HomeMy WebLinkAbout3B Public CommentTo: Palm Desert City Council
Subject: 394, three story proposed apartment complex by Hayes Dietrich, LLC
My name is Doug Hoekstra. My residence is 1504 Retreat Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92660. My residence,
which I purchased a year ago, is located in The Retreat which is the development east of the proposed
apartment complex. I have attended all of the meetings related to this project.
Here are some observations of the process:
• The developer has been very collaborative in their approach. They have held several meetings
with the local neighborhoods and have been open to feedback from the ARC committee.
• I have been very impressed with the ARC Committee. They are very knowledgeable and clearly
have the best interest of the City of Palm Desert in mind.
Here is my opinion and ask:
The developer designed the project based on the current allowed usage for the property. The ARC
committee suggested many changes to the design and had many more. The real issue the ARC
Committee had is that the property did not fit the surrounding neighborhood. Comments made
regarding this included concerns about the “mass” of the project and the tunnel impact it would have
on Portola since the proposed buildings are high and so close to the road. It is very apparent they did
not support the project, not because of the architecture of the structure, but rather the “mass” and
impact it would have on the local Community. The Developer decides to take it to the Planning Council
knowing he is “within the rules” and forgoes continuing to work with the ARC Committee. At the
Planning Council meeting, the project was debated and good questions were asked. It was obvious that
the Planning Council did not really support the project either. The Developer was asked by one of the
Council Members if he would reconsider his plan based on the feedback he received, and the Developer
quickly replied “No”. In addition, one Planning Council member made the point that litigation is an
option, but that the City would not want to incur the cost. From my perspective, the Planning Council
reluctantly approved the project, believing its hands were tied. Now it is with the City Council.
From my perspective, know one involved in this project believes this is a good fit for the surrounding
community. This was very evident with the ARC Committee and the Planning Council, based on the
comments made and questions asked. Based on the feedback at the “neighborhood” meetings, it is very
evident that this project does not have the local community support either. I actually, believe the
Developer does not believe the project is a good fit for the neighborhood either, but this is not his
concern. He is only worried about making money. My personal opinion is that if this project was only
two stories high it would be a viable option and not have a negative impact on the local community.
So the City Council ultimately has to approve this project, and I am asking them to strongly consider all
of the feedback in making this decision and do what is right for the City of Palm Desert. I understand
litigation may be expensive, but I believe it is important as this project is precedent setting, and if not
changed will negatively impact the trajectory and feel of Palm Desert neighborhoods in the future.
Thank you for your consideration.
Doug Hoekstra