goletazoning.com . The City of Goleta is planning community outreach and meetings with the public on the code for January 2016.

The new code will define what can be done on each piece of land in Goleta, including:
– Not just what development will be allowed but also redevelopment
– Not just public property but also commercial and residential property
– Not just what you can do on your land or to your house, but also what your neighbors can do – from putting up signs, building an addition, putting commercial activities next to residential and vice versa
– Mountain views, coastal access, shoreline access and visitor using services could be compromised
– The location and re-location of public services such as hospitals and those serving airport facilities.

The zoning ordinance will also spell out changes in the current zoning PROCESSES, with potential changes such as:

What notice will be given to the public when zoning variances are requested
How much “flexibility” will be allowed for City staff to approve zoning variances and other changes administratively, rather than in open meetings where the public can provide input
Whether zoning decisions can be appealed and to whom.

Future editions of The Goodland Outlook will bring you more info on the roll-out of the zoning code and how you can participate in the process and to learn how the zoning code will affect you.

4. What Goleta Residents Can Do To Keep Goleta The Goodland 

Goletans don’t quit. Here are some action items we can all take:

* VOTING
– Register to vote. Two current council members, Jim Farr and Tony Vallejo will be up for re-election in November 2016

– Consider running for City Council and encouraging others to do so

* GET INFORMED ABOUT NEW DEVELOPMENTS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE TO WEIGH IN
– Sign up and post on Goleta’s Nextdoor site that has good discussions on what’s happening in Goleta

– Keep in touch with local events by joining other local advocacy groups such as
League of Women Voters Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara County Action Network

Citizens Planning Association of Santa Barbara

* OTHER ACTIONS*

– When you hear about an upcoming hearing on a project, contact the council members and voice your opinion by phone, email or in person at the hearing. Just copy and paste their email addresses into the TO: section of your email: pperotte@cityofgoleta.org, mbennett@cityofgoleta.org, raceves@cityofgoleta.org, tvallejo@cityofgoleta.org, jfarr@cityofgoleta.org

– Write letters to the local newspapers. Let your voice be heard.

– Send an email to us, the Goodland Coalition at info@thegoodlandcoalition.org with any other ideas on how we can come together to slow down the unsustainable pace of Goleta development.

– Encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up for their own issues of The Goodland Outlook such as this one by just sending a request to info@thegoodlandcoalition.org . It’s free and you can cancel at any time.

– Sign up your friends and relatives to The Goodland Coalition’s email. Get the news before it’s posted here — we won’t spam!

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