HomeMy WebLinkAbout3B - Public Comments receivedFrom:Doug Hoekstra
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:Hayes Dietrich Development
Date:Thursday, January 26, 2023 8:51:56 AM
Attachments:PD CC Jan 2023.docx
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From:Nicole Seikaly
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Cc:Nicole Seikaly
Subject:Case No PP/CUP/EA22-0006
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 11:44:17 AM
We would like to submit our objection to the approval of the 394-unit apartment complex located at
the southwest corner of Portola and Frank Sinatra. This complex is in all ways incompatible with the
location. It’s unbelievable and unfortunate that the City changed the zoning from R-8 to R-22 for
this area, as it just doesn’t make sense. Our objections are as follows:
1. This is a huge shift in the dynamic of our community. There are other places in Palm Desert
that this project should be built, but not in this area where everything is much lower density.
This will have a negative effect on our home property values.
2. This high-density housing complex will significantly increase the amount of street traffic, noise
and privacy issues. There will undoubtedly be an increased risk for motor vehicle collisions
due to U-turns having to be made, especially along Portola next to the Desert Willow Golf
Academy. Homeowners that face Portola will be subjected to car headlights being directed
straight toward their homes in addition to the increased noise. And residents on the 3rd floor
of the complex would have direct views into homes along both Portola and Frank Sinatra.
3. The lighting from this massive complex will negatively impact our Dark Sky Initiative.
4. The 3-story design of the complex will take away our beloved mountain views, even with the
supposed “view” corridors.
5. The design of the project is in no way “upscale” and does not fit in with the current aesthetic
of our community.
Please reconsider the approval of this project and make the right decision for our community by
denying it.
Thank you.
Ramzi and Nicole Seikaly
1201 Retreat Circle
Palm Desert, CA 92260
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From:Pam Hoekstra
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:Hayes Deitrich Development
Date:Thursday, January 26, 2023 8:33:29 AM
Dear Members of the Palm Desert City Council,
I am writing to express concerns related to the proposed 3-story development by Hayes-Deitrich.
As you know, the ARC Committee spent a considerable amount of time working with the developer to
create a development that was more appealing to the community. The ARC Committee obviously cares
very much about the community of Palm Desert as do we, the homeowners. The ARC Committee was so
impressive in their knowledge and professionalism and as homeowners that have invested in our homes
in the city we are very grateful for their level of commitment.
Unfortunately, the developer did not heed or respect the advice of the ARC Committee and chose instead
to move forward without consideration of the ARC Committee recommendations or approval. Consider
that this developer does not live, reside or do business in Palm Desert or the Coachella Valley. While the
ARC Committee represents the residents and the property owners and care about our community and
have committed their time in doing what is best for the city.
Many concerns have been presented by other residents along with the ARC Committee. Some that I
would like to highlight are as follows;
First of concern, while this is technically claimed to be a 3-story building, it is in fact much more than 3
stories. The building will sit on a piece of land that is now much higher than street level or the level of the
adjacent neighborhoods, making it significantly higher than 3 stories. In other situations in Palm Desert
where buildings are higher than one story, they are always at street level or even below street level. In
addition, the equipment on top of the buildings adds much more to the height than what is being called 3-
stories. At a minimum the building should sit at or below street level and the equipment on top of the
building should be considered in the additional height. As you drive around the surrounding
neighborhoods there are no buildings this high or even close to this height anywhere in any residential
area. A good place for this type of building would be near the hotels and commercial areas where there
are taller buildings like this. Not in a residential neighborhood directly next to homes. Also, consider what
a 3 story development of this type will do to the charm and character of our community. Do you really
want to introduce this look for our beautiful community?
Further the lack of set back from the street is dangerous from a traffic standpoint and very concerning.
While I am not aware of the required set back requirement it seems to be more than what is presented in
this proposal. The lack of set back creates a massive 3+ story wall along a major intersection in Palm
Desert. (Is this really how you want people to be welcomed to your city) In comparison, any other
buildings of this height in Palm Desert, which are always in retail or commercial areas, are set back from
the street and the land area they sit on is much greater and unobtrusive. Not only is this very unattractive
but it causes privacy issues in that these apartments will be looking directly into the homes in the
surrounding neighborhoods.
Please respect the concerns and property value of the residents and property owners of Palm Desert
over a transient investment group proposing a concrete structure that will change the future of the city.
These are our homes and we care about the future of Palm Desert. This development will greatly reduce
our property values and ultimately all of those of the city of Palm Desert all while taking away from the
natural beauty of the community. The number of residents whose views of the mountains will be blocked
is immeasurable in addition to those travelling through the area. Is this worth giving up?
Out of respect for our current homeowners, the recommendations of the ARC Committee and the
Community of Palm Desert. Please do not allow them to build this development as proposed. On the
grounds that it is not in fact 3-stories and there are safety concerns regarding the set back from the road
in addition to the privacy issues with this building looking directly into the neighboring homes.
This development will take away from the natural beauty of Palm Desert.
Please take this decision very seriously and the negative impact it will have on our
neighborhood and community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
--
Pamela Hoekstra1504 Retreat Circle
From:Cam Cameron
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:Opposition to the Hayes Dietrich proposed development at Portola Ave and Frank Sinatra Dr.
Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 7:10:45 PM
Dear Palm Desert Council Members:
We once again urge you to consider DENYING the massive 3 story, boxy, dormitory looking
structure being proposed by Hayes Dietrich at Portola Ave and Frank Sinatra.
We understand that it fits the current R-22 zoning designation of that property. It definitely does not
fit the surrounding neighborhood either in current design, density, or community impact.
Please reconsider this project. The Architectural Review Commission rejected it 3 times as
presented. It was pushed up to the Planning Commission upon the 3rd denial at the request of the
developer. The Planning Commissioners reluctantly approved it but clearly found some serious
issues.
The mass of the project will ruin beautiful mountain views , create loud traffic noise, encroach on
privacy of nearby residents, and ruin the ambiance of our idyllic neighborhood for all of us.
I’ve included a photo, taken from our dining room window. We see more of the mountains than the
photo represents. The top black line drawn in is the height of the projected 3 story buildings
provided by Hayes Dietrich. The lower line would be a two story roof line, far more acceptable.
If you must approve this project, as we strongly hope you won’t, PLEASE send it back to the ARC
for further improvements in design and appearance.
Respectfully,
Cam and Jeff Cameron
2601 Retreat Circle
(at Portola Ave)
Palm Desert
January 26, 2023
City of Palm Desert
RE: Proposed Apartment Complex on Portola and Frank Sinatra
Dear City Council Members,
We purchased our home in 2019 and chose Palm Desert for it’s great location in the greater
Palm Springs area along with it’s stunning mountain views.
As you drive through Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage, you appreciate the clean
roadways, beautiful foliage and unparalleled views. These 3 cities have maintained this vision
for decades. New housing developments are discretely hidden away from the roadways, hotels
are built with lush golf courses in front with the buildings set further back.
This new massive multi-story development built right on the road, with balconies that can be
seen from every direction will change the feel of Palm Desert forever. This is an extremely
important decision for all of you. Instead of driving through the city seeing beautiful foliage and
mountains, you will be staring at a boxy, monstrosity with balconies piled with bikes, bbq’s,
laundry, or whatever a tenant chooses to store outside their unit. In addition, this complex will
put another 700 vehicles just in this one block increasing noise and traffic levels.
I truly hope this City Council continues with the vision of it’s predecessors and determines that
this type of project does not belong in this City. Please do not compromise our beautiful city.
Sincerely,
Maria Crema